You know those moments when using a popular quote is the best way to express what you want to say? It’s amazing to see how a simple key phrase can replace a couple of dull sentences and get the job done.
The one and only hurdle for our learners in this regard is that they don’t yet know the best Hindi quotes. And we here at HindiPod101.com can’t just sit here and watch you struggle with those words on the tip of your tongue!
That’s why today’s guide is on the best quotes in Hindi. We’ll walk you through the best life quotes in Hindi in a variety of categories. You can start using them in your next Hindi conversation right away!
Table of Contents- Why Should You Study Quotes?
- Quotes About Success
- Quotes About Life
- Quotes About Motivation
- Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
- Quotes About Philosophy
- Quotes About Food
- Quotes About Language Learning
- Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Why Should You Study Quotes?
Regardless of their original language, quotes will always have great importance in people’s lives. Why? Because they contain the rich and empowering experiences of native speakers and great personalities. Quotes are the pearls of wisdom; they help us say more with fewer words.
On a lighter note, quotes are fun and convenient to use. If you want to express an opinion without being judged, use a quote and be done with it. Hindi quotes from various saints, leaders, folklores, writers, and artists are insightful messages that have been passed on to several generations and are no less relevant today.
As a Hindi learner, understanding and practicing these quotes will bring you into the limelight and boost your self-confidence. It’s an excellent way to show your dedication toward the language and impress your Hindi-speaking friends and colleagues.
By studying these quotes, you’ll also be diving into the rich cultural history of India, its charismatic and noble people, and their essence of life.
So, let’s begin our lesson already!
Quotes About Success
Whether you have big plans for the future or an upcoming project you’re concerned about, these inspiring quotes in Hindi will help you take heart and achieve your goals.
- → You can also see our list of the Top 11 Hindi Quotes About Success for even more inspiration and wisdom!
1. इंतज़ार करने वालों को सिर्फ़ उतना ही मिलता है जितना कोशिश करने वाले छोड़ देते हैं।
Romanization iNTazaar karaNe vaaLon ko Sirf uTaNaa hii miLaTaa hai jiTaNaa kosis karaNe vaaLe chod DeTe hain. English Equivalent “People who wait get only what’s left by those who try.” ~Abdul Kalam Who doesn’t know of Dr. Abdul Kalam? In this highly inspiring quote, he shakes us with these bitter but true words of wisdom.
In simpler words, the phrase teaches us not to wait for luck. Instead, we should take solid steps toward what we want to achieve in life. After all, we don’t want to be the ones who get others’ leftovers. We want to be choosers, not beggars.
2. अगर तुम सूरज की तरह चमकना चाहते हो, तो पहले सूरज की तरह जलना सीखो।
Romanization agar Tum Suuraj kii Tarah camakaNaa caahaTe ho, To pahaLe Suuraj kii Tarah jaLaNaa Siikho. English Equivalent “If you want to shine like the sun, first learn to burn like the sun.” ~Abdul Kalam Here’s another golden saying from Abdul Kalam, inspired by the nature around us. Kalam uses the sun as an example, as we’re always in awe of its magnificence and its powerful aura. Adding to that, the sun does not get this glory for free—it burns day and night.
Similarly, if we too wish to be unstoppable and irreplaceable, then we have to work hard and push our limits every day.
This quote is popularly used on various social media platforms.
3. ख़ुद वो बदलाव बनिए जो आप दुनिया में देखना चाहते हैं।
Romanization khuD vo baDaLaav baNiye jo aap DuNiyaa men DekhaNaa caahaTe hain. English Equivalent “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Gandhi Gandhi was a torchbearer not only in India, but the whole world. There were many aspects of his life that impacted millions of people.
One of his greatest qualities was that he would culminate a certain behavior in himself before he expected that behavior from anyone else. There’s a story in which Gandhi refused to preach to a child about consuming less sweets until he could do it himself.
What does that tell us? It’s easy to blame others and play a victim of all the wrong things going on in the world or in our personal lives. But the real solution is to take it upon ourselves to create change and foster new beginnings.
Quotes About Life
Are you feeling stuck in life or dissatisfied with how things are going? Read through these Hindi quotes on life and find some practical words of advice to take to heart!
4. विपत्ति से बढ़कर अनुभव सिखाने वाला विद्यालय ना तो आज तक खुला है न कभी खुलेगा।
Romanization vipaTTi Se badhakar aNubhav SikhaaNe vaaLaa viDyaaLay Naa To aaj Tak khuLaa hai Naa kabhii khuLegaa. English Equivalent “There’s no greater school that teaches life experience than its own challenges.” ~ Premchand If there’s any writer who has been admired and read by every generation, it is Munshi Premchand. There could be no better way to start our list of life quotes in Hindi than by sharing his sayings.
According to him, we are all students in the journey of life, and life’s struggles are our most important teacher.
5. खाने और सोने का नाम जीवन नहीं है। जीवन नाम है सदैव आगे बढ़ते रहने का।
Romanization khaaNe aur SoNe ka Naam jiivaN Nahiin hai. jiivaN Naam hai SaDaiv aage badhaTe rahaNe kaa. English Equivalent “Life is not just eating and sleeping. Life is about always moving forward.” ~Premchand Munshi Premchand wrote an endless number of stories on the poor state of Indian farmers, especially concerning their exploitation by the landlords, peasants, and rich people. His insight on the topic led him to develop a different view of life.
He wrote a lot about how those farmers couldn’t even arrange for one meal a day and still continued to be hopeful and keep going. His stories contain two messages for all of us:
First, life is not a bed of flowers (at least not for everybody). Second, we should never quit in the face of challenges, but keep moving forward; that’s what life is about.
6. अँधेरे में परछाईं भी अपना साथ छोड़ देती है।
Romanization aNDHere men parachaaiin bhii apaNaa SaaTH chod DeTii hai. English Equivalent “Even our own shadow leaves us in the darkness.” This is a local but widely spoken quote in the Hindi Belt of India.
They say that an unfavorable season in life is the best time to find out who your true well-wishers are! Nonetheless, this quote teaches us not to depend too much on others, and to instead believe in yourself. Because if our own shadow vanishes in the darkness, don’t be disappointed if your best friends do, too.
7. ज़िंदगी लंबी नहीं बड़ी होनी चाहिए।
Romanization ziNDagii Lambii Nahiin badii hoNii caahiye. English Equivalent “Life should be grand, not long.” ~Ambedkar Dr. BR Ambedkar was the founding father of our Indian constitution, with many glittering stars in his accomplishment records. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged, especially for the equal rights of women.
This quote from him emphasizes that we should focus on the quality of our life rather than the number of years we live. The hidden message is that we should devote our lives to helping others instead of focusing only on our own wellbeing.
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है।
Romanization khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. English Equivalent “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset.
Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves.
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
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If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
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January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
1. इंतज़ार करने वालों को सिर्फ़ उतना ही मिलता है जितना कोशिश करने वाले छोड़ देते हैं। |
Romanization | iNTazaar karaNe vaaLon ko Sirf uTaNaa hii miLaTaa hai jiTaNaa kosis karaNe vaaLe chod DeTe hain. |
English Equivalent | “People who wait get only what’s left by those who try.” ~Abdul Kalam |
Who doesn’t know of Dr. Abdul Kalam? In this highly inspiring quote, he shakes us with these bitter but true words of wisdom. In simpler words, the phrase teaches us not to wait for luck. Instead, we should take solid steps toward what we want to achieve in life. After all, we don’t want to be the ones who get others’ leftovers. We want to be choosers, not beggars. |
2. अगर तुम सूरज की तरह चमकना चाहते हो, तो पहले सूरज की तरह जलना सीखो।
Romanization agar Tum Suuraj kii Tarah camakaNaa caahaTe ho, To pahaLe Suuraj kii Tarah jaLaNaa Siikho. English Equivalent “If you want to shine like the sun, first learn to burn like the sun.” ~Abdul Kalam Here’s another golden saying from Abdul Kalam, inspired by the nature around us. Kalam uses the sun as an example, as we’re always in awe of its magnificence and its powerful aura. Adding to that, the sun does not get this glory for free—it burns day and night.
Similarly, if we too wish to be unstoppable and irreplaceable, then we have to work hard and push our limits every day.
This quote is popularly used on various social media platforms.
3. ख़ुद वो बदलाव बनिए जो आप दुनिया में देखना चाहते हैं।
Romanization khuD vo baDaLaav baNiye jo aap DuNiyaa men DekhaNaa caahaTe hain. English Equivalent “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Gandhi Gandhi was a torchbearer not only in India, but the whole world. There were many aspects of his life that impacted millions of people.
One of his greatest qualities was that he would culminate a certain behavior in himself before he expected that behavior from anyone else. There’s a story in which Gandhi refused to preach to a child about consuming less sweets until he could do it himself.
What does that tell us? It’s easy to blame others and play a victim of all the wrong things going on in the world or in our personal lives. But the real solution is to take it upon ourselves to create change and foster new beginnings.
Quotes About Life
Are you feeling stuck in life or dissatisfied with how things are going? Read through these Hindi quotes on life and find some practical words of advice to take to heart!
4. विपत्ति से बढ़कर अनुभव सिखाने वाला विद्यालय ना तो आज तक खुला है न कभी खुलेगा।
Romanization vipaTTi Se badhakar aNubhav SikhaaNe vaaLaa viDyaaLay Naa To aaj Tak khuLaa hai Naa kabhii khuLegaa. English Equivalent “There’s no greater school that teaches life experience than its own challenges.” ~ Premchand If there’s any writer who has been admired and read by every generation, it is Munshi Premchand. There could be no better way to start our list of life quotes in Hindi than by sharing his sayings.
According to him, we are all students in the journey of life, and life’s struggles are our most important teacher.
5. खाने और सोने का नाम जीवन नहीं है। जीवन नाम है सदैव आगे बढ़ते रहने का।
Romanization khaaNe aur SoNe ka Naam jiivaN Nahiin hai. jiivaN Naam hai SaDaiv aage badhaTe rahaNe kaa. English Equivalent “Life is not just eating and sleeping. Life is about always moving forward.” ~Premchand Munshi Premchand wrote an endless number of stories on the poor state of Indian farmers, especially concerning their exploitation by the landlords, peasants, and rich people. His insight on the topic led him to develop a different view of life.
He wrote a lot about how those farmers couldn’t even arrange for one meal a day and still continued to be hopeful and keep going. His stories contain two messages for all of us:
First, life is not a bed of flowers (at least not for everybody). Second, we should never quit in the face of challenges, but keep moving forward; that’s what life is about.
6. अँधेरे में परछाईं भी अपना साथ छोड़ देती है।
Romanization aNDHere men parachaaiin bhii apaNaa SaaTH chod DeTii hai. English Equivalent “Even our own shadow leaves us in the darkness.” This is a local but widely spoken quote in the Hindi Belt of India.
They say that an unfavorable season in life is the best time to find out who your true well-wishers are! Nonetheless, this quote teaches us not to depend too much on others, and to instead believe in yourself. Because if our own shadow vanishes in the darkness, don’t be disappointed if your best friends do, too.
7. ज़िंदगी लंबी नहीं बड़ी होनी चाहिए।
Romanization ziNDagii Lambii Nahiin badii hoNii caahiye. English Equivalent “Life should be grand, not long.” ~Ambedkar Dr. BR Ambedkar was the founding father of our Indian constitution, with many glittering stars in his accomplishment records. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged, especially for the equal rights of women.
This quote from him emphasizes that we should focus on the quality of our life rather than the number of years we live. The hidden message is that we should devote our lives to helping others instead of focusing only on our own wellbeing.
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है।
Romanization khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. English Equivalent “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset.
Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves.
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
2. अगर तुम सूरज की तरह चमकना चाहते हो, तो पहले सूरज की तरह जलना सीखो। |
Romanization | agar Tum Suuraj kii Tarah camakaNaa caahaTe ho, To pahaLe Suuraj kii Tarah jaLaNaa Siikho. |
English Equivalent | “If you want to shine like the sun, first learn to burn like the sun.” ~Abdul Kalam |
Here’s another golden saying from Abdul Kalam, inspired by the nature around us. Kalam uses the sun as an example, as we’re always in awe of its magnificence and its powerful aura. Adding to that, the sun does not get this glory for free—it burns day and night. Similarly, if we too wish to be unstoppable and irreplaceable, then we have to work hard and push our limits every day. This quote is popularly used on various social media platforms. |
3. ख़ुद वो बदलाव बनिए जो आप दुनिया में देखना चाहते हैं।
Romanization khuD vo baDaLaav baNiye jo aap DuNiyaa men DekhaNaa caahaTe hain. English Equivalent “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Gandhi Gandhi was a torchbearer not only in India, but the whole world. There were many aspects of his life that impacted millions of people.
One of his greatest qualities was that he would culminate a certain behavior in himself before he expected that behavior from anyone else. There’s a story in which Gandhi refused to preach to a child about consuming less sweets until he could do it himself.
What does that tell us? It’s easy to blame others and play a victim of all the wrong things going on in the world or in our personal lives. But the real solution is to take it upon ourselves to create change and foster new beginnings.
Quotes About Life
Are you feeling stuck in life or dissatisfied with how things are going? Read through these Hindi quotes on life and find some practical words of advice to take to heart!
4. विपत्ति से बढ़कर अनुभव सिखाने वाला विद्यालय ना तो आज तक खुला है न कभी खुलेगा।
Romanization vipaTTi Se badhakar aNubhav SikhaaNe vaaLaa viDyaaLay Naa To aaj Tak khuLaa hai Naa kabhii khuLegaa. English Equivalent “There’s no greater school that teaches life experience than its own challenges.” ~ Premchand If there’s any writer who has been admired and read by every generation, it is Munshi Premchand. There could be no better way to start our list of life quotes in Hindi than by sharing his sayings.
According to him, we are all students in the journey of life, and life’s struggles are our most important teacher.
5. खाने और सोने का नाम जीवन नहीं है। जीवन नाम है सदैव आगे बढ़ते रहने का।
Romanization khaaNe aur SoNe ka Naam jiivaN Nahiin hai. jiivaN Naam hai SaDaiv aage badhaTe rahaNe kaa. English Equivalent “Life is not just eating and sleeping. Life is about always moving forward.” ~Premchand Munshi Premchand wrote an endless number of stories on the poor state of Indian farmers, especially concerning their exploitation by the landlords, peasants, and rich people. His insight on the topic led him to develop a different view of life.
He wrote a lot about how those farmers couldn’t even arrange for one meal a day and still continued to be hopeful and keep going. His stories contain two messages for all of us:
First, life is not a bed of flowers (at least not for everybody). Second, we should never quit in the face of challenges, but keep moving forward; that’s what life is about.
6. अँधेरे में परछाईं भी अपना साथ छोड़ देती है।
Romanization aNDHere men parachaaiin bhii apaNaa SaaTH chod DeTii hai. English Equivalent “Even our own shadow leaves us in the darkness.” This is a local but widely spoken quote in the Hindi Belt of India.
They say that an unfavorable season in life is the best time to find out who your true well-wishers are! Nonetheless, this quote teaches us not to depend too much on others, and to instead believe in yourself. Because if our own shadow vanishes in the darkness, don’t be disappointed if your best friends do, too.
7. ज़िंदगी लंबी नहीं बड़ी होनी चाहिए।
Romanization ziNDagii Lambii Nahiin badii hoNii caahiye. English Equivalent “Life should be grand, not long.” ~Ambedkar Dr. BR Ambedkar was the founding father of our Indian constitution, with many glittering stars in his accomplishment records. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged, especially for the equal rights of women.
This quote from him emphasizes that we should focus on the quality of our life rather than the number of years we live. The hidden message is that we should devote our lives to helping others instead of focusing only on our own wellbeing.
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है।
Romanization khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. English Equivalent “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset.
Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves.
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
3. ख़ुद वो बदलाव बनिए जो आप दुनिया में देखना चाहते हैं। |
Romanization | khuD vo baDaLaav baNiye jo aap DuNiyaa men DekhaNaa caahaTe hain. |
English Equivalent | “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Gandhi |
Gandhi was a torchbearer not only in India, but the whole world. There were many aspects of his life that impacted millions of people. One of his greatest qualities was that he would culminate a certain behavior in himself before he expected that behavior from anyone else. There’s a story in which Gandhi refused to preach to a child about consuming less sweets until he could do it himself. What does that tell us? It’s easy to blame others and play a victim of all the wrong things going on in the world or in our personal lives. But the real solution is to take it upon ourselves to create change and foster new beginnings. |
Quotes About Life
Are you feeling stuck in life or dissatisfied with how things are going? Read through these Hindi quotes on life and find some practical words of advice to take to heart!
4. विपत्ति से बढ़कर अनुभव सिखाने वाला विद्यालय ना तो आज तक खुला है न कभी खुलेगा।
Romanization vipaTTi Se badhakar aNubhav SikhaaNe vaaLaa viDyaaLay Naa To aaj Tak khuLaa hai Naa kabhii khuLegaa. English Equivalent “There’s no greater school that teaches life experience than its own challenges.” ~ Premchand If there’s any writer who has been admired and read by every generation, it is Munshi Premchand. There could be no better way to start our list of life quotes in Hindi than by sharing his sayings.
According to him, we are all students in the journey of life, and life’s struggles are our most important teacher.
5. खाने और सोने का नाम जीवन नहीं है। जीवन नाम है सदैव आगे बढ़ते रहने का।
Romanization khaaNe aur SoNe ka Naam jiivaN Nahiin hai. jiivaN Naam hai SaDaiv aage badhaTe rahaNe kaa. English Equivalent “Life is not just eating and sleeping. Life is about always moving forward.” ~Premchand Munshi Premchand wrote an endless number of stories on the poor state of Indian farmers, especially concerning their exploitation by the landlords, peasants, and rich people. His insight on the topic led him to develop a different view of life.
He wrote a lot about how those farmers couldn’t even arrange for one meal a day and still continued to be hopeful and keep going. His stories contain two messages for all of us:
First, life is not a bed of flowers (at least not for everybody). Second, we should never quit in the face of challenges, but keep moving forward; that’s what life is about.
6. अँधेरे में परछाईं भी अपना साथ छोड़ देती है।
Romanization aNDHere men parachaaiin bhii apaNaa SaaTH chod DeTii hai. English Equivalent “Even our own shadow leaves us in the darkness.” This is a local but widely spoken quote in the Hindi Belt of India.
They say that an unfavorable season in life is the best time to find out who your true well-wishers are! Nonetheless, this quote teaches us not to depend too much on others, and to instead believe in yourself. Because if our own shadow vanishes in the darkness, don’t be disappointed if your best friends do, too.
7. ज़िंदगी लंबी नहीं बड़ी होनी चाहिए।
Romanization ziNDagii Lambii Nahiin badii hoNii caahiye. English Equivalent “Life should be grand, not long.” ~Ambedkar Dr. BR Ambedkar was the founding father of our Indian constitution, with many glittering stars in his accomplishment records. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged, especially for the equal rights of women.
This quote from him emphasizes that we should focus on the quality of our life rather than the number of years we live. The hidden message is that we should devote our lives to helping others instead of focusing only on our own wellbeing.
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है।
Romanization khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. English Equivalent “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset.
Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves.
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
4. विपत्ति से बढ़कर अनुभव सिखाने वाला विद्यालय ना तो आज तक खुला है न कभी खुलेगा। |
Romanization | vipaTTi Se badhakar aNubhav SikhaaNe vaaLaa viDyaaLay Naa To aaj Tak khuLaa hai Naa kabhii khuLegaa. |
English Equivalent | “There’s no greater school that teaches life experience than its own challenges.” ~ Premchand |
If there’s any writer who has been admired and read by every generation, it is Munshi Premchand. There could be no better way to start our list of life quotes in Hindi than by sharing his sayings. According to him, we are all students in the journey of life, and life’s struggles are our most important teacher. |
5. खाने और सोने का नाम जीवन नहीं है। जीवन नाम है सदैव आगे बढ़ते रहने का।
Romanization khaaNe aur SoNe ka Naam jiivaN Nahiin hai. jiivaN Naam hai SaDaiv aage badhaTe rahaNe kaa. English Equivalent “Life is not just eating and sleeping. Life is about always moving forward.” ~Premchand Munshi Premchand wrote an endless number of stories on the poor state of Indian farmers, especially concerning their exploitation by the landlords, peasants, and rich people. His insight on the topic led him to develop a different view of life.
He wrote a lot about how those farmers couldn’t even arrange for one meal a day and still continued to be hopeful and keep going. His stories contain two messages for all of us:
First, life is not a bed of flowers (at least not for everybody). Second, we should never quit in the face of challenges, but keep moving forward; that’s what life is about.
6. अँधेरे में परछाईं भी अपना साथ छोड़ देती है।
Romanization aNDHere men parachaaiin bhii apaNaa SaaTH chod DeTii hai. English Equivalent “Even our own shadow leaves us in the darkness.” This is a local but widely spoken quote in the Hindi Belt of India.
They say that an unfavorable season in life is the best time to find out who your true well-wishers are! Nonetheless, this quote teaches us not to depend too much on others, and to instead believe in yourself. Because if our own shadow vanishes in the darkness, don’t be disappointed if your best friends do, too.
7. ज़िंदगी लंबी नहीं बड़ी होनी चाहिए।
Romanization ziNDagii Lambii Nahiin badii hoNii caahiye. English Equivalent “Life should be grand, not long.” ~Ambedkar Dr. BR Ambedkar was the founding father of our Indian constitution, with many glittering stars in his accomplishment records. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged, especially for the equal rights of women.
This quote from him emphasizes that we should focus on the quality of our life rather than the number of years we live. The hidden message is that we should devote our lives to helping others instead of focusing only on our own wellbeing.
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है।
Romanization khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. English Equivalent “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset.
Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves.
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
5. खाने और सोने का नाम जीवन नहीं है। जीवन नाम है सदैव आगे बढ़ते रहने का। |
Romanization | khaaNe aur SoNe ka Naam jiivaN Nahiin hai. jiivaN Naam hai SaDaiv aage badhaTe rahaNe kaa. |
English Equivalent | “Life is not just eating and sleeping. Life is about always moving forward.” ~Premchand |
Munshi Premchand wrote an endless number of stories on the poor state of Indian farmers, especially concerning their exploitation by the landlords, peasants, and rich people. His insight on the topic led him to develop a different view of life. He wrote a lot about how those farmers couldn’t even arrange for one meal a day and still continued to be hopeful and keep going. His stories contain two messages for all of us: First, life is not a bed of flowers (at least not for everybody). Second, we should never quit in the face of challenges, but keep moving forward; that’s what life is about. |
6. अँधेरे में परछाईं भी अपना साथ छोड़ देती है।
Romanization aNDHere men parachaaiin bhii apaNaa SaaTH chod DeTii hai. English Equivalent “Even our own shadow leaves us in the darkness.” This is a local but widely spoken quote in the Hindi Belt of India.
They say that an unfavorable season in life is the best time to find out who your true well-wishers are! Nonetheless, this quote teaches us not to depend too much on others, and to instead believe in yourself. Because if our own shadow vanishes in the darkness, don’t be disappointed if your best friends do, too.
7. ज़िंदगी लंबी नहीं बड़ी होनी चाहिए।
Romanization ziNDagii Lambii Nahiin badii hoNii caahiye. English Equivalent “Life should be grand, not long.” ~Ambedkar Dr. BR Ambedkar was the founding father of our Indian constitution, with many glittering stars in his accomplishment records. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged, especially for the equal rights of women.
This quote from him emphasizes that we should focus on the quality of our life rather than the number of years we live. The hidden message is that we should devote our lives to helping others instead of focusing only on our own wellbeing.
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है।
Romanization khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. English Equivalent “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset.
Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves.
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
6. अँधेरे में परछाईं भी अपना साथ छोड़ देती है। |
Romanization | aNDHere men parachaaiin bhii apaNaa SaaTH chod DeTii hai. |
English Equivalent | “Even our own shadow leaves us in the darkness.” |
This is a local but widely spoken quote in the Hindi Belt of India. They say that an unfavorable season in life is the best time to find out who your true well-wishers are! Nonetheless, this quote teaches us not to depend too much on others, and to instead believe in yourself. Because if our own shadow vanishes in the darkness, don’t be disappointed if your best friends do, too. |
7. ज़िंदगी लंबी नहीं बड़ी होनी चाहिए।
Romanization ziNDagii Lambii Nahiin badii hoNii caahiye. English Equivalent “Life should be grand, not long.” ~Ambedkar Dr. BR Ambedkar was the founding father of our Indian constitution, with many glittering stars in his accomplishment records. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged, especially for the equal rights of women.
This quote from him emphasizes that we should focus on the quality of our life rather than the number of years we live. The hidden message is that we should devote our lives to helping others instead of focusing only on our own wellbeing.
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है।
Romanization khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. English Equivalent “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset.
Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves.
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
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Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
7. ज़िंदगी लंबी नहीं बड़ी होनी चाहिए। |
Romanization | ziNDagii Lambii Nahiin badii hoNii caahiye. |
English Equivalent | “Life should be grand, not long.” ~Ambedkar |
Dr. BR Ambedkar was the founding father of our Indian constitution, with many glittering stars in his accomplishment records. He fought for the rights of the underprivileged, especially for the equal rights of women. This quote from him emphasizes that we should focus on the quality of our life rather than the number of years we live. The hidden message is that we should devote our lives to helping others instead of focusing only on our own wellbeing. |
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है।
Romanization khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. English Equivalent “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset.
Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves.
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
8. ख़ुद को कमज़ोर समझना सबसे बड़ा पाप है। |
Romanization | khuD ko kamazor SamajhaNaa SabaSe badaa paap hai. |
English Equivalent | “Underestimating your own strength is the biggest sin.” ~ Swami Vivekanand |
In modern times, we are intrigued by the achievements and growth of others, which is not a healthy mindset. Vivekanand felt that each one of us has great potential. To undermine that potential is to deprive ourselves and our society of the benefits that we could harness in being our true selves. |
Quotes About Motivation
Life can be difficult and our circumstances can be disheartening at times. We hope that these motivational quotes in Hindi refresh you and put you in a better frame of mind.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है।
Romanization ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. English Equivalent “A lion always walks alone.” Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list.
It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too.
Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
9. शेर हमेशा अकेला चलता है। |
Romanization | ser hamesaa akeLaa caLaTaa hai. |
English Equivalent | “A lion always walks alone.” |
Oh! This is one of the most popular Hindi quotes, and definitely something you must have on your learning list. It’s cool. It has swag. And it’s highly motivating, too. Remember the time you took a stand or decided to do something new in life, only to find that not even your loved ones supported you in that? Well, this quote will make you feel confident when no one else does. Not to mention that we Indians often use it to lighten the mood in heavy situations. 🙂 |
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये।
Romanization kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. English Equivalent “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom.
With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another.
She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra.
The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
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Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
10. किसी को इतना भी मत डराओ कि डर ही ख़त्म हो जाये। |
Romanization | kiSii ko iTaNaa bhii maT daraao ki dar hii khaTm ho jaaye. |
English Equivalent | “Don’t scare someone so much that they stop feeling the fear.” ~Mary Kom |
Here comes the Princess of Boxing. The Conqueror, The Fighter, and the true inspiration for many: Mary Kom. With an unimaginably difficult childhood, a dreamy marriage with a rock-solid supportive partner, and her three kids, Mary Kom continues to amaze the world with her medals and trophies, one after another. She has written an autobiography titled Unbreakable. But this quote is taken from the movie Mary Kom, which is based on her life. Kom is played by none other than Priyanka Chopra. The quote is self-explanatory. We all get scared, but when that fear is pushed to the limit, it turns into courage and strength. |
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।
Romanization jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. English Equivalent “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom.
She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves.
The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here.
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
→ You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
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January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है। |
Romanization | jahaan bhii aazaaD ruuh kii jhaLak pade SamajhaNaa vah meraa ghar hai. |
English Equivalent | “Wherever you see a free soul, that’s where I live.” ~Amrita Pritam |
Amrita Pritam, one of the most prominent writers and poets, is known for her feminist appeal. Her works portray the significance of gender equality and freedom. She broke many orthodox rules and lived her life in her own way. Amrita Pritam set a milestone for both men and women, inspiring them to follow their hearts and stand up for themselves. The quote here reflects how much the real freedom of choice meant to her. In her own words, every such place where people live the way they want, there her soul resides. Read more of her impeccable and deeply touching quotes here. |
Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
The category that you’ve long been waiting for: love quotes in Hindi. Let’s begin with some words from our beloved Gautam Buddha.
- → You can also find more Hindi Quotes About Love on our website!
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।
Romanization Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. English Equivalent “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है। |
Romanization | Saccaa prem Samajh Se uTpaNN hoTaa hai. |
English Equivalent | “True love begins with understanding.” ~Buddha |
Buddha was all for love, kindness, and generosity toward others and oneself. His quote contains the message that true love is only possible when two people empathize with each other, respect each other, and understand each other. In the absence of these factors, their love would only be superficial and short-lived. |
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता।
Romanization DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. English Equivalent “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship.
The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
13. दोस्ती का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता। |
Romanization | DoSTii kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa. |
English Equivalent | “Friendship knows no religion.” ~Shootout at Wadala |
One of the most popular and hard-hitting friendship quotes in Hindi, these words from the movie Shootout at Wadala shed light on the presence of tolerance and understanding in a true friendship. The message couldn’t be put in a more simple way. The quote reminds us that the bond of friendship is above all disparities, whether from caste, creed, or religion. |
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।
Romanization miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. English Equivalent “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection.
According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
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Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है। |
Romanization | miTraTaa SabaSe suDDH prem hai. |
English Equivalent | “Friendship is the purest form of love.” ~Osho |
Talking about friendship and love, how could we miss Osho? Osho was the mystic and revolutionary who influenced the young and the elderly like nobody else. His discourses were filled with words of love, friendship, and affection. According to this quote, he found friendship to be the greatest and purest form of love, because it contains no expectations or possessiveness. |
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती।
Romanization puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. English Equivalent “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring.
The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
15. पुत्र कुपुत्र हो सकता है लेकिन माता कभी कुमाता नहीं हो सकती। |
Romanization | puTr kupuTr ho SakaTaa hai LekiN maaTaa kabhii kumaaTaa Nahiin ho SakaTii. |
English Equivalent | “There can be a bad son, there can never be a bad mother.” ~Mahabharata |
Mahabharata is an ancient epic. This quote is from one of its brilliant characters, Bhishm Pitamah, who was wise and quite inspiring. The meaning of the quote is that a mother’s love is always pure, and as such, there is no such thing as a bad mother. A child, on the other hand, can be selfish, even while his or her mother only thinks of the child’s best. |
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।
Romanization meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. English Equivalent “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate.
She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness.
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
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January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है। |
Romanization | meraa parivaar merii TaaqaT aur merii kamazorii hai. |
English Equivalent | “My family is my strength and my weakness.” ~Aishwarya Rai Bachchan |
Although this quote is from the former Miss World and current actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, I imagine that we can all relate. She meant that her love for her family is so strong and unconditional that it has come to be her greatest power, as well as her greatest weakness. |
Quotes About Philosophy
If you relish in the marvels of philosophy, you’re going to love the following Hindi quotes with deep meaning and practical application to life!
17. चिंता चिता समान है।
Romanization ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. English Equivalent “Worry is akin to death.” This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das.
The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
17. चिंता चिता समान है। |
Romanization | ciNTaa ciTaa SamaaN hai. |
English Equivalent | “Worry is akin to death.” |
This is an old Indian saying, attributed to no one in particular. However, some people believe it was said by an ancient Indian sage named Kabeer Das. The saying emphasizes that worrying about something immobilizes you. It stops you from taking any action that could alleviate or eliminate the reason behind the problem. This will likely intensify the problem, causing you to worry more. In turn, this will leave you stuck in a downward spiral that feeds on itself and eventually becomes a death loop. So, worry is compared to “death” here. |
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
Romanization har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. English Equivalent “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
18. हर चमकती हुई चीज़ सोना नहीं होती। |
Romanization | har camakaTii huii ciiz SoNaa Nahiin hoTii. |
English Equivalent | “Not everything that glitters is gold.” |
This is a simple quote that’s often used in conversations to convey that just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. Often, what attracts us in the beginning turns out to be fake or disappointing when we scratch the surface. |
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर।
Romanization muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. English Equivalent “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
19. मूर्ख दूसरों पर हँसते हैं, बुद्धिमान ख़ुद पर। |
Romanization | muurkh DuuSron par hanSaTe hain, buDDHimaan khuD par. |
English Equivalent | “Fools laugh at others, the wise ones laugh at themselves.” ~Osho |
Usually, one mocks other people to aggrandize their ego. Osho, the controversial Indian mystic, saw this self-aggrandizement as nothing less than foolishness. A wise man wears his wisdom very lightly, as he is not ego-centric and thus has the courage to laugh at himself and improve. This makes him even wiser. |
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा।
Romanization jab jaago Tab Saveraa. English Equivalent “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.”
The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.”
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
20. जब जागो तब सवेरा। |
Romanization | jab jaago Tab Saveraa. |
English Equivalent | “It’s never too late.” / Literally: “When awake, then dawn.” |
Let’s compare this quote with a Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now.” The Hindi version uses “waking up” and “dawn” as metaphors for realizing a mistake and taking remedial actions. “Dawn,” it says, is whenever you “wake up.” |
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।
Romanization khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. English Equivalent “Empty vessels make more noise.” A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex.
This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं। |
Romanization | khaaLii barTaN zyaaDaa sor karaTe hain. |
English Equivalent | “Empty vessels make more noise.” |
A person who lacks skills, talent, self-esteem, and/or confidence usually tries to fill this gap by talking very highly of himself just to feel good. Talk about an inferiority complex. This corresponds to the way an empty vessel makes more sound than one that’s full. A truly knowledgeable person is full of self-esteem, and hence, remains humble. His/her sense of appreciation comes from within. |
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है।
Romanization jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. English Equivalent “As you sow, so shall you reap.” When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad.
As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.”
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
22. जो जैसा बोता है, वैसा ही काटता है। |
Romanization | jo jaiSaa boTaa hai, vaiSaa hii kaataTaa hai. |
English Equivalent | “As you sow, so shall you reap.” |
When you pick up one end of the stick, you also pick up the other. We cannot separate actions from results. This saying describes how our actions, thoughts, and words boomerang back around to us. If we do good, good echoes back to us; the same holds true for doing bad. As noted author Stephen Covey said: “You can decide to stand in front of a fast moving train but you can’t decide what happens when the train hits you. That is governed by universal laws.” |
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं।
Romanization DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. English Equivalent “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
23. दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें, जो आपको अपने लिए पसंद नहीं। |
Romanization | DuuSron ke SaaTH aiSaa vyavahaar Naa karen, jo aapako apaNe Liye paSaND Nahiin. |
English Equivalent | “Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like for yourself.” ~Shantikunj, Haridwar |
A very straightforward and literal quote. No metaphors or similes here. If you don’t like people treating you a certain way, it would be unfair of you to treat them that way. This saying comes from Shantikunj, a spiritual and social organization founded by Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. |
Quotes About Food
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting down for a nice meal now and then? Our Hindi quotes collection wouldn’t be complete without a few sayings related to food!
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है।
Romanization bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. English Equivalent “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
24. भूख से ज़्यादा अपमान जनक कोई और अपमान नहीं है। |
Romanization | bhuukh Se zyaaDaa apamaaNajaNak koii aur apmaaN Nahiin hai. |
English Equivalent | “There is no greater humiliation than hunger.” ~Pranab Mukherjee |
Said by the thirteenth President of India in a socio-political context, this quote means that if any person is devoid of food, then that person is subjected to the greatest humiliation. Hunger may force a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as begging or stealing. |
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।
Romanization bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. English Equivalent “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first.
Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else).
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला। |
Romanization | bhuukhe bhajaN Naa hoye gopaaLaa. |
English Equivalent | “One can’t even worship with an empty stomach.” |
Food is of utmost importance; it’s the fundamental need and must be met first. Do note that “Gopala” is one of the names of Lord Krishna. This quote is from a dialogue in which Krishna warns God, in a tender and loving way, that no one could worship Him on an empty stomach (let alone do anything else). |
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये।
Romanization jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. English Equivalent “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet.
In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
26. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होये। |
Romanization | jaiSaa bhojaN khaaiye, TaiSaa hii maN hoye. |
English Equivalent | “A man is what he eats.” ~Kabirdas |
In Indian culture, food is believed to influence you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. We kind of worship food here and treat it as a god. To give you a picture of how significant food is in Indian society, consider that it’s looked down upon to stamp any food grain with your feet. In addition, according to Ayurveda, eating less spicy food and opting for simple meals calms our inner selves and keeps us healthy. |
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन।
Romanization jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. English Equivalent “You are what you eat.” Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward. → Here are the Top 10 Foods That Will Make You Live Longer.
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
27. जैसा अन्न वैसा मन। |
Romanization | jaiSaa aNN vaiSaa maN. |
English Equivalent | “You are what you eat.” |
Similar to the previous quote, this one is also quite popular. The only difference is that this version is simpler and more straightforward.
|
Quotes About Language Learning
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our list would be incomplete without quotes on language learning and the importance of the Hindi language.
India is a melting pot of various cultures and languages, yet in the midst of that, Hindi has not only retained its place but has also become more popular than ever.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है।
Romanization raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. English Equivalent “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity.
Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
28. राष्ट्र भाषा के बिना राष्ट्र गूंगा है। |
Romanization | raastra bhaasaa ke biNaa raastra guungaa hai. |
English Equivalent | “A nation is mute without its national language.” ~Mahatma Gandhi |
Here, Gandhi pressed on the essential role of the national language. According to him, Hindi is the language that binds us all together. Without Hindi, India would lose its identity. Officially, there are many national languages of India, but Hindi has its own unique place in everybody’s hearts. |
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।
Romanization hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. English Equivalent “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world.
Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है। |
Romanization | hamaarii Naagarii Lipi Duniyaa kii SabaSe vaigyaaNik Lipi hai. |
English Equivalent | “Our Devanagari script is the world’s most scientific script.” ~Rahul Sankrityayan |
Rahul Sankrityayan is known as the Father of Indian Travelogue literature. He was one of the finest minds of India, and he spent more than forty years traveling to different places around the world. Given his rich experiences with various cultures and languages, if a quote comes from him, it really means something to us. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. And according to Rahul Sankrityayan, it is the most scientific script in the world. |
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है।
Romanization hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. English Equivalent “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people.
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
February 11, 2021
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
Table of Contents
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
January 28, 2021
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name FoodFood Category Cooking Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU 5 Bonus Words - भोजन (bhojaN) = “Food”
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat”
- मसाला (maSaaLaa) = “Spice”
- पकाना (pakaaNaa) = “To cook”
- सब्ज़ी (Sabzii) = “Vegetable”
This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name Mountain Trekker Category Traveling and Adventure Level Basic to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc 5 Bonus Words - घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “To travel” / “To wander”
- पहाड़ (pahaad) = “Mountains”
- नदी (NaDii) = “River”
- घाटी (ghaatii) = “Valley”
- बारिश (baaris) = “Rain”
Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name The Wire Category Current news, critical opinions, and reportage Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ 5 Bonus Words - राजनीति (raajaNiiTi) = “Politics”
- घोटाले (ghotaaLe) = “Scams”
- ख़बर (khabar) = “News”
- राय (raay) = “Opinions” / “Views”
- दंगे (Dange) = “Riots”
Channel Name Dhruv Rathee Category Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k 5 Bonus Words - माहौल (maahauL) = “Atmosphere”
- जागरूकता (jaagaruukaTaa) = “Awareness”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- पता लगाना (paTaa LagaaNaa) = “To find out”
- मुद्दा (muDDaa) = “Issue”
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name World Documentary HD Category Animal Planet and Other Videos Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk 5 Bonus Words - जानवर (jaaNavar) = “Animal”
- शिकार (sikaar) = “Prey”
- जंगल (jangaL) = “Jungle”
- माँस (maanS) = “Meat” / “Flesh”
- घास (ghaaS) = “Grass”
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name Yoga with Shaheeda Category Yoga Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg 5 Bonus Words - साँस / श्वास (SaanS / svaaS) = “Breath”
- शरीर (sariir) = “Body”
- हाथ (haaTH) = “Hands”
- पैर (pair) = “Legs”
- ध्यान लगाना (DHyaaN LagaaNaa) = “To meditate”
On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name Beauty9 homepage Category Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos Level Beginner to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io 5 Bonus Words - त्वचा (Tvacaa) = “Skin”
- चेहरा (ceharaa) = “Face”
- आँखें (aankhen) = “Eyes”
- नाख़ून (NaakhuuN) = “Nails”
- बाल (baaL) = “Hair”
With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name ToonKids Hindi Category Animated Short Stories Level Beginner YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo 5 Bonus Words - बच्चे (bacce) = “Kids”
- नाराज़ (Naaraaz) = “Upset” / “Angry”
- खेलना (kheLaNaa) = “To play”
- रोना (roNaa) = “To cry”
- दोस्ती (DoSTii) = “Friendship”
Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name Craft with Aayu Pihu Category Arts and Crafts at Home Level Basic YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo 5 Bonus Words - काग़ज़ (kaagaz) = “Paper”
- गोंद (gonD) = “Glue”
- रंग (rang) = “Color”
- चिपकाना (cipakaaNaa) = “To paste”
- काटना (kaataNaa) = “To cut”
We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name Large Short Films Category Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films Level Intermediate to Advanced YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE 5 Bonus Words - औरत (auraT) = “Woman”
- आदमी (aaDamii) = “Man”
- समाज (Samaaj) = “Society”
- कहानी (kahaaNii) = “Story”
- परिवार (parivaar) = “Family”
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com Category Edutainment, Hindi Learning Level All Levels YouTube Channel Link https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 Sample Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA 5 Bonus Words - सीखना (SiikhaNaa) = “To learn”
- पढ़ना (padhaNaa) = “To read”
- सुनना (SuNaNaa) = “To listen”
- लिखना (LikhaNaa) = “To write”
- बोलना (boLaNaa) = “To speak”
3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
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- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
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January 12, 2021
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
→ To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
→ Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
→ To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
January 8, 2021
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents
- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 1. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) [Formal & Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. Sentence Usage[Male] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) Sentence Usage[Female] मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI
(main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) English Translation “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 2. शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) [Formal] “Goodnight” Example Situation This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. Sentence Usage पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI
(paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) English Translation “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!”
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 3. नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) [Formal] “Good day” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. Sentence Usage ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI
(ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) English Translation “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.”
Gesture ⇒ Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. 4. आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) [Formal] “Have a good day.” Example Situation You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. Sentence Usage हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI
(hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) English Translation “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.”
5. आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) [Formal] “It was nice meeting you.” Example Situation Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. Sentence Usage उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
(ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) English Translation “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.”
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 6. मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) [Casual] “Let’s meet up someday!” Example Situation When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). Sentence Usage और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन!
(aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) English Translation “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!”
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 7. कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) [Casual] “See you tomorrow.” Example Situation When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. Sentence Usage कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त।
(kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) English Translation “See you tomorrow, same place same time.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 8. मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. Sentence Usage[Male] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) Sentence Usage[Female] अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना।
(are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) English Translation “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 9. जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) [Casual] “See you soon.” Example Situation This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. Sentence Usage आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे।
(aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) English Translation “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.”
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. 10. ध्यान रखना
(DHyaaN rakhaNaa) [Casual] “Take care.” Example Situation When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. Sentence Usage किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना।
(kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) English Translation “Don’t worry about anything and take care.”
Gesture ⇒ You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. 11. चलता / चलती हूँ
(caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) [Casual] “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” Example Situation Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. Sentence Usage[Male] चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) Sentence Usage[Female] चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।
(caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) English Translation “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.”
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 12. जाने का समय हो गया है
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) [Casual] “It’s time to go.” Example Situation You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. Sentence Usage जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें।
(jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) English Translation “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.”
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. 13. अब हमें चलना चाहिए
(ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) [Casual] “We should leave now.” Example Situation Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. Sentence Usage काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI
(kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) English Translation “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.”
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 14. फ़ोन करते रहना
(foN karaTe rahaNaa) [Casual] “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” Example Situation Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. Sentence Usage दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI
(DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) English Translation “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.”
Gesture ⇒ Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! 15. बाद में बात करते हैं
(baaD men baaT karaTe hain) [Casual] “Talk to you later.” Example Situation You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! Sentence Usage चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI
(caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) English Translation “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.”
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 16. अलविदा (aLaviDaa) [Casual] “Goodbye!” Example Situation This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. Sentence Usage अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI
(aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) English Translation “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.”
Gesture ⇒ You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. 17. टाटा (taataa) [Casual] “Bye!” Example Situation When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. Sentence Usage टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI
(taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) English Translation “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.”
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 18. सदा सुखी रहो
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) [Out of Love] “Wish you forever happiness.” Example Situation Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. Sentence Usage सदा सुखी रहोI
(SaDaa Sukhii raho) English Translation “Wish you forever happiness.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 19. ख़ूब नाम कमाओ
(khuub Naam kamaao) [Out of Love] “May you achieve success.” Example Situation This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. Sentence Usage मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI
(maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) English Translation “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.”
Gesture ⇒ After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. 20. आयुष्मान भव
(aayusmaaN bhav) [Out of Love] “Live long.” Example Situation This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” Sentence Usage आयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.) English Translation “May you live long.”
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
December 18, 2020
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents
- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples अ (a) Sound - अनार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
- अनोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” आ (aa) Sound - आम (aam) = “Mango”
- आज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” इ (i) Sound - इतवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
- इमली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” - ई (ii) Sound
- ईश्वर (iisvar) = “God”
- ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” च (c) Sound - चलना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
- चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” ज (j) Sound - जहाज़ (jahaaz) = “Ship”
- जानवर (jaanavar) = “Animal”
Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior”
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds Hindi Examples English Examples त (T) Sound - तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz) = “Watermelon”
- तेज़ (Tez) = “Fast”
Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” ख/ख़ (kh) Sound - ख़रगोश (kharagos) = “Rabbit”
- खट्टा (khattaa) = “Sour”
Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) राम घर जा रहा है I
(raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) “Ram is going home.” Feminine Gender (Singular) सीता घर जा रही है I
(SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) “Sita is going home.”
Masculine Gender (Plural) दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I
(Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) “Two men are sleeping.” Feminine Gender (Plural) दो औरतें सो रही हैं I
(Do auraTen So rahii hain.) “Two women are sleeping.”
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” Formal Informal Highly Casual For Addressing - Elderly
- Senior in position
- Strangers
- Opposite gender
- In official relations
- Friends
- Of the same gender
- Young people / children
- Siblings
- Close friends
- Siblings
Common Words Used आप (aap)
आपको (aap ko) तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko) तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe) Addressing Males आप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?) तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?) तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) Addressing Females आप क्या खाएंगी?
(aap kyaa khaayengii?) तुम क्या खाओगी?
(Tum kyaa khaaogii?) तू क्या खायेगी?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegii?)
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
December 11, 2020
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents
- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room”
(ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa)
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound.
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.
30. हिंदी भारतीय संस्कृति की आत्मा है। |
Romanization | hinDii bhaaraTiiya SaNSkriTi kii aaTmaa hai. |
English Equivalent | “Hindi is the soul of Indian culture.” ~Kamla Pati Tripathi |
Kamla Pati Tripathi goes a step further and considers Hindi to be more than a national language. He calls Hindi the “soul of Indian culture.” It is something that resides in the hearts of Indian folks and reflects the traditions and whole persona of the native people. |
9. Master the Hindi Language with Us at HindiPod101.com
Whoa! So many personalities and so many quotes of wisdom! Do you feel the same rush that we do? Well, why don’t you go ahead and share your favorite quote in the comments?
If you enjoyed this article, we do hope to see you around. At HindiPod101.com, you can learn Hindi from scratch or pick up where you left off to improve your skills!
Don’t know how to get started? Visit our help center and learn about us.
If you find yourself confused about anything while going through our lessons, we encourage you to use our free Grammar Bank and online dictionary. You can also explore our free vocabulary lists to quickly pick up words in a variety of categories.
Have a happy learning time and remember that you can reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help you! 🙂
40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career
Simplicity is the key to impressing people. No matter what the world says, using complex and incomprehensible words when they’re not needed is way overrated. It leads to confusion and ruins the possibility of crystal-clear two-way communication. And there’s no reason we’d want to do that, right?
To help you avoid this pitfall, today we’re going to introduce you to the basic (but quite useful) Hindi business phrases. We also have a thirty-minute video about common business phrases in Hindi on the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel; you can find the video embedded below.
- Breaking the Myth
- Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
- Nailing a Job Interview
- Interacting with Coworkers
- Sounding Smart in a Meeting
- Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
- Going on a Business Trip
- Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
1. Breaking the Myth
Many people assume that formal Hindi business phrases are long and difficult to learn. But guess what? That’s not always the case. You’ll be amazed to see how one can get away with shorter and more basic business vocabulary and phrases in the corporate culture.
Our goal is to cover all of the major categories concerning Hindi phrases for business, and to show you how simple business talk can be. Get ready to learn as many as forty Hindi sentences that you can easily use in the office to leave a stunning impression on the natives.
2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
There are plenty of advantages to learning business phrases in the local language. Here’s just a quick list of perks you can expect:
- You’ll be able to break the ice with natives.
- You’ll be able to communicate your emotions more clearly.
- If there’s an issue, it will be easier for you to make a complaint in Hindi without creating much drama.
- Communicating in Hindi will also establish you as a successful team-leader and create a friendly atmosphere.
By now, you should have a better idea of how learning essential business Hindi phrases can boost your career in India and make you popular, as well.
From here on out, the game is going to get serious. We’ll cover some different corporate situations and teach you the most common Hindi phrases used in each one.
3. Nailing a Job Interview
Maybe you want to apply for a managerial position, a teaching job, or a flight attendant position. Whatever your chosen occupation is, there’s a set of procedures and phrases followed by the HR department.
The first step is to create a stunning resume in Hindi. Check out our vocabulary list of words and phrases used in a CV.
If you’ve been called in for an interview, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The interview usually begins with formal Indian greetings.
- After that, the candidate starts with a self-introduction in Hindi.
- The interviewer may ask the candidate about their professional experience and expect them to talk about their strengths and accomplishments.
- If something’s not clear, the candidate may politely ask the interviewer to repeat their questions.
- At the end, the candidate will thank the interviewers for the opportunity and their time.
- Once a candidate has cleared the interview, then comes the time to fill out the official Hindi forms and make the job position yours!
Now, enough chitter-chatter about the etiquette for job interviews in India. Let’s get straight to the point and start practicing the most important Hindi phrases for your interview.
1- नमस्ते, मेरा नाम ____ हैI (NamaSTe, meraa Naam ____ hai.)
“Hello, my name is ____.”
2- मुझे हिंदी बोलनी आती हैI (mujhe hiNDii boLaNii aaTii hai.)
“I can speak and understand Hindi.”
3- मैंने पिछली कंपनी में सात साल काम किया हैI (mainNe pichaLii kampaNii men SaaT SaaL kaam kiyaa hai.)
“I worked for seven years in the previous company.”
4- जी, मुझे नाईट शिफ़्ट करने में कोई दिक़्क़त नहीं हैI (jii, mujhe Naait sift karaNe men koii DikkaT Nahiin hai.)
“I have no issues with working the night shifts.”
5- [To Male Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकते हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTe hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
[To Female Interviewer]
माफ़ कीजिये, क्या आप अपना सवाल दोहरा सकती हैं? (maaf kiijiye, kyaa aap apaNaa SavaaL Doharaa SakaTii hain?)
“Pardon me. Could you please, repeat your question?”
4. Interacting with Coworkers
Once you’ve become one of their own, you and your coworkers would likely want to know each other better. Why don’t you start your interactions by impressing them with these flattering lines to win their hearts!
From greeting your colleagues and introducing yourself in Hindi, to asking for their help and saying sorry, the following Hindi business phrases will give you everything you need for smooth conversations.
6- मीटिंग कितने बजे है? (miiting kiTaNe baje hai?)
“What time is the meeting?”
7- वो फ़ाइल कहाँ है? (vo faaiL kahaan hai?)
“Where is that file?”
8- इतनी देर कैसे हो गई? (iTaNii Der kaiSe ho gayii?)
“How come you’re so late?”
9- बोनस के लिए बधाई हो! (boNaS ke Liye baDHaaii ho!)
“Congratulations on the bonus!”
10- [To Male Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
[To Female Colleague]
क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकती हैं? (kyaa aap merii maDaD kar SakaTii hain?)
“Could you please help me with this?”
11- क्या हम विज़िटिंग कार्ड शेयर कर सकते हैं? (kyaa ham viziting kaard seyar kar SakaTe hain?)
“Could we exchange our visiting cards?”
12- जी, मैं मार्केटिंग विभाग से हूँI (jii, main maarketing vibhaag Se huun.)
“Well, I am from the marketing department.”
13- [As a Male]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहता हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTaa huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
[As a Female]
मैं ग़लती के लिए माफ़ी चाहती हूँI (main gaLaTii ke Liye maafii caahaTii huun.)
“I apologize for my mistake.”
14- मदद के लिए शुक्रिया। (maDaD ke Liye sukriyaa.)
“Thank you for your help.”
5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
Office meetings are tricky. They are more about the team than the individual. That’s why you need to be careful while expressing your opinions and making suggestions; you don’t want to sound too pushy. The following list of phrases for doing business in Hindi will help you express your agreement and disagreement, suggest ideas, and take initiative in the conversation in a polite way.
The key is to master your listening skills and empathize with your teammates. Up your game with our business Hindi phrases PDF cheat sheet.
15- [To Male]
आज से ये हमारे नए मैनेजर होंगे। (aaj Se ye hamaare Naye maiNejar honge.)
“From now on, he will be our new manager.”
[To Female]
आज से ये हमारी नई मैनेजर होंगीं। (aaj Se ye hamaarii Nayii maiNejar hongii.)
“From now on, she will be our new manager.”
16- आपने शानदार काम किया। (aapaNe saaNaDaar kaam kiyaa.)
“You did an amazing job!”
17- तो मीटिंग शुरू करें? (To miiting suruu karen?)
“So, should we start the meeting already?”
18- हम इतने कम वक़्त में ये प्रॉजेक्ट ख़त्म नहीं कर सकते।
(ham iTaNe kam vaqT men ye praujekt khaTm Nahiin kar SakaTe.)
“We just can’t complete this project at such short notice.”
19- इस महीने का टारगेट किसी भी हाल में पूरा होना चाहिए।
(iS mahiiNe kaa taaraget kiSii bhii haaL men pooraa hoNaa caahiye.)
“We have to achieve this month’s target anyhow.”
20- मैं बिल्कुल सहमत हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT huun.)
“I completely agree.”
मैं बिल्कुल सहमत नहीं हूँI (main biLkuL SahamaT Nahiin huun.)
“I completely disagree.”
21- इस पर आप सब की क्या राय है? (iS par aap Sab kii kyaa raay hai?)
“What are your opinions on this?”
22- क्या किसी के पास और कोई सुझाव है? (kyaa kiSii ke paaS aur koii Sujhaav hai?)
“Does anyone else have any other suggestions?”
23- हमें इस बारे में सोच-समझकर फ़ैसला लेना चाहिए।
(hamen iS baare men Soc-Samajhakar faiSaLaa karaNaa caahiye.)
“We should think it through before making any decision.”
6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
In this section, we’ll be going over the proper phrases for business correspondence in Hindi. This includes everyday things such as answering a work phone, taking messages, ending a phone conversation, and addressing and greeting someone over email.
1 – Over the Phone
24- [If you’re a male]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
[If you’re a female]
क्या मैं ____ से बात कर सकती हूँ? (kyaa main _____ Se baaT kar SakaTii huun?)
“Could I talk to Mr./Ms. _______?”
25- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रहा हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahaa huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, मैं ______ कंपनी से बोल रही हूँI (NamaSTe, main ___ kampaNii Se boL rahii huun.)
“Hello, I’m speaking from ______ company.”
26- [If you’re a male]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
[If you’re a female]
नमस्ते, क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकती हूँ? (NamaSTe, kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTii huun?)
“Hello, may I ask whom I am speaking to?”
27- जी, आपको किससे बात करनी है? (jii, aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Hello, may I know whom you wish to talk to?”
28- हेलो, क्या ये _____ बेकरी का नंबर है? (heLo, kyaa ye ____ bekarii kaa Nambar hai?)
“Hello, is it ______ bakery’s number?”
2 – Over Email
Following the basic email etiquette rules could be a game changer. How you address the person and the clarity of your words matter a lot. So, take your time when writing an email and push the send button only when the entirety of the content looks good to go.
In Hindi, these are some of the most common phrases that we use while writing an email.
29- अति कृपा होगीI (aTi kripaa hogii.)
“It would be so kind of you.”
30- [To Males]
सेवा में, महोदय (Sevaa men, mahoDay)
“Respected Sir”
[To Females]
सेवा में, महोदया (Sevaa men, mahoDayaa)
“Respected Madam”
31- [If you’re a male]
मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगाI (main aapakaa aabhaarii rahuungaa.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
[If you’re a female]
मैं आपकी आभारी रहूँगीI (main aapakii aabhaarii rahuungii.)
“I’d be grateful to you.”
32- [To Males]
महोदय, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDay, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Sir, I need a leave for two days.”
[To Females]
महोदया, मुझे दो दिन की छुट्टी चाहिए। (mahoDayaa, mujhe Do DiN kii chuttii caahiye.)
“Dear Ma’am, I need a leave for two days.”
7. Going on a Business Trip
Business trips are an inseparable part of corporate culture. Just like in any other country, in India too, you’ll need to know the local language for booking a hotel and tickets, meeting clients at the airport, thanking partners or clients for their time and hospitality, and checking in/out of a hotel.
33- तो हम लोग कब मिल सकते हैं? (To ham Log kab miL SakaTe hain?)
“So, when can we meet?”
34- [To Males]
और कैसे हैं आप? (aur kaiSe hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
[To Females]
और कैसी हैं आप? (aur kaiSii hain aap?)
“And how are you?”
35- तो अगली मीटिंग कब रखें? (To agaLii miiting kab rakhen?)
“So, when should we plan the next meeting?”
36- [As a Male]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रहा हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaneS Daure par jaa rahaa huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
[As a Female]
मैं चार दिन के बिज़नेस दौरे पर जा रही हूँ I (main caar DiN ke bizaNeS Daure par jaa rahii huun.)
“I’m going on a business trip for four days.”
37- आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा? (aapakaa Safar kaiSaa rahaa?)
“How was your trip?”
38- आपसे मिलकर बहुत अच्छा लगाI (aapaSe miLakar bahuT acchaa Lagaa.)
“It was really a pleasure meeting you.”
39- फिर ये डील पक्की समझें? (phir ye diiL pakkii Samjhen?)
“So, should we consider this deal final?”
40- हमारे साथ बिज़नेस करने के लिए धन्यवाद। (hamaare SaaTH bizaNeS karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you for doing business with us.”
8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com
Now that you know the most important business Hindi vocabulary, we come to the end of our lesson. In spite of the provided romanizations for each phrase, if you have any issues reading a word or phrase in Hindi, please don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi Pronunciation to clear your doubts.
Do you want more great content from HindiPod101, but don’t think you have the time or means? Don’t worry! All you have to do is download our amazing HindiPod101 app to learn Hindi anywhere and anytime.
In the meantime, keep practicing. We’d also love to know which one of the Hindi business phrases is your favorite, so please let us know in the comments!
In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Happy Hindi learning!
Learn Hindi on YouTube: Hindi Channels We Think You’ll Love
We’ve all been guilty of spending hours and hours on social media, especially YouTube.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to preach to you on how to quit these social media loops. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the best YouTube Indian channels that are sure to boost your Hindi learning.
You heard that right! Ever thought of turning your weakness into your strength? That’s what this lesson is about. After all, who said unorthodox study methods don’t work? 🙂
First…
Table of Contents- Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
- Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
- Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
1. Why Learn Hindi with the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel?
Alright. Before moving on to our Hindi YouTube channels list, we want to remind you that the HindiPod101 YouTube channel is the best one for studying Hindi, especially when you’re first starting out. Why?
Say Goodbye to the Boring Study Methods
Relax, we’ll spill all the beans!
Here are some impressive reasons you should check out the HindiPod101 YouTube Channel:
- We have more than 180k subscribers! You’re welcome to join the family. 🙂
- Our videos are designed for all types of learners, from beginners to intermediate and advanced students.
- All of our videos are highly interactive and fun. Say goodbye to boring traditional lessons.
- Not only that, but we also teach you various tips and strategies to sharpen your memory and make your Hindi learning more effective.
- Once you subscribe, our portal of unlimited video lesson materials opens for you. Yay!!
- Our audio and video content are world-class. We promise that you’ll start getting the drift of Hindi from the very first lesson.
- You can create your own personal playlist and begin your Hindi learning journey.
Have Fun with Your Hindi Learning
Before you start watching any Hindi language YouTube videos, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular Hindi words for talking about YouTube and our free 100 Hindi words list!
2. Our Customized Bouquet of Hindi YouTube Channels
We’ll talk more about our channel later, but for now, let’s take a pause here and think. How about we explore the various video genres and splash more colors onto your Hindi learning regime? 🙂
Everyone is passionate about something. It may be traveling, exploring, creating something from scratch, cooking, music, or maybe just having a good laugh and reliving childhood memories while watching those ageless animations.
What we’re trying to say is that you can watch what you love and learn Hindi at the same time. You know, fill two needs with one deed!
Learn about Indian Culture
Below, we’ve categorized videos into the most popular YouTube channel topics; some categories have more than one channel. All you have to do is pick the best Hindi learning YouTube channel for you and get started.
1 – The Art of Cooking
There’s nobody on earth who doesn’t love food. Even if cooking isn’t your cup of tea, we’re guessing that eating a sumptuous meal is!
Our first category is related to Indian food and recipes. On YouTube, Hindi recipe channels abound—but there’s one that we think outshines the others.
Channel Name | FoodFood |
Category | Cooking |
Level | Basic to Advanced |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodFoodindia |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIhUPNZZKbU |
5 Bonus Words |
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This channel has countless videos under various sub-categories, each with its own chef. Watching this channel will teach you about basic Indian flavors and spices, as well as how to prepare all sorts of veg and non-veg dishes. All of the chefs mostly talk in Hindi, but they occasionally use some English words as well.
Cook with Hindi Chefs
What’s more, you’ll gradually become more familiar with the Hindi words for Indian fruits and vegetables. Many of the episodes are based on the different regional foods of India, for instance, the cuisine of Kashmiri, Gujarati, or Rajasthani.
While there are no subtitles, they do show the ingredient names in English on the screen, which is a great relief. Sound fair? Give this channel a try and I’m sure you’ll love it for its simplicity and ethnic flavor.
2 – Traveling
What’s better than soaking your soul in the fresh air, exploring unknown territories!
If you consider yourself an adventurous soul, “Mountain Trekker” could be your best YouTube channel for learning Hindi.
Channel Name | Mountain Trekker |
Category | Traveling and Adventure |
Level | Basic to Advanced |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5dXugC3XZeDVsDkTaWJ4g |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjG5ZwuY0Rc |
5 Bonus Words |
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Browse Through Popular Hindi Travel Channels
The creator of this channel is Varun Vagish, the guy next door who steals your heart with his charming laugh and simplicity. But that’s not all. Varun has also received the prestigious ‘National Tourism Award’ by the Indian Government for his contributions to tourism.
An explorer at heart, he has covered almost the entirety of India and is now traveling to many countries like Russia, Thailand, and Bali. The most special thing about his episodes is that he shows us how to travel on a budget, speaking only in Hindi and using sign language. Watch him break the myth of needing loads of money to travel the world.
3 – Current Affairs and Unbiased Opinions
In this world of paid media, nepotism, flattery, and commercialization, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s a facade. Journalism is at its lowest in India these days. The whistleblowers and truth-tellers are doing their jobs, risking their lives.
When it comes to the various controversies, the people in power are leaving no stone unturned to confuse the common public. In such critical situations, it’s not only hard but also unfair to list just one bold and daring news channel while leaving out the other.
Here are two of the best places to find Hindi YouTube news videos.
Channel Name | The Wire |
Category | Current news, critical opinions, and reportage |
Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQeFz0c-UQQ |
5 Bonus Words |
|
Channel Name | Dhruv Rathee |
Category | Creating awareness on social, political, and environmental issues of India |
Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/user/dhruvrathee |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnkQUgamT_k |
5 Bonus Words |
|
Both “The Wire” and the “Dhruv Rathee” channels have become so popular among youth—not only in India, but globally—for their fierce facts and questions, and for trying their best to foil every attempt at creating a disturbance in society.
Watch Your Favorite Genre in Hindi
Please, check out both channels. Their usage of simple Hindi words will not only improve your language over time, but also keep you updated with what’s happening around the world in its most naked form.
4 – Documentary
Lots of kids and adults love to watch Animal Planet and other documentary channels. Imagine: A bowl of popcorn in your hands, snuggling on the couch, and watching some thrilling and amazing things on the screen. Nothing could beat that.
Channel Name | World Documentary HD |
Category | Animal Planet and Other Videos |
Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPgtkTOR0HEU2ywLPCzI4g |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCGbsymPbk |
5 Bonus Words |
|
For the Animal-and Nature-Lovers
Everybody learns faster when the content they’re taking in matches their interests. If you want to learn Hindi without feeling bored, the “Hindi World Documentary HD” channel could change things for you. Have a go and experience all the thrill nature has to offer, from the Amazon rainforests to the chilly weather in Alaska.
5 – Yoga and Fitness
Yoga has gained international fame, and for so many good reasons. First of all, yoga does not put a strain on your body. Instead, it relaxes and enhances one’s flexibility. The whole phenomenon relies on the simple process of inhaling and exhaling.
Here’s our pick for the best Hindi YouTube channel for yogis.
Channel Name | Yoga with Shaheeda |
Category | Yoga |
Level | Basic |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmxfj3S7vM82SKbKpGYugw |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM5hKr0qVZg |
5 Bonus Words |
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On the “Yoga with Shaheeda” channel, Shaheeda teaches you various yoga positions and forms using flawless and easily understandable Hindi words and gestures.
How about Learning Yoga in Hindi
Apart from that, her episodes are also categorized by experience level. For instance, there are different videos for beginners, intermediate yoga learners, and advanced practitioners.
We also think this is one of the best YouTube channels to learn Hindi because Shaheeda makes videos based on different health issues, such as migraines, sleeplessness, obesity, etc. Before starting yoga, she also gently explains the benefits of every gesture, which really inspires and convinces the audience to follow her steps.
6 – Beauty and Skincare
Want to learn Hindi online? YouTube skincare and beauty channels will help you achieve your goal and take your beauty game up a notch. For centuries, skincare has been of the utmost priority for both women and men.
Most of us have neither the budget nor the desire to waste hundreds of dollars on those expensive cosmetics. That’s why using natural and homemade skincare recipes has become so popular these days.
Channel Name | Beauty9 homepage |
Category | Latest Makeup and Beauty Videos |
Level | Beginner to Advanced |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8KB6d7vEtOYqj7BM6SM4g |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb901yzd7Io |
5 Bonus Words |
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With just a few easy Hindi words for cosmetics, you’ll learn so much about simple, natural, and quick ways to improve your skin quality. But the channel has much more to offer. They teach you how to do makeup from scratch, even if you’re just a beginner.
Ohh! It’s time to put on some makeup!:)
This channel covers different types of makeup for various occasions, such as bridal, parties, engagement, or everyday looks for girls in college. Apart from that, you’ll also find some of the best budget-friendly cosmetic products without hurting your pocket. 🙂
7 – Kids’ Animation
Finally, a channel that takes you right back to your childhood… An era when things were simple. No gadgets. When simple innocent tricks could make us laugh or scare us half to death.
Channel Name | ToonKids Hindi |
Category | Animated Short Stories |
Level | Beginner |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ff6eU-8VsLAwZuI7-Bufw |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqdm23VGgo |
5 Bonus Words |
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Do you want to travel back to that world again? Then, welcome to the “ToonKids Hindi” YouTube channel, the best place to watch a good cartoon in Hindi. YouTube videos on this channel include animated short stories and long episodes that contain moral values for kids but never fail to entertain adults as well!
8 – Arts and Crafts
Creativity knows no bounds. If you see creativity in everything that comes your way, arts and crafts is the most obvious genre to steal your attention.
Learn Your Favorite Skill & Improve Your Hindi
Channel Name | Craft with Aayu Pihu |
Category | Arts and Crafts at Home |
Level | Basic |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnlD3yHgpji6fuEpNHE-yQ |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PgJVchhEo |
5 Bonus Words |
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We must admit, creating something artistic from scratch or from simple everyday materials gives us an immense satisfaction that words can’t express. On “Craft with Aayu Pihu,” you’ll learn how to make easy-breezy craft materials without making a hole in your pocket. 🙂
9 – Independent Movies
This one is a serious category.
As we all know, Indian society is a little conservative. But barriers are being broken and forbidden issues are being publicly talked about. In addition, the independent filmmakers—people who have the potential to create something extraordinary, but lack the budget—have finally found a platform to showcase their artistic expressions on the “Large Short Films” YouTube channel.
Channel Name | Large Short Films |
Category | Award-winning, original, and inspiring short films |
Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/user/LargeShortFilms |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE |
5 Bonus Words |
|
Each episode has a different short story, typically about adult issues: extramarital affairs, repression of females in Indian society, obsession for female virginity before marriage, etc.
It’s not just the topics that appeal to the audience, though; it’s the way these short films have been treated. There’s no drama. The films are realistic. People can actually relate to them. And that’s the channel’s USP.
Watch the unconditional movies in Hindi
Filmmakers nobody knew ‘til yesterday are being praised and awarded for their efforts in bringing bold but necessary issues into the limelight. India desperately needed such a channel, and you can find all the finest actors imbuing life into these stories.
10 – The HindiPod101 YouTube Channel
Last but not least, let’s talk business now.
One can’t learn and master Hindi by just watching some YouTube channels. Of course, they are a bonus. But in the end, you need a teacher, a trainer who can not only guide you but also share the step-by-step strategies that will help you learn better and smarter.
Of all the Hindi learning YouTube channels, HindiPod101 is the best place to make your Hindi-learning dreams come true!
Channel Name | Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com |
Category | Edutainment, Hindi Learning |
Level | All Levels |
YouTube Channel Link | https://www.youtube.com/user/hindipod101 |
Sample Video Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrz11BbqCA |
5 Bonus Words |
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3. Join “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” and Speak Like a Native
So, let’s take a quick look at what our “Learn Hindi with HindiPod101.com” YouTube channel has got to offer you.
- Our videos are easy and fun.
- The content and video quality is superb!
- You can pick what you want to learn. We have videos on almost everything, from words for dating to nailing that job interview.
- By watching our videos, you also learn the exact pronunciation of the Hindi words.
- If you want to start with the Hindi alphabet/script or how to count, we’ve got your back.
- You can browse through all of our videos and find out what serves you the best.
Using YouTube for Hindi Learning
Create a playlist of your favorite videos and keep learning, even when you’re on the go.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us, watch our videos, and leave us some feedback in the comments below. We’d love to receive some love from your side, and to hear any suggestions you may have!
And before you go: Sign up and get a free lifetime account with HindiPod101.com. You can also subscribe to our channel and get notifications every time a new video is uploaded.
Happy Hindi learning!
The Punjabi Lohri Festival: An Indian Harvest Celebration
Many cultures have some sort of harvest festival or day of giving thanks: Germans have Erntedankfest, Koreans have Chuseok, and Americans have Thanksgiving. In India, too, there is a special day each year for celebrating the harvest and hoping for future blessings: the Lohri festival.
This holiday is especially popular in the Indian Punjab region, where sugarcane and other crops are harvested early in the year. In this article, you’ll learn all about why the Punjabi celebrate Lohri, what traditions look like today, and more.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Lohri?
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrating the harvest of Rabi crops.
The Lohri festival is celebrated each year on or around January 13 in पंजाब (panjaab), or “Punjab.” People in some other regions of India and Pakistan celebrate this holiday as well.
The meaning of Lohri is twofold: On the one hand, it celebrates the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. On the other, it also celebrates the annual January harvest of गन्ने (ganne), or “sugarcane,” and other wintertime produce.
- → To learn some practical vocab for the coming season, check out our vocabulary list of the Top 15 Things To Do Over Spring Break!
Historical Significance of Lohri
Traditionally, Lohri is considered a harvest festival and is perceived as a time to ask the gods for blessings and abundance. There are a few theories about where the name ‘Lohri’ originated:
- It could be a shortened version of the combined words til and rorhi (tilohri -> lohri). These words mean “sesame seed” and “gur,” respectively.
- Another theory is that the name is a shortened version of ‘Loi,’ which was the name of a saint’s wife.
- There is still a third theory that suggests the name comes from ‘loh,’ which is a word referring to warmth and light.
This holiday is often associated with religious traditions of the past, including remembrance of the sun god Surya and the fire god Agni. In some circles, there is also a popular folk tale about a man named Dulla Bhatti who spent much of his life rescuing young girls from being sold into slavery.
2. Lohri Celebrations and Traditions
The bonfire is the focal point of Lohri celebrations.
While this holiday is mainly celebrated in Punjab, there are other regions in both India and Pakistan that observe the holiday. Exact traditions vary from one region to another.
The Lohri celebration in Punjab is met with much enthusiasm, and holiday preparation actually begins several days before. During this time, children work together to gather firewood that will be used for the traditional pyre and उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni), or “bonfire.” They also participate in a fun tradition called Lohri Booty, in which groups of children go from home to home singing songs in order to receive some kind of sweet treat or even money.
On the night of Lohri, there is a large bonfire that serves as the focal point of the celebrations. People gather around the fire wearing bright and colorful clothing, and together they pray, sing, dance, and indulge in special Lohri snacks made from the harvested sugarcane and other types of रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal), or “Rabi crop.”
While music plays—either from a traditional instrument called ढोल (dhol) or from an electronic device—people take revolutions around the bonfire and dance. Popular songs include those about the good deeds of Dulla Bhatti. There are two types of dances: Bhangra which is performed by men and गिद्धा (giddha) which is performed by women. Both dances are known for their high energy and spirit.
A pyre is burned in the bonfire, sometimes featuring an idol of the Lohri goddess, and people throw food into the fire. Burning the food like this is seen as an offering to the fire god, as well as a way to ‘burn’ the old year and prepare for the new one.
- → Music is a huge part of this festival! Why not brush up on your music-related vocabulary in our Vocab Builder lesson on Music?
3. The Many Foods of Lohri
Jaggery is one of the most popular Indian foods, especially for holidays.
Because Lohri is a harvest festival, food is one of its central elements. The people of Punjab prepare a variety of seasonal meals and other treats using ingredients from the harvest, including the sugarcane. Some popular harvest items during this time include मूँगफली (moongfalee), or “peanut,” and गुड (gud), or “jaggery.”
Traditional Punjabi dishes include Sarson ka saag and Makke ki roti. The first is a dish consisting of mustard greens and spices, and the latter is an unleavened, cornmeal-based bread. Very often, Sarson ka saag, Makke ki roti, and jaggery are served together to make a complete, delicious holiday meal!
- → To learn more about popular Indian foods and eating practices, you can visit our lesson on the Top 5 Indian Dishes.
4. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Lohri Festival
On Lohri, women perform an upbeat dance called Giddha.
Now let’s review some of the words from this article, plus a few more!
- मूँगफली (moongfalee) – “peanut” [noun]
- पंजाब (panjaab) – “Punjab” [noun]
- उत्सावाग्नि (utsavaagni) – “bonfire” [noun]
- गन्ने (ganne) – “sugarcane” [noun]
- धनु राशि (dhanu rashi) – “Sagittarius” [proper noun]
- तिल (til) – “sesame seed” [noun]
- गुड (gud) – “jaggery” [noun]
- सरसों का साग (sarson ka saag) – “Sarson ka saag” [proper noun]
- मक्के की रोटी (makke ki roti) – “Makke ki roti” [proper noun]
- ढोल (dhol) – “Dhol” [proper noun]
- गिद्धा (giddha) – “Giddha” [proper noun]
- रब्बी की फसल (rabbi ki fasal) – “Rabi crop” [proper noun]
Remember that you can find each of these words along with an audio recording of their pronunciation on our Lohri vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
Lohri plays a significant role in Punjabi society and India as a whole. In this article, you learned why Lohri is celebrated in Punjab, what modern-day traditions look like, and more—but your studies aren’t over yet!
HindiPod101 provides tons of free vocabulary lists, useful learning resources, insightful blog posts like this one, and audio and video lessons for learners at every level. If you’re serious about upping your Hindi game and becoming familiar with Indian culture, then make sure to create your free lifetime account today (or upgrade your existing account for access to even more features!).
To continue learning about Indian culture and holidays, you can read our previous blog posts:
- Saraswati Puja: How to Celebrate Vasant Panchami in India
- How to Celebrate the Great Night of Lord Shiva in India
- ईद उल-फ़ित्र: Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in India
- Eid al-Adha in India – Sacrifice and Charity
- Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in India
This only scratches the surface of what you can expect from HindiPod101, so we hope to see you around.
Happy Lohri from the HindiPod101.com team!
20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi
Did you read our extensive guide on “How to Say Hello in Hindi“? Then it’s time to take a step forward and learn how to say goodbye in Hindi. Because let’s face it: Nobody likes to leave a conversation abruptly. Knowing how to conclude a conversation is just as crucial as knowing how to start one! It’s part and parcel of a strong communication etiquette.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to learn how to say goodbye in Hindi:
- In India, you’ll need this knowledge at the end of the day.
- It’s the proper way to end a chat or meeting with someone.
- Leaving without saying bye is impolite and rude in any culture.
- More importantly, we have specific Indian gestures that go along with particular goodbye phrases. (Another great reason to join us in this lesson!)
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some formal and informal ways of seeing people off in various situations. Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)
Table of Contents- Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
- Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
- When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
- Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
- Blessings From Elderly People
- Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
Let’s begin with the formal ways of saying goodbye in the Hindi language. There are several benefits of knowing how to use this kind of formal language in India, and these formal goodbye phrases are safe to use in any situation and with anybody. If it’s your first trip to India, you may want to read our article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Indian Etiquette.
Gesture ⇒ | Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. | ||
1. | नमस्ते (NamaSTe) | [Formal & Casual] | “Goodbye!” |
Example Situation | This Hindi word for goodbye can be used in any situation, whether formal or informal. Maybe you’ve met someone for the first time, and you’re getting ready to part ways. नमस्ते (NamaSTe) is the safest word to use, regardless of how old the other person is. | ||
Sentence Usage[Male] | मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगाI नमस्तेI (main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungaa. NamaSTe.) | ||
Sentence Usage[Female] | मैं दादाजी को आपका संदेश दे दूंगीI नमस्तेI (main DaaDaajii ko aap kaa SaNDes De Duungii. NamaSTe.) | ||
English Translation | “I will pass on your message to my grandfather. Goodbye.” |
Gesture ⇒ | Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. | ||
2. | शुभ रात्रि (subh raaTri) | [Formal] | “Goodnight” |
Example Situation | This phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host. | ||
Sentence Usage | पार्टी बहुत अच्छी थीI हमें बुलाने के लिए धन्यवादI शुभ रात्रिI (paartii bahuT acchii THii. hamen buLaaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. subh raaTri.) | ||
English Translation | “The party was amazing. Thank you for inviting us. Goodnight!” |
The Typical Indian Goodbye
Gesture ⇒ | Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. | ||
3. | नमस्कार (NamaSkaar) | [Formal] | “Good day” |
Example Situation | You could hear this being said on a news channel or in other highly formal situations, such as at a railway station or during a radio program. | ||
Sentence Usage | ये थे आज के मुख्य समाचारI नमस्कारI (ye THe aaj ke mukhy Samaacaar. NamaSkaar.) | ||
English Translation | “These were the main headlines for today. Good day.” |
Gesture ⇒ | Join the palms of your hands, placed near your chest, while slightly bowing your head with a gentle smile on your face. | ||
4. | आपका दिन शुभ हो (aap kaa DiN subh ho) | [Formal] | “Have a good day.” |
Example Situation | You could hear this being said on a news channel, any TV show, or in other highly formal situations, such as after a stewardess has given an announcement. | ||
Sentence Usage | हमारे साथ यात्रा करने के लिए धन्यवादI आपका दिन शुभ होI (hamaare SaaTH yaaTraa karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aap kaa DiN subh ho.) | ||
English Translation | “Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Have a good day.” |
5. | आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा(aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa) | [Formal] | “It was nice meeting you.” |
Example Situation | Of course, people say this to each other when they’ve met for the first time. This Hindi goodbye phrase could be used between two relatives, professionals, potential friends, etc. | ||
Sentence Usage | उम्मीद है फिर मुलाक़ात होगी। आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा। (ummiiD hai phir muLaaqaaT hogii. aap Se miLakar acchaa Lagaa.) | ||
English Translation | “Hope we see each other again. It was nice meeting you.” |
Quick Note: Leave a stunning impression by introducing yourself with one of these top ten Hindi ice-breakers!
2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Now that we’ve covered the must-know formal phrases, here comes the most exciting part for the youngsters. In this section, we’ll talk about how to say goodbye in Hindi when the environment is more laid-back.
Gesture ⇒ | You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. | ||
6. | मिलते हैं किसी दिन(miLaTe hain kiSii DiN) | [Casual] | “Let’s meet up someday!” |
Example Situation | When two people happen to run into each other, they may say “Hi” and use this phrase to end their short but pleasant conversation (assuming they would really like to see one another again). | ||
Sentence Usage | और क्या हाल हैं? मिलते हैं किसी दिन! (aur kyaa haaL hain? miLaTe hain kiSii DiN.) | ||
English Translation | “And what’s new? Let’s meet up someday!” |
Saying Bye to Colleagues
Gesture ⇒ | Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. | ||
7. | कल मिलते हैं(kaL miLaTe hain) | [Casual] | “See you tomorrow.” |
Example Situation | When you see your friend or colleague on a regular basis, it makes sense to plan something for the next day, and that’s where this phrase comes in. | ||
Sentence Usage | कल मिलते हैं, उसी जगह उसी वक़्त। (kaL miLaTe hain, uSii jagah uSii vaqT.) | ||
English Translation | “See you tomorrow, same place same time.” |
Gesture ⇒ | You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. | ||
8. | मिलते रहना(miLaTe rahaNaa) | [Casual] | “Keep in touch.” |
Example Situation | Two friends see each other after a long while, either by chance or through a planned meeting. In this situation, this phrase is the perfect way to say goodbye in the Hindi language. It implies that they would really like to see each other more in the future. | ||
Sentence Usage[Male] | अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखे। कैसे हो? मिलते रहना। (are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhe. kaiSe ho? miLaTe rahaNaa.) | ||
Sentence Usage[Female] | अरे! बहुत दिन बाद दिखीं। कैसी हो? मिलती रहना। (are! bahuT DiN baaD Dikhiin. kaiSii ho? miLaTii rahaNaa.) | ||
English Translation | “Oh! Long time no see. How are you? Keep in touch.” |
Gesture ⇒ | You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. | ||
9. | जल्दी मिलेंगे(jaLDii miLenge) | [Casual] | “See you soon.” |
Example Situation | This phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon. | ||
Sentence Usage | आज की शाम आपके साथ काफ़ी अच्छी रही। उम्मीद है हम फिर जल्दी मिलेंगे। (aaj kii saam aap ke SaaTH kaafii acchii rahii. ummiiD hai ham phir jaLDii miLenge.) | ||
English Translation | “I really enjoyed this evening with you. Hope to see you soon.” |
Proper Phone Etiquette
Gesture ⇒ | Friends may offer each other a handshake or a tap on the shoulder. However, physical touching between opposite genders must be avoided in public places. Elders may caress a young person’s hair or cheeks to show their affection. | ||
10. | ध्यान रखना (DHyaaN rakhaNaa) | [Casual] | “Take care.” |
Example Situation | When seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other. | ||
Sentence Usage | किसी बात की चिंता मत करना और अपना ध्यान रखना। (kiSii baaT kii ciNTaa maT karaNaa aur apaNaa DHyaaN rakhaNaa.) | ||
English Translation | “Don’t worry about anything and take care.” |
Gesture ⇒ | You may simply wave your hand if you’re parting ways with someone of the opposite sex, while people of the same sex may go for a quick handshake. | ||
11. | चलता / चलती हूँ (caLaTaa) / (caLaTii huun) | [Casual] | “Gotta go.”Or”I’ve got to take off.” |
Example Situation | Suppose there are classmates enjoying some snacks together in the college cafeteria. One of them realizes that he or she needs to leave early, so they say this phrase to their classmates. | ||
Sentence Usage[Male] | चलता हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है।(caLaTaa huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) | ||
Sentence Usage[Female] | चलती हूँ। मुझे कल के एग्ज़ाम के लिए तैयारी भी करनी है। (caLaTii huun. mujhe kaL ke egzaam ke Liye Taiyaarii bhii karaNii hai.) | ||
English Translation | “Gotta go! I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, too.” |
Gesture ⇒ | Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. | ||
12. | जाने का समय हो गया है (jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai) | [Casual] | “It’s time to go.” |
Example Situation | You can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as when the train has arrived and you have to say bye to your loved ones. It’s basically a conversational phrase that’s a bit time-sensitive. | ||
Sentence Usage | जाने का समय हो गया है। चलो, सबके पैर छू लें। (jaaNe kaa Samay ho gayaa hai. caLo, Sab ke pair chuu Len.) | ||
English Translation | “It’s time to go. Let’s touch everybody’s feet.” |
Quick Note: In India, young people usually follow the custom of touching their elders’ feet before leaving. In response to that, the elders put their palm on the young people’s heads to show their affection and bless them.
See You Soon! 🙂
Gesture ⇒ | Friendly eye-contact and a smile will do the job. | ||
13. | अब हमें चलना चाहिए (ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye) | [Casual] | “We should leave now.” |
Example Situation | Attending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home. | ||
Sentence Usage | काफ़ी रात हो गई हैI अब हमें चलना चाहिएI (kaafii raaT ho gayii hai. ab hamen caLaNaa caahiye.) | ||
English Translation | “It’s actually quite late. We should leave now.” |
3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
Telephonic conversation etiquette has a style of its own. People use a completely different set of phrases to talk over the phone. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to say “Bye for now” in Hindi after a chat on the phone.
Gesture ⇒ | Don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! | ||
14. | फ़ोन करते रहना (foN karaTe rahaNaa) | [Casual] | “Call me.” / “Keep in touch.” |
Example Situation | Friends or parents may use this phrase over the phone when talking to their friend or child who’s just moved to a new city. | ||
Sentence Usage | दिल्ली के नए माहौल का लुत्फ़ उठाओI और फ़ोन करते रहनाI (DiLLii ke Naye maahauL kaa LuTf uthaao. aur foN karaTe rahaNaa.) | ||
English Translation | “Enjoy your new life in Delhi. And keep in touch.” |
Gesture ⇒ | Keep a gentle tone and don’t forget to smile, because people can sense it even when they can’t see you! | ||
15. | बाद में बात करते हैं (baaD men baaT karaTe hain) | [Casual] | “Talk to you later.” |
Example Situation | You know that feeling when you just don’t want to put the phone down, but you have to? Indians use this phrase as a gesture to express that they’re very much looking forward to having another lovely chat with you soon! | ||
Sentence Usage | चलो, अभी तुम सो जाओI बाद में बात करते हैंI (caLo, abhii Tum So jaao. baaD men baaT karaTe hain.) | ||
English Translation | “Alright, you get some rest now. Talk to you later.” |
Have a Great Day!
4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
Now for a really unique section! Here are a couple of untranslatable Hindi phrases that have no substitute in English or any other language.
Gesture ⇒ | You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. | ||
16. | अलविदा (aLaviDaa) | [Casual] | “Goodbye!” |
Example Situation | This is an Urdu word with roots in the Arabic language. But it can be heard quite frequently in Bollywood movies portraying Muslim characters. It’s mainly said when two people don’t know when they’ll meet again and wish for each other’s well-being. | ||
Sentence Usage | अलविदा, चचा जानI हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगेI (aLaviDaa, cacaa jaaN. ham hamesaa aap ko yaaD karenge.) | ||
English Translation | “Goodbye, dear uncle. We’ll always miss you.” |
Gesture ⇒ | You can wave, make friendly eye contact, and smile. | ||
17. | टाटा (taataa) | [Casual] | “Bye!” |
Example Situation | When the mood is light, this should be your go-to Hindi goodbye phrase. It’s especially popular among kids, because it’s so easy to say with few syllables. In addition, family members will often say this to each other when parting ways. | ||
Sentence Usage | टाटा! घर पहुँच कर फ़ोन ज़रूर करनाI (taataa, ghar pahunc kar foN zaruur karaNaa.) | ||
English Translation | “Tata! Make sure to call me once you get home.” |
5. Blessings From Elderly People
In India, we have a custom of touching the feet of our elders, especially while greeting them and saying goodbye. Touching the feet is a gesture that represents our love and deep respect toward older people. To this, our elders respond by placing their palm on our head and blessing us. Below are some popular phrases used for this purpose.
Gesture ⇒ | After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. | ||
18. | सदा सुखी रहो (SaDaa Sukhii raho) | [Out of Love] | “Wish you forever happiness.” |
Example Situation | Old people usually say this as a blessing to married couples. | ||
Sentence Usage | सदा सुखी रहोI (SaDaa Sukhii raho) | ||
English Translation | “Wish you forever happiness.” |
Gesture ⇒ | After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. | ||
19. | ख़ूब नाम कमाओ (khuub Naam kamaao) | [Out of Love] | “May you achieve success.” |
Example Situation | This is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. | ||
Sentence Usage | मन लगाकर पढ़ाई करो और ख़ूब नाम कमाओI (maN Lagaakar padhhaaii karo aur khuub Naam kamaao.) | ||
English Translation | “Study with full dedication and may you achieve success.” |
Gesture ⇒ | After a young person has touched an elder’s feet, the elder will put their palm on the young person’s head to show their affection and bless them. | ||
20. | आयुष्मान भव (aayusmaaN bhav) | [Out of Love] | “Live long.” |
Example Situation | This is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.” | ||
Sentence Usage | आयुष्मान भवI (aayusmaaN bhav.) | ||
English Translation | “May you live long.” |
It was a Pleasure Meeting You!
6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com
And now, it’s really time for us to say goodbye! Jokes aside, which of the phrases in this article is your favorite? Can you use it in a sentence and share it with us in the comments? Oh, and feel free to drop any questions you have there, too. We’d love to help!
But before that, how about signing up on HindiPod101.com and downloading our latest innovative app. And if there’s any word or phrase in this lesson that is difficult for you to understand, you can check its meaning in our Grammar Bank.
For more fun learning, stay tuned guys, ‘cause we have so much in store for you!
Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.
If you’re a native English-speaker looking to learn the beautiful Hindi language, you may have asked yourself “Is Hindi hard to learn?” Doubts like this are understandable, given the massive difference between the Hindi and English language scripts. However, not all answers are black and white.
There are a number of factors that can influence how easily you learn Hindi:
- Your background
- Your willingness to learn
- The Hindi teaching methods being used
Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.
Table of Contents- Hindi: Yay or Nay!
- Why Should You Learn Hindi?
- The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
- The Hardest Parts
- Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
- Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
Making Hindi Learning Fun for You!
1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
You want to know how difficult (or easy!) learning Hindi will be for you. You want to know if you should take the plunge or not.
We won’t lie: Learning Hindi is no piece of cake! That said, there are some things that make Hindi hard to learn, and others that are very simple. Once you get the drift of it, you won’t be able to help falling in love with the language’s many amazing features. 🙂
For instance, Hindi is spoken just the way it’s written. Once you learn the alphabet, you’ve already won half the battle! (And with HindiPod101.com, you can learn the alphabet in no time.)
Now, let’s get going already and cover the basics of learning Hindi. In this article, we’ll give you some marvelous facts about the Hindi language, show you the good, bad, and ugly of the learning process, and give you tips for success along the way!
2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
Why on earth would you want to learn Hindi? Honestly, the benefits are plenty, especially if you’re planning to stay in India for a while. Allow us to list some of the best reasons to learn Hindi with us.
1 – Wide Popularity
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in India. Did you know that Hindi is the official language in a total of nine Indian states, collectively known as the Hindi Belt? But the language’s huge reputation doesn’t end there. In fact, natives of South India are quite familiar with the Hindi language as well. What’s more, take into account the massive fan base of Bollywood movies all over India—and the world—to see just how popular Hindi language media has become!
2 – Professional Benefits
Learning Hindi will open up many job opportunities for you. To say the least, it will give you a strong advantage in the Indian atmosphere. People in India are more inclined to hire someone who knows such a prevalent language like Hindi than someone who only knows English (or another less-popular language). When you know Hindi, they actually begin to see you as a part of their own society and culture.
3 – Social Mingling
Knowing at least a little Hindi will definitely give you an edge in many ways, from breaking the ice in conversations to dating someone. It will help you connect with natives and socialize with them in both personal and professional scenarios. This is especially true if you’re in Northern India, where conversing in Hindi is the real shortcut to people’s hearts.
Are You Studying the Right Way?
4 – Practical Advantages
Knowing Hindi will help you in a variety of daily activities, such as grocery shopping, bargaining for a lower price, taking a taxi, or asking for directions. It’s a life-saver in case of an emergency. Basic knowledge of Hindi will help you gel with neighbors and have fun at parties. You would have the luxury of laughing with natives when they make a joke (instead of feeling left out).
5 – Command Over Other Regional Languages
Hindi has inspired many other regional languages, such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Bihari. All of these languages spoken in the Northern area have many words in common. So, studying Hindi will automatically make you more familiar with these languages too, which is a big bonus!
3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
Learning Hindi isn’t all fun and games, but there are a few aspects of the language that really aren’t so bad!
1 – Phonetic Language
When a language is phonetic, it means that it’s spoken exactly as it’s written. Once you learn to recognize the alphabet, there are no hidden or confusing pronunciation rules.
So, starting from scratch, your first priority should be to master the Hindi alphabet. Here are some examples of how Hindi may actually be easier than English in this regard:
- In English: Consider the sound of ‘u’ in “put” and “bush,” and then compare it to the sound of ‘u’ in “cut” and “rush.” They sound different, right? Moreover, “rough” and “cough” produce the sound of ‘f,’ whereas “though” and “plough” don’t.
- In Hindi: You won’t find such ambiguity in the Hindi language. Each sound or letter has one—and only one—way of being spoken. For example, घर (ghar) = “house,” घंटी (ghantii) = “bell,” and घूमना (ghuumaNaa) = “wander,” all generate the same sound of ‘gh’ as in “ghost.”
2 – Familiar Sounds
Although Hindi is a completely different language, it still has its fair share of common sounds with English. This factor turns things in the learner’s favor and fills them with some self-confidence from the beginning.
Start with the Basics
Delving into these familiar sounds right away and building a personal vocab list is an easy way to start practicing Hindi.
Examples of Familiar Sounds:
Familiar Sounds | Hindi Examples | English Examples |
अ (a) Sound |
| Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof” |
आ (aa) Sound |
| Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark” |
इ (i) Sound |
| Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live” |
|
| Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep” |
च (c) Sound |
| Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips” |
ज (j) Sound |
| Used as [j] in “junk,” “jam,” “junior” |
3 – Plenty of English Words
Many borrowed English words have become a common part of our day-to-day Hindi. So, in a situation where the right Hindi word doesn’t come to your mind, you can get away with the survival English phrase for that word.
Given below are some Hindi sentences with common English words in them.
- मेरी शाम की फ़्लाइट है I (merii saam kii fLaait hai.)
“I have an evening flight.”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगे? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karenge?) [Talking to a male]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
- क्या आज रात आप मेरे साथ डिनर करेंगी? (kyaa aaj raaT aap mere SaaTH diNar karengii?) [Talking to a female]
“Would you have dinner with me tonight?”
4 – Warm Culture
The quality of your surroundings plays a great role in how effectively you pick up new concepts. A warm and supportive atmosphere guarantees that you’ll learn faster and with more confidence. In the accommodating Indian culture, you’ll get all the encouragement needed to polish your Hindi language skills and speak like a native.
4. The Hardest Parts
Now it’s time to face the challenging parts. Given that Hindi is way out of league for any English-speaker, you’re bound to bump into some difficult stages during the learning process. So why is Hindi hard to learn, and how can you overcome these obstacles?
1 – Unfamiliar Sounds
This part is a nightmare for English-speakers. There are so many sounds in Hindi that non-native speakers are completely unaware of. Hence, it’s vital to focus on the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds as soon as possible, because these concepts can get tricky.
Let’s look at a couple of these unique Hindi sounds.
Unfamiliar Sounds | Hindi Examples | English Examples |
त (T) Sound |
| Used as [t] in “pasta,” “restaurant” |
ख/ख़ (kh) Sound |
| Used as [kh] in “Khan,” “Bach“ |
2 – Diacritics
Once you’ve spent some time on the unfamiliar letters and sounds, the second most important thing is to study Hindi grammar and diacritics (maaTraa) religiously. Otherwise, everything that follows will leave you puzzled.
Here are a few illustrations to show you how a little diacritic can turn the meaning of a word upside-down.
- भरा (bharaa) = “Full”
भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
- घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
- रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
- फल (phaL) = “Fruit”
फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
- पान (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
पानी (paaNii) = “Water”
How Can You Make Hindi Learning Easy?
3 – Gender-specific Conjugation
Let’s come back to the question, “Is Hindi hard to learn for English-speakers?” Up to a limit, the language can be pretty difficult, especially when it comes to something English-speakers aren’t familiar with in their own language: gender-specific conjugation.
In English, except for personal pronouns, there’s no grammatical gender to worry about. Sadly, that’s not the case in Hindi.
In the Hindi language, everything has a gender and the whole conjugation pattern changes accordingly.
Examples:
Masculine Gender (Singular) | राम घर जा रहा है I (raam ghar jaa rahaa hai.) | “Ram is going home.” |
Feminine Gender (Singular) | सीता घर जा रही है I (SiiTaa ghar jaa rahii hai.) | “Sita is going home.” |
Masculine Gender (Plural) | दो आदमी सो रहे हैं I (Do aaDamii So rahe hain.) | “Two men are sleeping.” |
Feminine Gender (Plural) | दो औरतें सो रही हैं I (Do auraTen So rahii hain.) | “Two women are sleeping.” |
4 – Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are spelled and pronounced identically, but have different meanings. Just like every language, Hindi is full of them. This may be bad news for beginners because it all comes down to context. Context is the only thing that hints at the correct meaning of a word in a given conversation.
- खाना (khaaNaa) = “To eat” (verb)
खाना (khaaNaa) = “Food” (noun)
- सोना (SoNaa) = “To sleep”
सोना (SoNaa) = “Gold”
- जग (jag) = “World”
जग (jag) = “Jug” (example: “jug of water”)
5 – Slang / Colloquial Words
Another feature that can really twist your mind is the Hindi texting slang, which can often be labeled untranslatable. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the texting slang and phrases you’ll come across, so please make sure to check out the links above and memorize as many words as possible.
Just to give you an idea, here are a couple of popular slang phrases:
- लंका लग गयी (Lankaa Lag gayii) = “Weird Sh*t Happens”
- ढाबा (dhaabaa) = “Roadside restaurant”
Practicing with the Natives
6 – Formal Tone
India is a country where tone matters. So much so that we have different ways of addressing elders versus young people. To be on the safer side, until and unless you’re well-acquainted with Indian culture, it’s better to use the formal tone for everyone without exception.
As a beginner, you may find it helpful to study this table about etiquette rules.
Example Sentence: “What will you eat?” | |||
Formal | Informal | Highly Casual | |
For Addressing |
|
|
|
Common Words Used | आप (aap) आपको (aap ko) | तुम (Tum) तुमको (Tum ko) | तू (Tuu)तुझे (Tujhe) |
Addressing Males | आप क्या खाएंगे? (aap kyaa khaayenge?) | तुम क्या खाओगे? (Tum kyaa khaaoge?) | तू क्या खायेगा? (Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?) |
Addressing Females | आप क्या खाएंगी? (aap kyaa khaayengii?) | तुम क्या खाओगी? (Tum kyaa khaaogii?) | तू क्या खायेगी? (Tuu kyaa khaayegii?) |
5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
Everybody could use some help, especially beginners. With these valuable tips and methods, you can make your learning journey more interesting and unconventional.
1 – Watch Movies and TV Shows
We all learn faster when it’s fun. So, the first way to drive away boredom is to start watching hit Bollywood movies. It’s even better if they have subtitles in your mother tongue. If you’re not into films, you can opt for Hindi songs or TV shows in your favorite genre. Check out our list of the Top Hindi TV Shows to get started.
Don’t Study Hard. Study Smart.
2 – Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks or radio programs in Hindi can be really useful when you’re getting started. It’s especially time-efficient when you’re stuck in traffic or commuting by metro. For more tech-savvy learning, feel free to check out our free Hindi audiobooks.
3 – Practice with Native Speakers
On a regular basis, talk to someone who’s a native Hindi-speaker. There’s nothing like gaining first-hand experience with natives. Moreover, practicing with native folks means you’ll get instant feedback, cultural tips, and information on minute details. And, hold on, isn’t it so much more fun!
4 – Review Everyday
If you don’t review and revise often, you’ll lose all of the progress you’ve made! Imagine planting a tree every day but forgetting to water them. The same is the case with studying Hindi. Revision and practice are almost as necessary as learning something new.
5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When confused about something, ask. It’ll save you from embarrassment later. Remember, Indians are generous when it comes to assisting others. They don’t mind stopping what they’re doing to help you out. So, shake off any hesitation and reach out to them. People will actually respect you more because of your interest in their native language.
6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?
By now, you may be wondering what makes HindiPod101.com so special. Why should someone choose this platform above all the others? Read on to find out the unique perks and facilities HindiPod101.com has to offer you—unbeatable features that you’ll find nowhere else. Let’s dig in!
1 – World-Class Materials
From free PDFs to quality learning materials, grammar exercises, and countless video and audio lessons, we’ve got everything to help you speak Hindi fast. Our students also enjoy using flashcards, a free Hindi-English dictionary, a comprehensive grammar bank, and our fun Word of the Day feature!
2 – Effective Strategies
We know how hard learning Hindi can be. But there’s always a way to get through in one piece! HindiPod101.com shares various effective strategies to keep things simple for you. These may include pinpointing your favorite way of learning Hindi, using quick memory techniques, etc.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
3 – Customized Learning
Do you want to learn Hindi to get a better job? Are you trying to date someone in India? Maybe you just need some survival phrases in Hindi for a quick visit. Whatever your purpose for learning Hindi, just let us know and we’ll create a Learning Path that specially caters to your needs and goals.
4 – Personal Assistance
Got a question? The MyTeacher Messenger is there to help you with your doubts 24/7. All you have to do is sign up at our website and become a Premium PLUS student. A Hindi teacher will be assigned to you for all your language-related questions. Just leave a message and your teacher will respond back within a few hours. How cool is that!
5 – Hindi at Your Fingertips!
We want nothing to stand between you and your desire to study Hindi. That’s why HindiPod101.com has designed a brilliant, user-friendly app for learning Hindi whether you’re feeling lazy or have a jam-packed schedule. Now you can improve your Hindi skills no matter where you are.
Let us know in the comments how you feel about learning Hindi now. More confident, or do you still have some questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you!
How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi
Mistakes are a part of life. But some of them may get us in trouble or in quite an embarrassing situation. This is especially true when learning a new language.
Being a non-native, you may have already experienced the pain of making common Hindi grammar mistakes. Honestly, we feel you! But we can’t bend the rules for you. After all, it’s a language, something you can’t mess with!
Mistakes are a part of life!
But we’re not saying that you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways that you can make the learning process easier on yourself and plenty of strategies to get ahead of others.
So, in this lesson, we’ll be sharing some quick tricks and tips on how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, in addition to common grammatical errors.
Let’s get started, guys!
Table of Contents- Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
- The Gender Conflict
- Confusing Homonyms
- “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
- The Politeness Code
- Stay Away from Redundancy
- Clever Diacritics
- When to Skip the jii Suffix
- The Local Dialect
- The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com
1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
Well, as they say, eat your frogs first. Phonetics is a real pain for any Hindi language learner. And it’s scary as hell. So, let’s tackle that first.
Common Hindi pronunciation mistakes abound when new learners begin speaking the language. Whether it’s the accent, the pronunciation, or the stretch of a syllable, this one is a head-scratcher. But HindiPod101.com has your back!
Before this scary monster begins to overpower your abilities and crush your self-confidence, check out our comprehensive guide on Hindi pronunciation. It will give you deep insight into the micro-concepts of the language and help you learn faster.
When studying Hindi, there are certain facts worth knowing about the language. We’ll do our best to cover these facts in the following sections.
1 – Writing System
- Hindi follows an alphasyllabary writing system, where each combination of consonants and vowels is taken as a unit.
Example | क + म + र + आ = कमरा (kamaraa) = “room” (ka) + (ma) + (ra) + (aa) |
2 – Unfamiliar Sounds
- There are a handful of new sounds in Hindi that are completely unfamiliar to non-natives. So, it’s quite possible to get confused while pronouncing them.
Examples of Unfamiliar Sounds |
त (T) = This is the soft sound of [t] as used in “barista” or in the Italian pronunciation of “pasta.” |
त्र (Tr) = This is the coupled sound of soft [T] + [r] to make [Tr], as in “Dmitrij” or the Italian pronunciation of “restaurant.” |
ख or ख़ (kh) = This is the coupled sound of [k] + [h] to make [kh], as in “Khan” or “Bach.” Of course, both are loan words from the Urdu and German languages, because there’s no such English word with the “-kh” sound. |
And we’re not even close to covering all the points which so frequently lead to the most common Hindi pronunciation mistakes.
3 – Syllables
- A longer or shorter stretch of a syllable may completely change the meaning of a word.