India can be a huge culture shock with noise, people, huge bustling cities, the food and of course the different language. Also don't be fooled into thinking everyone either speaks English or will understand you.

You can though make your whole experience easier by trying to grasp some basic words and phases.

This is recommended even if you are planning on booking a tour of India, a package holiday or travelling independently. Of course you won't be able to get fluent overnight but even if you know some words you will really enhanced your experience and make everyday things easier e.g. accommodation, buying things, getting directions or help. 

However if you want to be fluent in Hindi we do recommend using Hindi language learning apps.

To be able to even say something as simple as hello and thank you in the local language will always bring a smile to the locals. It is also very respectful to know some commons greeting phrases.

Check out essential Hindi phrases you should learn for travel in India below:

 

Greetings

  • Hello/Hi - Namaste
  • Good morning - Suprabhaat 
  • Good evening - Shubh sundhyaa
  • Welcome - Aapka swaagat hai
  • See you - Phir milenge
  • Let’s go - Chalo
  • Good night - Shubh raatri
  • See you later - Phir milen-gay
  • Good bye - Alvida

 

Basics

  • Thank you - Dhanyavad
  • Sorry - Maaf kijiye
  • Excuse me - Suniye
  • Yes - Haan
  • No - Nahi
  • Can You Say It Again - Kyaa aap issey dohraa saktey hain
  • Please Speak Slowly - Kyaa aap dheerae baat karengae
  • Write It Down Please - Kripaya karkey yeh likkh deejeeae
  • I Don't Understand - Mujhey samajh mein nahi aataa
  • I Don't Know - Mujhey nahi maloom 
  • No Problem - Koee baat nuhee 

 

Conversational

  • How are you? - Aap kaise hain?
  • How are you? - Kya haal hai? 
  • I’m fine. You? - Main theek hoon. Tum?
  • What is your name? (formal) - Aapka naam kya hai?
  • What is your name? (informal) - Tumhara naam kya hai?
  • My name is Peter - Mera naam Peter hai
  • Do you speak English? - Kyaa aap Angrézee
  • How old are you? - Aapkee umar kyaa hai?  
  • I'm from America - Mein Amerika
  • Where do you live? - Aap kahaan rehtey hain?   

 

Food & Drink

  • I’m hungry - Mujhe bhookh lagi hai
  • I’m thirsty - Mujhe pyaas lagi hai
  • Tea – Chai
  • I would like a cup of tea – Mujhe ek cup chai chahiye
  • Water – Paani
  • I would like a bottle of water – Mujhe ek bottle paani chahiye
  • Food – Khana
  • Beef = Gomaans 
  • Chicken = Chicken 
  • Lamb = Lamb
  • Fish = Machli                   
  • Pork = Pork                      
  • Ham = Ham 
  • Vegetables = Subzi     
  • Salad = Salad            
  • Bread  = bread  
  • Rice = Chawal          
  • Potato = Aalu           
  • Soup = Soup              

 

Shopping 

  • How much does this cost? - Ye kitne ka hai?
  • Lower the price – Daam kum kijiye
  • I like this - Mujhe pasand hai
  • I don’t like this - Mujhe pasand nahi hai
  • Clothes – Kapra
  • Good - Accha
  • Great - Bahut accha
  • Bad - Bura
  • Where are the restrooms? - Shauchalay kahan hai?

 

Directions & Getting Around

  • Taxi - Taxi                            
  • Train - Train
  • Subway - Metro          
  • Bus - Bus                           
  • Street - Sa-dak
  • Left - Ba-yen 
  • Right - Da-yen

 

Emergenices

  • I feel sick - Meri Tabiyut kharaab hai
  • I need a doctor - Mujhey Doctor kee zaroorat hai
  • Doctor = Doctor            
  • Police = Pulis                 
  • Pharmacy = Chemist

 

Plan a Trip to India

If you would be keen to stay a little longer than your average tourist view our guide to learning Hindi in India where you can search courses from top rated language schools.

If you are keen to visit India and are interested in seeing different travel options our website features volunteer programs in India and India gap year programs - some companies offer combo travel/language courses which are a great way to go sightseeing and also pick up some of the language.