“To speak a language is to take on a world, a culture.”

Frantz Fanon words still resonate in our heads while we travel. After years of travelling experience, if there is one thing that we have learnt, it is that if you know the language of the country where you are travelling to, you connect at a deeper level with the local charm.

English is one of the official languages that is spoken in India, still “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

Since Hindi is widely spoken and understood in India, we taken notes of the essential Hindi Phrases and words that would come handy for your travels through Everyday India.

1. Greetings

Prepare to share some good laughs with the locals with the general greeting phrases that you would definitely love to know.

What’s your name? Aapka naam kya hai?
Thank you: Dhanyavaad
How are you?: Kaise ho aap?
It’s very nice: Bahut accha hai
I’m fine: Main theek hoon

2. When Meeting New People

Love meeting new people; the best way would be to learn a few conversation-starters like introductions and basic questioning. Tell them that you are learning and they would be happy to speak slowly for you. Here are helpful phrases to know when meeting new people:

Hello, my name is… – Namaste, Mera Naam _______ Hai.
I am from… – Main _(your country)__se hun.
Do you speak English? – Kya aap English bolte main?
Sorry – Maaf Kariye
Slowly, please – Dheere
I don’t understand – Samajh mein dahin aaya
Goodbye! – Alvida

3. Language Phrases that Will Cover Your Health and Wellness

Your health is our priority. If you have any illness, want medication or even if just want to be prepared in case of your health issue, you should definitely know some basic and personal hygiene phrases. Here are some helpful terms to learn

I am allergic to… – Mujhe _____ se allergy hai.
This hurts [signal body part] – Dard Hai
Where is the pharmacy – Chemist Kahan Hai?

4. Shopping Phrases – For your basic haggling and shopping-related skills

The more you know about these basic shopping-related phrases, the more you will be able to haggle on this tourist hiked prices. So, if you are going shopping to the many flea markets in India, take note of these questions:

How much? – Kitna
Is there a discount? – Discount mileage kya?
Too expensive – Bohot Zyada Hai
I’m not interested / No, thank you – Mujhe Nahi Chahiye
Do you have change? – Chhutta hai kya?
When do you close? – Kab band karenge?
When do you open? – Aap kab kholenge?
Can I try? – Kya main try Kar sakti hun?
Please reduce it. – Thoda Kum Kijiye

5. Phrases to Know in Case of an Emergency

We hope there is never an emergency but stuff happens and its better to be prepared. It is always advisable to use your best judgement.

Call the police – Police ko bulaiye
Call the ambulance – Ambulance bulaiye
I need a hospital / doctor – Mujhe hospital jana hai
Fire – Aag
Help me – Madad Kariye

6. Accommodation Phrases You Should Know in Every Language

Whether its a luxury camp or a boutique hotel, to make your stay as comfortable as possible, you need to know these top accommodation phrases. However, you might not even need to use them;

Yes: Ji Haan
No: Ji Nahin
I want food: Mujhe khana chahiye
I want water: Mujhe pani chahiye
I’m ill: Main beemaar hoon
Let’s go! : Chalo!