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Archive for the 'Hindi Phrases' Category

The Top 30 Proverbs in Hindi to Impress Native Speakers

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Hindi is a rich and colorful language, so it should come as no surprise that proverbs are a huge part of daily life in India. Learning proverbs in Hindi is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of Indian culture while expanding your vocabulary at the same time! 

In our lesson today, we’ll introduce you to the most widely used Hindi proverbs and their meanings. We intend for this to be a useful Hindi learning tool for intermediate learners as well as beginners, so our list of proverbs in Hindi will cover only the sayings you’re most likely to hear while in India. 

Let’s get started!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hindi Table of Contents
  1. How Relevant Are Hindi Proverbs?
  2. Hindi Proverbs List
  3. Conclusion

1. How Relevant Are Hindi Proverbs?

To Indians, Hindi proverbs are more than a bunch of literary phrases or clever sayings. We’ve been hearing these words of wisdom from our grandparents and parents since childhood. It would be no exaggeration to say that using and hearing these proverbs takes us back to our childhood—and who doesn’t love that? 

As a Hindi learner, being able to use Hindi proverbs correctly will give you an edge and help you stand out from the crowd. Our Hindi proverbs list will give you the information and tips you need to sound smart, grasp the context of each proverb quickly, and contribute to any conversation that comes your way. 


2. Hindi Proverbs List

Below you’ll find thirty of the most common Hindi proverbs covering a range of topics. For your convenience, we’ve also included their literal translations, their meanings, and how to use them in the right context.

#1 जब जागो तब सवेरा (jab jaago Tab Saveraa)

Literal Translation: “Whenever you wake up, that’s your morning.”

Similar English Proverb: “Better late than never.”

Usage in Context: It’s never too late to realize your mistake. Imagine a person who’s careless and insensitive to his/her spouse. Their marriage is about to break. But before it gets to that point, the person realizes their mistake, changes their behavior, and saves the marriage.

Example Sentence: 

हेमा ने अपनी ग़लती समझकर अपनी शादी बचा ली। ये तो वही बात हुई, जब जागो तब सवेरा।
(hemaa Ne apaNii gaLaTii Samajhakar apaNii saaDii bacaa Lii. ye To vahii baaT huii, jab jaago Tab Saveraa.)
“Hema realized her mistake and saved her marriage from falling apart. This is what we call, ‘better late than never’.”


An Alarm Clock

Better late than never!

#2 अधजल गगरी छलकत जाये (aDHajaL gagarii chaLakaT jaaye)

Literal Translation: “A half-filled container spills more water.”

Similar English Proverb: “An empty vessel makes the most noise.”

Usage in Context: Imagine you’re an expert at painting while your friend is just a beginner. But when sitting around with others, he boasts a lot about painting as if he knows everything.

Example Sentence: 

सुनील पेंटिंग के बारे में ऐसे बात करता है जैसे उसे सब कुछ पता हो। अधजल गगरी छलकत जाये।
(SuNiiL peNting ke baare men aiSe baaT karaTaa hai jaiSe uSe Sab kuch paTaa ho. aDHajaL gagarii chaLakaT jaaye.)
“Sunil is just a beginner but he talks about painting as if he knows everything. It’s true, ‘an empty vessel makes the most noise’.”

#3 नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा (Naac Na jaaNe aangaN tedhaa)

Literal Translation: “Not knowing how to dance but calling the courtyard crooked.”

Similar English Proverb: “A bad workman blames his tools.”

Usage in Context: A friend of yours doesn’t know how to cook, but instead of admitting so, he always gives one excuse or another for his bad cooking.

Example Sentence: 

पुनीत को खाना बनाना नहीं आता और वह हर बार कुछ गड़बड़ कर देता है। लेकिन अपनी ग़लती मानने की बजाय वो बर्तनों में नुक्स निकालता है। सच ही है, नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा।
(puNiiT ko khaaNaa baNaaNaa Nahiin aaTaa aur vah har baar kuch gadabad kar DeTaa hai. LekiN apaNii gaLaTii maaNaNe kii bajaaye vo barTaNon men NukS NikaaLTaa hai. Sac hii hai, Naac Na jaaNe aangaN tedhaa.)
“Punit doesn’t know how to cook and he ruins the food all the time. But he will never admit it and always blames the cooking pots. He reminds us of the proverb, ‘a bad workman blames his tools’.”

#4 उल्टा चोर कोतवाल को डांटे (uLataa cor koTavaaL ko daante)

Literal Translation: “When caught, the thief scolds the policeman.”

Similar English Proverb: “Pot calling the kettle black.”

Usage in Context: Suppose you’re buying some items from the grocery store. The shopkeeper tries to cheat you and doesn’t give you the due change—when you point it out, he begins to argue with you.

Example Sentence: 

Customer: आपने मुझे पैसे वापस नहीं दिए। (aapaNe mujhe paiSe vaapaS Nahiin Diye.)
“You didn’t return me the balance.”

Shopkeeper: मैंने तो वापस दिए थे। आप झूठ मत बोलिये। (maiNe To vaapaS Diye THe. aap jhuuth maT boLiye.)
“I did. You are lying.”

Customer: अच्छा! उल्टा चोर कोतवाल को डांटे! (acchaa! uLataa cor koTavaaL ko daante!)
“Oh! So, the pot’s calling the kettle black!”

#5 जान है तो जहान है (jaaN hai to jahaaN hai)

Literal Translation: “If there is life, then there is the world.”

Similar English Proverb: “Health is wealth.”

Usage in Context: Some people overwork themselves and ignore their health in the process. They forget the value of a healthy body and peaceful mind.

Example Sentence: 

A: फ़रहा ने चार महीनों से एक भी छुट्टी नहीं ली है। इस वजह से वो कमज़ोर होती जा रही है।
(farahaa Ne caar mahiiNon Se ek bhii chuttii Nahiin Lii hai. iS vajah Se vo kamazor hoTii jaa rahii hai.)
“Farah has not taken any leave in four months. That’s why she is getting weaker.”

B: हाँ, उसे कुछ दिन घर पर रहकर आराम करना चाहिए। आख़िर, जान है तो जहान है।
(haan, uSe kuch DiN ghar par rahakar aaraam karaNaa caahiye. aakhir, jaaN hai To jahaaN hai.)
“Yes, she should stay at home and take rest for a few days. After all, health is wealth.”


A Woman Performing a Yoga Pose

Health is Wealth!

#6 जिस की लाठी उसकी भैंस (jiSakii Laathii uSakii bhainS)

Literal Translation: “The buffalo belongs to the person who holds a stick.”

Similar English Proverb: “Might is right.”

Usage in Context: In modern times, virtues like honesty and loyalty hardly seem to matter. Oftentimes, the wrong people get their way by using their power and money.

Example Sentence: 

A: बेईमान नेता ने उस ईमानदार अधिकारी का तबादला करवा दिया। (beiimaaN NeTaa Ne uS iimaaNaDaar aDHikaarii ka TabaaDaLaa karavaa Diyaa.)
“The corrupt minister got the honest officer transferred.”

B: हाँ, जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंस। (haan, jiSakii Laathii uSakii bhainS)
“Yeah, might is right.”

#7 अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत (ab pachaTaaye hoT kyaa jab cidiyaa cug gayii kheT)

Literal Translation: “There’s no use repenting when the birds have already damaged the crops in the field.”

Similar English Proverb: “There’s no use crying over spilled milk.”

Usage in Context: You might use this proverb after someone neglects to finish their work and ends up regretting it.  

Example Sentence: 

A: करन उदास था। वह भर्ती परीक्षा नहीं दे पायेगा क्योंकि उसने फ़ॉर्म समय पर नहीं जमा किया था।
(karaN uDaaS THaa. vah bharTii pariiksaa Nahiin De paayegaa kyonki uSaNe form Samay par Nahiin jamaa kiyaa THaa.)
“Karan was sad as he will miss the entrance exam because he didn’t submit the form on time.”

B: अब क्या हो सकता है! अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गयी खेत।
(ab kyaa ho SakaTaa hai! ab pachaTaaye hoT kyaa jab cidiyaa cug gayii kheT.)
“What can be done now! There’s no use crying over spilled milk.”


A Woman in a Red Shirt Holding Her Hand to Her Head with Eyes Closed

Do you have regrets in life?

#8 दूध का जला छाछ भी फूंक कर पीता है (DuuDH kaa jaLaa chaach bhii phuunk kar piiTaa hai)

Literal Translation: “The person who’s burned from milk is scared of buttermilk too.”

Similar English Proverb: “Once bitten twice shy.”

Usage in Context: A person who almost drowned once while trying to get on a boat will always be scared of doing so in the future.

Example Sentence: 

A: चलो, नाव पर चलें। (caLo, Naav par caLen)
“Come on, let’s go boating.”

B: नहीं, एक बार मैं नदी में डूबते-डूबते बचा था। मुझे डर लगता है। (Nahiin, ek baar main NaDii men duubaTe-duubaTe bacaa THaa. mujhe dar LagaTaa hai.)
“No, once I was about to drown in a river. I am scared of boating.”

A: ओह! सच है कि दूध का जला छाछ भी फूंक कर पीता है। (oh! Sac hai ki DuuDH kaa jaLaa chaach bhii phuunk kar piiTaa hai.)
“Oh! It’s true. Once bitten twice shy.”

#9 चोर-चोर मौसेरे भाई (cor-cor mauSere bhaaii)

Literal Translation: “Two thieves are just like cousins.”

Similar English Proverb: “Birds of a feather flock together.”

Usage in Context: This proverb might be used when two mischievous people bond and support each other like nobody else. 

Example Sentence: 

सभी बेईमान नेता हर घोटाले में एक दूसरे की मदद करते हैं। चोर-चोर मौसेरे भाई।
(Sabhii beiimaaN NeTaa har ghotaaLe men ek DuuSare kii maDaD karaTe hain. cor-cor mauSere bhaaii.)
“All the corrupt ministers support each other in every scam. Birds of a feather flock together.”

#10 जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी (jaiSii karaNii vaiSii bharaNii)

Literal Translation: “What you receive is the consequence of your actions.”

Similar English Proverb: “As you sow, so you shall reap.”

Usage in Context: When someone does something bad to another person, karma finds its way back.

Example Sentence: 

A: सोहन ने रेस जीतने के लिए कमल को धक्का दे दिया। लेकिन जज ने उसे ही रेस से बाहर कर दिया।
(SohaN Ne reS jiiTaNe ke Liye kamaL ko Dhakkaa De Diyaa. LekiN jaj Ne uSe hii reS Se baahar kar Diyaa.)
“Sohan pushed Kamal to win the race. But the judge saw and put him out of the race.”

B: बहुत अच्छा हुआ। जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी।
(bahuT acchaa huaa. jaiSii karaNii vaiSii bharaNii.)
“Good. As you sow, so you shall reap.”

#11 ऊँट के मुंह में जीरा (uunt ke munh men jiiraa)

Literal Translation: “A pinch of cumin seeds in the camel’s mouth.”

Similar English Proverb: “A drop in the bucket.”

Usage in Context: This one depicts a situation where a person gets way less than he/she needs.

Example Sentence: 

भारत में किसानों को बाज़ार से जो पैसा मिलता है वह ऊंट के मुंह में जीरे के बराबर है।
(bhaaraT men kiSaaNon ko baazaar Se jo paiSaa miLaTaa hai vah uunt ke munh men jiire ke baraabar hai)
“In India, the profit farmers get from the market is like a drop in the bucket.”

#12 अंत भला तो सब भला (aNT bhaLaa To Sab bhaLaa)

Literal Translation: “If it’s a happy ending, then everything was worth it.”

Similar English Proverb: “All’s well that ends well.”

Usage in Context: You could use this proverb after enduring several hurdles to find that everything ended just like you wanted it to. 

Example Sentence: 

पूरी फ़िल्म में हीरो हर क़दम पर मात खाता रहा। लेकिन बाद में उसने अपनी मंज़िल पा ली। इसे कहते हैं अंत भला तो सब भला।
(puurii fiLm men hiiro har kaDam par maaT khaaTaa rahaa. LekiN baaD men uSaNe apaNii maNziL paa Lii. iSe kahaTe hain anT bhaLaa To Sab bhaLaa.)
“During the whole movie, the hero kept failing at every stage. But then, he achieved his goal. This is called ‘all’s well that ends well’.”


The Best Man at a Wedding Giving a Toast to the Couple

All’s well that ends well.

#13 दूर के ढोल सुहावने लगते हैं (Duur ke dhoL SuhaavaNe LagaTe hain)

Literal Translation: “Distant drums sound pleasant.”

Similar English Proverb: “The grass is always greener on the other side.”

Usage in Context: We always end up thinking that other people have better lives or better things than we do, which is not always true. It’s just that we’re not fully aware of the reality.

Example Sentence: 

लोग विदेश जाने के लिए पागल हैं लेकिन वो ये नहीं समझते कि वहां की अपनी अलग दिक्कतें हैं। असल में, दूर के ढोल सुहावने लगते हैं।
(Log viDes jaaNe ke Liye paagaL hain LekiN vo ye Nahiin SamajhaTe ki vahaan kii apaNii aLag DikkaTen hain. aSaL men, Duur ke dhoL SuhaaavaNe LagaTe hain.)
“People are crazy about moving to other countries. However, they don’t realize that there will be other kinds of problems. Actually, distant drums sound pleasant.”

#14 आगे कुंआ पीछे खाई (aage kunaan piiche khaaii)

Literal Translation: “A well in front and a ditch behind.”

Similar English Proverb: “Between the devil and the deep blue sea.”

Usage in Context: You might use this saying to describe a situation where you’re surrounded by troubles from all sides and feel stuck in life.

Example Sentence: 

नोटबंदी में पुराने नोट बंद हो गए और एटीएम में पैसे नहीं। यानी आगे कुआँ पीछे खाई।
(NotabanDii men puraaNe Not banD ho gaye aur e-tii-em men paiSe Nahiin. yaaNii aage kunaan piiche khaaii.)
“During demonetization, the old notes were scrapped and there was no money in the ATM machines. It was like being stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea.”

#15 डूबते को तिनके का सहारा (DuubaTe ko TiNake kaa Sahaaraa)

Literal Translation: “To a drowning person, even a grain could be a great help.”

Similar English Proverb: “Drowning man catches at a straw.”

Usage in Context: When going through a really tough time, even the smallest bit of help can mean a lot.

Example Sentence: 

जब सुमन का बिज़नेस ठप हो गया था, तो उसके दोस्तों ने पैसे जुटाकर उसकी मदद की। मुसीबत के समय में डूबते को तिनके का सहारा भी काफ़ी होता है।
(jab SumaN kaa bizaNeS thap ho gayaa THaa, To uSake DoSTon Ne paiSe jutaakar uSakii maDaD kii. muSiibaT ke Samay men DuubaTe ko TiNake kaa Sahaaraa bhii kaafii hoTaa hai.)
“When Suman’s business was in a huge loss, her friends pooled some money to help her out. And Suman was like a drowning man who catches at a straw.”

#16 बन्दर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद (baNDar kyaa jaaNe aDarak kaa svaaD)

Literal Translation: “How would a monkey know the taste of ginger!”

Similar English Proverb: “Casting pearls before swine.”

Usage in Context: You may give a person the most useful thing in the world, but it won’t impress them if they don’t know its value.

Example Sentence: 

हर कोई अच्छी क़िताबों का महत्व नहीं समझता। सच है, बन्दर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद।
(har koii acchii kiTaabon kaa mahaTva Nahiin SamajhaTaa. Sac hai, baNDar kyaa jaaNe aDarak kaa SvaaD.)
“Not everyone understands the value of good books. It’s like casting pearls before swine.”

#17 सौ सुनार की, एक लोहार की (Sau SuNaar kii, ek Lohaar kii)

Literal Translation: “Hundred blows of a goldsmith, single blow of a blacksmith.”

Similar English Proverb: “A single blow of a blacksmith is equal to a hundred blows of a goldsmith.”

Usage in Context: Some people may bother you or keep complaining about every little thing, but you can shut them up at once by drawing a bigger line.

Example Sentence: 

नेता रोज़ झूठे वादे करता था। जनता ने उसके ख़िलाफ़ वोट देकर एक ही बार में उसे हरा दिया। इसे कहते हैं, सौ सुनार की एक लोहार की।
(NeTaa roz jhuuthe vaaDe karaTaa THaa. jaNTaa Ne uSake khiLaaf vot Dekar ek hii baar men uSe haraa Diyaa. iSe kahaTe hain, Sau SuNaar kii, ek Lohaar kii.)
“The minister would always over-promise things. The public voted against him and kicked him out at once. This is called ‘a single blow of a blacksmith is equal to a hundred blows of a goldsmith’.”

#18 नेकी कर दरिया में डाल (Nekii kar Dariyaa men daaL)

Literal Translation: “Help others and drop the thought in the river.”

Similar English Proverb: “Do good and cast into the river.”

Usage in Context: Kindness loses its value when the doer tries to flaunt it. True compassion is always a secret.

Example Sentence: 

भले लोग छुप कर ग़रीबों की मदद करते हैं। वो नेकी कर दरिया में डाल देते हैं।
(BHaLe Log chup kar gariibon kii maDaD karaTe hain. Vo Nekii kar Dariyaa men daaL DeTe hain.)
“Kind-hearted people help the poor in secret. They do good and cast into the river.”


A Man Reaching Out His Hand to Help Someone Up a Ledge

Help someone and forget about it.

#19 घर का भेदी लंका ढाये (ghar kaa BHeDii Lankaa dhaaye)

Literal Translation: “The person knowing the secrets of the house can cause the fall of Lanka.”

Similar English Proverb: “A small leak will sink a great ship.”

Usage in Context: One inside person can reveal all the secrets and cause irreparable damage.

Example Sentence: 

मधुर ने अपनी कंपनी के सारे प्लान दूसरी कंपनी को बता दिए और प्रॉजेक्ट दूसरों को मिल गया। सच ही है, घर का भेदी लंका ढाये।
(maDHur Ne apaNii kampaNii ke Saare pLaaN DuuSarii kampaNii ko baTaa Diye aur projekt DuuSaron ko miL gayaa.)
“Madhur revealed all the plans of his company to others and someone else got the project. It’s true that a small leak will sink a great ship.”

#20 बोये पेड़ बबूल का तो आम कहाँ से पाए (boye ped babuuL kaa To aam kahaan Se paaye)

Literal Translation: “If you have sown the seeds of acacia, how would you get mangoes from it?”

Similar English Proverb: “You will reap what you sow.”

Usage in Context: When we do something wrong, we sometimes fail to think of its consequences. But life gives us exactly what we deserve.

Example Sentence: 

जतिन ने कभी अपने बेटे से प्यार नहीं किया और अब उसका बेटा उससे बात तक नहीं करता। वही बात है कि बोये पेड़ बबूल का तो आम कहाँ से पाए।
(jaTiN Ne kabhii apaNe bete Se pyaar Nahiin kiyaa aur ab uSakaa betaa uSaSe baaT Tak Nahiin karaTaa. Vahii baaT hai ki boye ped babuuL kaa To aam kahaan Se paaye.)
“Jatin never loved his son and now his son doesn’t even talk to Jatin. They say, you will reap what you sow.”

#21 मुंह में राम, बगल में छुरी (munh men raam, bagaL men churii)

Literal Translation: “Name of Lord Rama on the tongue and hiding a knife in the side.”

Similar English Proverb: “A honey tongue, a heart of gall.”

Usage in Context: Many people lack authentic behavior. They may say all the sweet things to your face but badmouth behind your back.

Example Sentence: 

बबिता सामने तो बहुत अच्छे से बात करती है लेकिन पीठ पीछे काजल की बुराई करती है। इसे कहते हैं मुंह में राम, बगल में छुरी।
(babiTaa SaamaNe To bahuT acche Se baaT karaTii hai LekiN piith piiche kaajaL kii buraaii karaTii hai. iSe kahaTe hain munh men raam, bagaL men churii.)
“Babita talks very sweetly to Kajal but gossips about Kajal behind her back. This is called, ‘speak praise on the face and stab him from behind’.”

#22 जहाँ चाह वहाँ राह (jahaan caah vahaan raah)

Literal Translation: “If you wish to do something, you’ll create a path for it.”

Similar English Proverb: “Where there is a will, there’s a way.”

Usage in Context: Hurdles are not an excuse to drop your goal. If you really want to achieve something, you’ll surpass all the challenges no matter what.

Example Sentence: 

मैरी कॉम ने तमाम परेशानियों के बावजूद दुनिया में अपनी पहचान बनायी क्योंकि जहाँ चाह वहाँ राह।
(mairii kaum Ne Tamaam paresaaNiyon ke baavajuuD DuNiyaa men apaNii pahacaaN baNaayii kyonki jahaan caah vahaan raah.)
“Mary Kom made her mark in the world despite all the troubles, because where there is a will, there’s a way.”


A Road with Arrows on It

Create your own path.

#23 ऊँची दुकान फीके पकवान (uuncii DukaaN phiike pakavaaN)

Literal Translation: “A grand shop serving bland food items.”

Similar English Proverb: “All that glitters is not gold.”

Usage in Context: What looks precious and beautiful from outside may not be the same on the inside.

Example Sentence: 

बॉलीवुड इंडस्ट्री बाहर से जितनी अच्छी दिखती है असल में अंदर से वैसी है नहीं। बस ऊँची दुकान फीके पकवान हैं।
(bauLiivud induStrii baahar Se jiTaNii acchii DikhaTii hai aSaL men aNDar Se vaiSii hai Nahiin. baS uuncii DukaaN phiike pakavaaN hain.)
“The Bollywood industry is not as appealing from the inside as it looks from the outside. You know, all that glitters is not gold.”

#24 अपना हाथ जगन्नाथ (apaNaa haaTH jagaNNaaTH)

Literal Translation: “Own hands are like that of God.”

Similar English Proverb: “If you want a thing done right, do it yourself.”

Usage in Context: The best person to do your work is you.

Example Sentence: 

रीमा ने किसी का इंतज़ार किये बिना ख़ुद ही कॉलेज में एडमिशन ले लिया क्योंकि अपना हाथ जगन्नाथ।
(riimaa Ne kiSii kaa iNTazaar kiye biNaa khuD hii kauLej men edamisaN Le Liyaa kyonki apaNaa haaTH jagaNNaaTH.)
“Without waiting for someone else, Reema herself got admission into the college because if you wish to do something, the best way is to do it yourself.”

#25 दाल में काला (DaaL men kaaLaa)

Literal Translation: “Something black in the lentil.”

Similar English Proverb: “To smell a rat.”

Usage in Context: This phrase is used when something doesn’t feel normal or right.

Example Sentence: 

सभी बच्चे इतने शांत क्यों हैं? मुझे तो दाल में काला नज़र आता है।
(Sabhii bacce iTaNe saaNT kyon hain? Mujhe To DaaL men kaaLaa Nazar aaTaa hai.)
“Why are all the kids so quiet? I can smell a rat here!”

#26 जो गरजते हैं वो बरसते नहीं (jo garajaTe hain vo baraSaTe Nahiin)

Literal Translation: “When there’s thunder, there is no rain.”

Similar English Proverb: “Barking dogs do not bite.”

Usage in Context: Some people talk about doing things that they don’t actually have the guts to do. It’s just empty words and fake threats.

Example Sentence: 

A: तनु ने नौकरी छोड़ने की इतनी धमकियाँ दीं लेकिन वो तो अभी तक उसी कंपनी में काम कर रही है। (TaNu Ne Naukarii chodaNe kii iTaNii DHamakiyaan Diin LekiN vo To abhii Tak uSii kampaNii men kaam kar rahii hai.)
“Tanu threatened to leave the job so many times, but she is still working for the same company.”

B: जो गरजते हैं वो बरसते नहीं। (jo garajaTe hain vo baraSaTe Nahiin)
“Barking dogs do not bite.”

#27 जल में रहकर मगर से बैर (jaL men rahakar magar Se bair)

Literal Translation: “Don’t upset a crocodile while sharing the same water.”

Similar English Proverb: “You cannot live in Rome and fight with the Pope.”

Usage in Context: When you’re dealing with a powerful person, it’s better not to get in trouble with him/her.

Example Sentence: 

A: हमारे विद्यालय के अध्यापक ने प्रधानाचार्य से ही झगड़ा कर लिया।
(hamaare viDyaaLay ke aDHyaapak Ne praDHaaNaacaary Se hii jhagadaa kar Liyaa.)
“One of the teachers in our school got into a quarrel with the principal.”

B: ये तो ठीक नहीं हुआ। जल में रहकर मगर से बैर ठीक नहीं होता।
(ye To thiik Nahiin huaa. jaL men rahakar magar Se bair thiik Nahiin hoTaa.)
“This is not good. You cannot live in Rome and fight with the Pope.”

#28 नाम लिया और शैतान हाज़िर (Naam Liyaa aur saiTaaN haazir)

Literal Translation: “Utter the name and the devil would present itself.”

Similar English Proverb: “Talk of the devil and the devil appears.”

Usage in Context: Suppose that some coworkers are gossiping about their wicked boss, and he appears in the blink of an eye. This would be the perfect time to use this saying! 

Example Sentence: 

A: बॉस हमें कभी छुट्टी नहीं देते। (bauS hamen kabhii chuttii Nahiin DeTe.)
“Boss never gives us any leaves.”

B: चुप हो जाओ। वो अभी अपने कमरे से निकले हैं। (cup ho jaao. Vo abhii apaNe kamare Se NikaLe hain.)
“Keep quiet. He has just come out of his room.”

A: ओह! नाम लिया और शैतान हाज़िर! (oh! Naam Liyaa aur saiTaaN haazir!)
“Oh! Talk of the devil and the devil appears.”


A Woman Dressed Up in a Red Devil Costume

Talk of a devil!

#29 साँच को आंच क्या (Saanc ko aanc kyaa)

Literal Translation: “Pure gold is unaffected by the flame.”

Similar English Proverb: “Truth fears none.”

Usage in Context: Those who are honest and speak the truth have no reason to fear anything.

Example Sentence: 

कभी-कभी भले लोगों पर भी झूठे आरोप लगते हैं। लेकिन वे ऐसी बातों की परवाह नहीं करते। क्योंकि साँच को आंच क्या!
(kabhii-kabhii bhaLe Logon par bhii jhuuthe aarop LagaTe hain. LekiN ve aiSii baaTon kii paravaah Nahiin karaTe. kyonki Saanc ko aanc kyaa!)
“Sometimes even the most humble people are falsely accused. But they remain unaffected by such things because truth fears none.”

#30 जैसा देश, वैसा भेष (jaiSaa Des, vaiSaa bhes)

Literal Translation: “Like country, like dress.”

Similar English Proverb: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Usage in Context: When foreigners decide to move to gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, they follow the same etiquette for dress, food, and other behaviors to fit in with the locals. 

Example Sentence: 

सऊदी अरब में विदेशी औरतों को भी बुर्क़ा पहनना पड़ता है। ज़ाहिर सी बात है, जैसा देश वैसा भेष।
(SauDii arab men viDesii auraTon ko bhii burqaa pahaNaNaa padaTaa hai. zaahir Sii baaT hai, jaiSaa Des vaiSaa bhes.)
“In Saudi Arabia, even the foreign women have to cover their heads. After all, it’s true that when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

3. Conclusion

A Woman Studying Something on the Bus

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The Best Places to Visit in New Delhi

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Today, we’re going to take you to the heart and capital of India: New Delhi. Delhi is one of the most frequently visited cities in India, by locals and foreigners alike. Today’s lesson is more of a trip planner, boasting the best places to visit in New Delhi. At the end, we’ve also included several useful phrases in Hindi that are worth remembering for your travels in India.

Are you ready to fall in love with New Delhi?


Lotus Temple to Find Peace Within

Lotus Temple to Find Peace Within


Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hindi Table of Contents
  1. Why Study the Different Places to Visit in Delhi?
  2. Delhi in a Nutshell: Know Before You Go
  3. Must-See Places for a 1-3 Day Trip
  4. Highly Recommended Places for a 4-7 Day Trip (or Longer)
  5. Hindi Survival Phrases for Travelers
  6. Learning Hindi Can Be So Much Fun!

1. Why Study the Different Places to Visit in Delhi?

For starters, reading about the places you plan to visit beforehand is a smart thing to do and helps you better prepare for safe travel. It allows you to understand and become familiar with the local culture, weather, food, and language so that there are fewer surprises during your stay.

And let’s be honest: Delhi is huge. It would be impossible to see and do everything this city has to offer in just a week, let alone two or three days. The capital is known for its vast array of spicy Indian foods, fancy hotels, historical buildings, shopping centers, and amazing architecture. Because there are so many exciting experiences waiting for you, it can be a real headache choosing which places to visit and which ones to skip. 

Trying to figure everything out on your own will only add to the confusion! In this context, our New Delhi travel guide will save you a hell of a lot of time and energy. After reading this article, you won’t have to sift through an enormous list of tourist spots—the very best places will be right here, each one with a brief description to give you an idea of what to expect. 

2. Delhi in a Nutshell: Know Before You Go

Before your visit, how about looking at some amazing facts about the capital of India? In this section, we’ll tell you all about its history, describe what to expect weather-wise, offer travel tips, and more.

Brief History

For as long as four centuries, the Rajputs dominated the entire region of Delhi. It was then captured and ruled by the Delhi Sultanate, followed by the Mughal conquest, and later the British. In the late 1940s, Delhi was finally free to be ruled by its people. 

Such a long era of foreign domination shows clearly in the food preferences and architecture of Delhi, and this is why so many Mughal buildings top the list of Delhi travel spots.

A Man Watching a Schedule

How to Plan a 2-3 Day Trip

Territory

With more than thirty million people living here, Delhi is a heavily populated union territory located in the northern part of India. It has been the center of attraction since the Mughals ruled the country. Even today, people from all over the country relocate to Delhi either for better job prospects or to gain a higher education.

In official terms, Delhi is known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). New Delhi is a small part of it, functioning as the capital of India. You’ll often hear about Old Delhi, New Delhi, and the national capital regions, such as Noida. Well, they are all parts of NCT.

Weather

The weather in Delhi is mostly extreme. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect: 

  • The hottest months are May and June.
  • The humidity is at its highest from July to September.
  • The winter season is at its peak during December and January.

So, the best season to visit New Delhi is somewhere between February and April or from October to mid-December. The weather is most mild during these months. 

Languages

Before visiting the capital of India, it would be ideal to learn a few useful Hindi phrases. That said, keep in mind that immigrants from all over the country arrive in Delhi in search of employment. So although Hindi is the main language spoken here, you’ll find that quite a few Haryanvi, Punjabi, and Bhojpuri words have become incorporated into the locals’ language. 

Many locals also understand and speak English, so you won’t face any major communication problems while talking with the people here. But knowing common Hindi words and phrases will give you an edge in bargaining while shopping or taking an autorickshaw.

Important Documents

Before making your Delhi travel plans, arrange all of the essential documents you might need. A valid passport and an Indian visa will be required; one can also apply for an e-visa for tourism purposes. It’s also a good idea to carry your passport-size photographs with you. For more information, please check out this website.

Important Documents for Travelling

Buckle Up for Your Visit to New Delhi!

Daily Budget for Traveling in Delhi

INR (Indian Rupee) is the official currency of India. One USD (United States Dollar) is equal to approximately INR 70. Just so you know, the old 500 and 1000 rupee notes have become invalid since their demonetization in 2016. Instead, new 200, 500, and 2000 rupee notes are being used; new 10, 20, and 100 rupee notes have also been introduced. So, you’ll find both old and new notes in circulation. 

The daily cost of staying in Delhi hotels, including the eating and traveling expenses, may range somewhere between INR 1000 (approx. $15) to INR 7000 (approx. $100). Everything depends on your preferences. The bottom line is that Delhi has something for every budget.

Budget Tip: If you’re trying to save some money, avoid taking the AC rooms in the months when the weather is pleasant.

Popular Modes of Conveyance

The cheapest and safest public conveyance is the Delhi metro. It covers almost all of Delhi and can take you to all of the important places. For hassle-free traveling, get a metro smart card. It’s a cashless and smart way to avoid long lines at the ticket counter. Just remember that the Delhi metro closes at 11:30 p.m.

Delhi cabs can take you anywhere the metro cannot. They’re a bit expensive but more convenient. An easy way to save some money on cabs is to book one on Uber or Ola. 

Another popular option is to take an autorickshaw. However, the prices that autorickshaw drivers charge tend to vary widely. It’s better to bargain and fix a rate before getting in; also make sure that they reset the meter before starting the journey. A road map will help you check that the route followed by the cab and auto drivers is the shortest way to reach your destination.

Keeping safety in mind, please avoid traveling in autorickshaws at night, especially to secluded places. Instead, you should opt for a cab/metro or borrow a friend’s car when it’s late.

Travel Tips

Before we start talking about the best places to visit in New Delhi, here are some worthy travel tips for you.

  • It’s a good idea to keep some cash handy
  • Safety is paramount. Tourists should avoid wandering alone at night (even local people follow this rule!). Either keep some company or arrange a personal conveyance if you’re planning to stay out late at night. Female travelers may want to wear something loose-fitting that is less revealing and covers most of the body.
  • Walk like you own the place. Yes, your body language plays a huge role in India, especially if you’re a foreigner. Be confident and be sure to use some Hindi words and phrases once in a while. Doing so will save you from extravagant prices and scams.
  • When it comes to hygiene, yes, we lack it in many places. So, remember to carry some tissue papers, face wipes, menstrual cups (if you’re a female or traveling with a female partner), small hand wash bottles, and sanitizer at all times.
  • Avoid drinking tap water at all costs and opt for packaged water. 
  • Come rain or shine, having an umbrella really pays off. You can use it when the sunshine is too much to take or when the rain is about to ruin your day! 🙂

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi

3. Must-See Places for a 1-3 Day Trip

Wondering what places to visit in New Delhi on a tight schedule? To give you a hand, we’ve listed the most popular tourist spots in Delhi. Let’s take a look. 

Red Fort = लाल क़िला (LaaL QiLaa)

The Red Fort, built from 1639 to 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan, served as the abode of the Mughal dynasty after Delhi replaced Agra as the Mughal capital. The fort has huge historic and political significance, and is considered a living testimony of brilliant Mughal architecture. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 2007.

Every year on August 15—India’s Independence Day—the Indian Prime Minister hoists the flag on the fort’s main gate.

Red Fort has many qualities that visitors just love. While visiting the fort, you’ll get to experience the awe-inspiring architecture and designs of the pavilions. Since it has huge premises, you can lay back or stroll about in the beautiful gardens. In the evening, there’s a special show to entertain visitors.

The fort is surrounded by a local market full of hawkers who sell exotic little pieces of jewelry, traditional clothes, etc. at very economical prices. You’ll also find dhabas (roadside restaurants) that offer a wide variety of traditional Indian foods. 

Jama Masjid = जामा मस्जिद (jaamaa maSjiD)

Jama Masjid, fondly called “the mosque of celestial sphere,” was built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656. It has a huge courtyard that can easily house around 25,000 people at a time. The mosque has four watchtowers that were used for surveillance to avoid intrusion.

If and when you visit the mosque, you’ll be shown two minarets that are 40 meters (about 131 feet) high. You can climb either one to get a view, something most visitors love to do. If you take a stroll outside the mosque, you’ll be greeted with many local restaurants offering Mughal delicacies. 

India Gate = इंडिया गेट (iNdiaa gait)

The India Gate is an archway built as a memorial to honor the chivalry of valiant soldiers. This WWI memorial is constructed of sandstone and stands 42 meters (about 138 feet) tall. As a one-of-a-kind location, India Gate attracts visitors from outside of India and locals alike. It’s surrounded by well-manicured lawns that gradually came to be a favorite picnic spot among locals.

If you visit the place in the early morning, you can take a stroll in the serene surroundings of Rajpath near India Gate. But if you’re someone who enjoys hustle and bustle, you might want to visit in the evening. This is when the place is most populated by locals, visitors, hawkers, food lorries, ice-cream stalls, you name it. Not to mention the beautiful lighting and fountains that lend ‘life’ to the area. You can even enjoy a boat ride on the lake!

A Woman Traveler Holding a Map

Best Travel Tips to Keep in Mind

Qutub Minar = क़ुतुब मीनार (quTub miiNaar)

This minaret is another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most elegant New Delhi sites to visit. At 72.5 meters (238 feet) heigh, it’s the world’s tallest tower made with bricks—and it has maintained this “tallest brick tower” position for eight hundred years! It has 397 steps and five different stories.

While visiting the minaret, you might want to visit the different mosques, minars, and tombs within it. This place is most recommended for its architectural brilliance. The minaret tapers up from a 47-foot diameter at the base to a 9-foot diameter at the peak. 

Akshardham Temple = अक्षरधाम मंदिर (aksaraDHaam maNDir)

Akshardham is a Hindu temple, created by Pramukha Swami Maharaj and officially inaugurated on November 6, 2005. It’s located at the center of the Akshardham complex, and surrounded by a huge campus that signifies the spiritual-cultural legacy of Hindu traditions in India.

You’ll want to visit the temple if you enjoy quietude, greenery, spaciousness, culture, heritage, and spirituality. There are many things to see and do at the Akshardham. For example, you can admire the 11-foot high gold-plated statue of Lord Swaminarayan, to whom the temple is dedicated. At the 85-foot wide and 65-foot tall giant screen theater, you can enjoy Neelkanth Darshan—a 40-minute film on a Yogi. It’s highly recommended for those who want to experience India’s rich heritage, spirituality, and culture.

Lotus Temple = लोटस टेम्पल (LotaS tempaL)

Known in Hindi as Kamal Mandir, or कमल मंदिर (kamaL maNDir), Lotus Temple gets its name from its unique lotus-like structure. It would be no exaggeration to call it an architectural marvel. Unsurprisingly, it has won many architectural awards. It’s a Baha’i house of worship and it welcomes all with no discrimination toward any religion.

The Lotus Temple is dedicated to no specific deity and it has no statue. When you visit the temple, you just sit quietly under its huge dome-like structure on one of the hundreds of chairs. You can experience the peace, serenity, and architecture.

We highly recommend visiting this location so that you can experience how the Baha’i religion, which is relatively new, puts emphasis on oneness and strives to help people drop all prejudices that might originate from race, nationality, and gender.  

Connaught Place = कनॉट प्लेस (kaNaut pLeS)

Connaught Place, one of the most happening destinations in Delhi today, was once the location of British HQ. It has two circles: the inner circle is called Rajeev Chowk and the outer one is Indira Chowk. 

Today, Connaught Place (fondly known as CP by Delhites) is Delhi’s business and finance hub. That is not to say, however, that it’s full of corporations and offices. Far from that! CP boasts art galleries, vintage cinemas, roadside eateries, upscale restaurants, streetside shops selling shoes and clothes, and showrooms of big brands. 

It’s a huge open market that has something for everyone, making it difficult for us to recommend one “best thing to do” here. Whoever you are, you’ll find something to enjoy!

A Pin Location on a Map

Staying Safe in a Foreign Land

Janpath = जनपथ (jaNapaTH)

Located near CP, Janpath is the place to go if you love streetside shopping. Janpath is a Hindi word that can be translated as “people’s path,” though the area was once known as Queensway. Janpath is one of the most well-known Delhi markets among both locals and foreigners. It’s flanked by shops on both sides, a long stream of shops one after another.

Most of these shops are boutiques that sell hard-to-find items you won’t come across in big multi-chain stores. It’s an ideal place for budget travelers and those who like buying hand-crafted items or garments. After so much shopping and walking around, you’re likely to start feeling some hunger pangs…

No need to worry, though! Janpath has got you covered with its many eateries that serve Indian-style fast food. 

This is the best place to go if you want to shop your heart out without breaking the bank. 

Chandni Chowk = चांदनी चौक (caanDNii couk)

Located near the Old Delhi Railway Station, Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets. Situated near the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, it was designed by Emperor Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara. It’s a half-moon-shaped square.

The market has something for everyone: traditional food, Indian perfumes, silver jewelry, spices, nuts, and the list goes on. If you’re interested in experiencing the local flavors, we highly recommend visiting the Paranthe Wali Gali located here; it’s the perfect place to try traditional Indian Parathas. Also, because Chandni Chowk is Asia’s biggest wholesale spice market, you might want to grab some high-quality, low-cost spices.

4. Highly Recommended Places for a 4-7 Day Trip (or Longer)

Are you able to stay a little longer? Great! This will allow you to see and experience so many more amazing locations. Here are a few extra places you must visit in New Delhi if you have the time. 

Hauz Khas Village = हौज़ ख़ास विलेज (hauz khaaS viLej)

Are you looking for some of the best places to visit with your girlfriend or boyfriend in Delhi? Well, Hauz Khas is just the place to spark the joy and romance between you two! This south Delhi area flaunts the old remains from Khilji’s time, taking you back to the old Mughal period. Apart from the romantic gardens and parks, there is Hauz Khas Fort, Deer Park, a lake, and so much more. It’s an ideal location to spend an entire day with your loved one! 

Rashtrapati Bhavan = राष्ट्रपति भवन (raastrapaTi bhavaN)

Every country has an official residence that houses its head of government. The residence of the Indian President is known as Rashtrapati Bhavan. It attracts a lot of travelers because of its architecture and the lush, green gardens loaded with colorful and fragrant flowers. If you’re visiting in the month of February, don’t forget to take a trip through the Mughal Gardens and enjoy the beautiful blooming flowers of the spring. The gardens are only open to the public from early February to mid-March.

Karol Bagh = करोल बाग़ (karoL baag)

Are you a shopper at heart? Then you’d love the Karol Bagh market. It’s cheap, it’s vast, and it’s versatile. You can find everything here, from household items to clothing, electronics, and lots of food (so that hunger doesn’t come between you and shopping!).

You’ll enjoy your time spent here even more if you’re good at bargaining. If you can do that, don’t be surprised if you can get that item at half-price!

Lajpat Nagar = लाजपत नगर (LaajapaT Nagar)

This is another shopping spot with huge malls and big-brand showrooms throughout the entire market. Once you enter the area, it’s like getting inside a shopping heaven. You have so many options to choose from, and all at amazing prices if you can pull off that bargaining trick! You can also stroll around with your family or spouse and just enjoy the rush and spicy street foods.

Sarojini Nagar = सरोजिनी नगर (SarojiNi Nagar)

One of the largest markets in Delhi, Sarojini Nagar is mainly famous for offering stylish clothes at unbelievable prices. This is the go-to place for many students, bachelors, and people on a tight budget.

Ice Lounge = आइस लाउन्ज (aaiS Laaunj)

This is the best place to visit in Delhi in summer. Everything here, including the sculpture, is made of ice. Chill out with your friends or loved ones here, and enjoy the refreshing coolness!

Adventure Island = एडवेंचर आइलैंड (aidveNcar aaiLaind)

This is a great amusement park in Delhi, attracting adventure-lovers of every age. It’s especially popular among those who wish to have fun with their families. The pools, water slides, shopping areas, and delicious food make it one of the must-visit places on your New Delhi travel plan!

5. Hindi Survival Phrases for Travelers

It’s time to quickly review the most useful Hindi travel phrases for your visit to New Delhi. These phrases will come in handy whether you’re shopping, bargaining, taking public transportation, or asking for directions. Memorizing and practicing these short Hindi sentences will go a long way!

1. हेलो (heLo) / नमस्ते (NamaSTe)!

“Hello!”

2. शुक्रिया (sukriyaa) / धन्यवाद (DHaNyavaaD)!

“Thank you!”

3. चलते हैं। (caLaTe hain.)

“Okay, see you later.”

4. माफ़ कीजिए। (maaf kiijiye.)

“I am sorry.” / “Excuse me.”

5. बहुत अच्छा! (bahuT acchaa!)

“Great!” / “Okay.”

6. ठीक है। (thiik hai.)

“Okay.” / “Alright.”

7. ____ जाना है। (__ jaaNaa hai.)

In the blank, put the name of the place you want to go. For example:
  •  कनॉट प्लेस जाना है। (kaNaut pLeS jaaNaa hai.) – “I have to go to Connaught Place.” 
  • पुरानी दिल्ली जाना है। (puraaNii DiLLii jaaNaa hai.) – “Take me to Old Delhi.”

8. _____ कितनी दूर है? (__ kiTaNii Duur hai?)

This question is used to ask how far away a certain place is; simply put the name of the place in the blank. For example:
  • कनॉट प्लेस कितनी दूर है? (kaNaut pLeS kiTaNii Duur hai?) – “How far is Connaught Place?” 
  • पुरानी दिल्ली कितनी दूर है? (puraaNii DiLLii kiTaNii Duur hai?) – “How far is Old Delhi?”

9. वॉशरुम कहाँ / किधर है? (vausaruum kahaan / kiDHar hai?)

“Where is the washroom?”

10. ____ किधर पड़ेगा? (__ kiDHar padegaa?)

“Where’s _____?”

Just fill in the blank with the name of the place you’re asking about.

11. मुझे ये चाहिए। (mujhe ye caahiye.)

“I want this.”

12.  ___ है? (__ hai?)

“Do you have ____?”

This question is useful when shopping; fill in the blank with the item you’re inquiring about.

13. कितना हुआ? (kiTaNaa huaa?)

“How much?”

This is a common phrase to use when paying for something, like a restaurant bill or autorickshaw ride.

14. इसका दाम कितना है? (iSakaa Daam kiTaNaa hai?)

“What’s the price?”

You can use this phrase to ask for the price of an item you’re interested in, especially if you want to bargain a little.
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Best Months to Be in India

15. इसका दाम बहुत ज़्यादा है। (iSakaa Daam bahuT zyaaDaa hai.)

“This is too expensive!”

This is another useful bargaining phrase.

16. मुझे समझ में नहीं आया। ज़रा फिर से बताइये। (mujhe Samajh men Nahiin aayaa. zaraa phir Se baTaaiye.)

“I can’t understand you. Could you please explain it again?”

17. क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी समझते / समझती हैं? (kyaa aap angrezii SamajhaTe / SamajhaTii hain?)

“Do you understand English?”

18. मेरी मदद कीजिए! (merii maDaD kiijiye!)

“Please, help me!”
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Learn the Most Helpful Hindi Phrases with Us

6. Learning Hindi Can Be So Much Fun!

Which of these New Delhi locations are you most excited to visit, and why? Let us know in the comments! 

Of course, before you leave for your dream destination, you’ll want to know a few key phrases and basic vocabulary. The phrases we listed above are a great place to start, but the more Hindi you know, the smoother and more fulfilling your trip will be! 

Here at HindiPod101.com, we understand how difficult and tiring language learning can be. That’s why we always aim to teach our students Hindi in the most fun and interesting way possible. 

With our high-quality lesson materials and useful study tools (such as our Grammar Bank and online dictionary), even beginners feel at ease and are more inclined to pursue their Hindi learning goals. Say goodbye to boredom and experience the new era of Hindi studies with our user-friendly app.

We’re wishing you happy Hindi learning and safe future travels! 

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Decoding the Indian ‘Hinglish’ Words with a Local Touch!

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Who would have imagined that English words like “bundle,” “time-pass,” or “boss,” could mean anything other than what they’re supposed to mean? 

In India, Hinglish—or the tendency of Hindi speakers to overuse English words while speaking—has become a thing! And it doesn’t stop there. These brain teasers often give non-natives quite a hard time, because the actual meaning of English words in Hindi is far different from the original definition.

Yeah, welcome to “Hindia“!

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English Loanwords


Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hindi Table of Contents
  1. Why Learn English Words Used in Hindi?
  2. The Birth of Hinglish
  3. Hinglish Words & Example Sentences
  4. Loanwords vs. Hinglish Words
  5. Famous Names Pronounced in Hindi
  6. English Words Derived From Hindi
  7. Become a Fluent Hindi Speaker with HindiPod101.com

1. Why Learn English Words Used in Hindi?

While Hinglish words may sound familiar to you as an English speaker, it’s important to remember that these words often have different meanings or nuances from what you’re used to. 

If you don’t know the exact meaning of a Hinglish word, you’re likely to misunderstand the whole context of a conversation. And sometimes, even the seemingly simple English phrases spoken by the natives can be quite confusing for beginners.

In today’s lesson, we’ll look at the most common English words in Hindi, their literal meaning, and their actual meaning in the Indian context. But first, here’s a list of ways in which learning these popular hybrid words will benefit you!

  • They will ensure you never miss a pun. 
  • They will make it easier to speak with natives. 
  • You will be able to understand the hidden affection or taunt in a word.
  • You will feel like part of the group.
  • You won’t accidentally offend or feel offended for the wrong reasons.
  • They will eventually help you sound like a native! 😉

2. The Birth of Hinglish

So how exactly did English words become so prominent in Hindi? 

In a broad sense, Hinglish history can be traced back to the time when India was the “golden bird” (SoNe kii cidiyaa) that everybody wanted to conquer. Over the centuries, many foreign countries have attacked and ruled the subcontinent. These countries include the British, the Portuguese, the French, the Mughals, and several others.

As a result, each civilization left an impression on the Indian culture. Indian society became a sponge, absorbing all of the elements impacting it and infusing them into its own culture. These influences are visible even today in what is presently known as the Indian Republic, be it in the way people dress, the way they eat, or the way they speak. Hinglish just happens to be the latest ‘thing’ on this list.

The name itself suggests that Hinglish is a combination of the Hindi and English languages. The younger generations in India have witnessed—and reasonably accounted for—the popularity of Hinglish in online chats, texting slang, and day-to-day conversations. However, the older generation has also (voluntarily) embraced its charm.

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English Words with a Local Touch

3. Hinglish Words & Example Sentences

In this section, we’ll share with you several Hinglish examples so you can get a better idea of how Indians use English words in Hindi. 

1. “Filmi” – फ़िल्मी (fiLmii)
Hinglish MeaningA person who is overreacting / A dramatic incidence 
Actual English MeaningDerived from the word “film”
In a Sentenceदुल्हन की विदाई के समय बिल्कुल फ़िल्मी माहौल हो गया था।
DuLhaN kii viDaaii ke Samay biLkuL fiLmii maahauL ho gayaa THaa.
“As the bride was leaving, the whole atmosphere became dramatic.”

2. “Time-pass” – टाइम-पास (taaim-paaS)
Hinglish MeaningNot taking something seriously / Something that doesn’t interest you much
Actual English Meaning“Passing the time” / “Hobby”
In a Sentenceआज वाली मूवी बस टाइम-पास थी।
aaj vaaLii muuvii baS taaim-paaS THii.
“Today’s movie was just okay.”

3. “Number” – नंबर (Nambar)
Hinglish MeaningA multipurpose word that can mean “score,” “phone number,” “waiting number,” “chance,” etc.
Actual English Meaning“Numeral” / “Phone number”
In a Sentenceअपना नंबर बता!
apaNaa Nambar baTaa!
“Give me your phone number.”

4. “Bundle” – बंडल (baNdaL)
Hinglish MeaningA totally useless person you can’t count on
Actual English MeaningA stack of things
In a Sentenceपुनीत एकदम बंडल आदमी है।
puNiit ekaDam baNdaL aaDamii hai.
“Puneet is a useless person.”

5. “Hero” / “Heroine” – हीरो / हीरोइन (hiiro / hiiroiN)
Hinglish MeaningCan be used to praise or taunt someone (the latter when that person is trying to act smart)
Actual English MeaningThe lead actor/actress in a movie / A brave person who performs good deeds
In a Sentenceसीमा, तुम तो इस ड्रेस में एकदम हीरोइन लग रही हो!
Siimaa, Tum To iS dreS men ekaDam hiiroiN Lag rahii ho.
“Seema, you look so gorgeous in this dress.”

6. “Puncture” – पंक्चर (pankcar)
Hinglish MeaningMentally or physically exhausted
Actual English MeaningA small hole in a tire or something else that’s inflated
In a Sentenceभीड़ और गर्मी से दिमाग़ पंक्चर हो गया।
bhiid aur garmii Se Dimaag pankcar ho gayaa.
“The heat and the crowd exhausted me completely.”

A Family Asleep on the Couch After Thanksgiving Dinner

Feeling “Punctured?” Oops… “Exhausted!”

7. “Junglee” – जंगली (jangaLii)
Hinglish MeaningLacking in social manners
Actual English MeaningDerived from the word “jungle”
In a Sentenceये बच्चे तो बिल्कुल जंगली हैं।
ye bacce To biLkuL jangaLii hain.
“These kids are so mischievous.”

8. “First-class” – फ़र्स्ट-क्लास (farSt-kLaaS)
Hinglish Meaning“Everything is perfect!”
Actual English MeaningA rank / A division / A railway coach / A high-end airline class
In a SentenceA: 
तबियत कैसी है?
TabiiyaT kaiSii hai?
“How are you feeling?”

B:
एकदम फ़र्स्ट-क्लास!
ekaDam farSt-kLaaS!
Perfect!”

9. “Thug-life” – थग-लाइफ़ (THag-Laaif)
Hinglish MeaningA life somebody is enjoying a lot
Actual English MeaningA slang term for “criminal-life” or “a self-built person”
In a Sentenceकमल की तो थग-लाइफ़ चल रही है।
kamaL kii To THag-Laaif caL rahii hai.
“Kamal is enjoying his carefree life!”

10. “Boss” – बॉस (bauS)
Hinglish MeaningBuddy / Friend
Actual English MeaningA person’s direct superior in the workplace
In a Sentenceक्या हाल है, बॉस!
kyaa haaL hai, bauS!
“How are you, buddy?”

11. “Solid” – सॉलिड (SauLid)
Hinglish MeaningAwesome / Perfect
Actual English MeaningSomething strong
In a Sentenceआज तो तुम एकदम सॉलिड दिख रहे हो।
aaj To Tum ekaDam SauLid Dikh rahe ho.
“Wow! You look amazing today.”

12. “Lollipop” – लॉलीपॉप (LauLiipaup)
Hinglish MeaningSomething to please someone or calm them down temporarily instead of giving them what they want / False promise
Actual English MeaningA candy
In a Sentenceहर चुनाव से पहले नेता लोग जनता को कोई न कोई लॉलीपॉप दे देते हैं।
har cuNaav Se pahaLe NeTaa Log jaNTaa ko koii Na koii LauLiipaup De DeTe hain.
“Before every election, the political leaders try to woo the public with false promises.”

A Man Waving to Someone through a Door

“Hello, ‘boss’, how are you doing?”

13. “Picture” – पिक्चर (pikcar)
Hinglish MeaningMovie
Actual English MeaningPhotograph
In a Sentenceकल हम सब पिक्चर देखने जा रहे हैं।
kaL ham Sab pikcar DekhaNe jaa rahe hain.
“Tomorrow, we are all going to watch a movie.”

14. “Would-be” – वुड-बी (vud-bii)
Hinglish MeaningFiance
Actual English MeaningA generic term used to describe a prospective/aspiring person or relationship
In a Sentenceआइये, आपको अपनी वुड-बी से मिलाता हूँ।
aaiye, aapako apaNii vud-bii Se miLaaTaa huun.
“Come here, meet my fiance.”

15. “Heropanti” – हीरोपंती (hiiropanTii)
Hinglish MeaningActing overly smart
Actual English MeaningDerived from the English word “hero”
In a Sentenceज़्यादा हीरोपंती मत दिखाओ।
zyaaDaa hiiropanTii maT Dikhaao.
“Don’t try to be a smart aleck.”

16. “Pass out” – पास-आउट (paaS-aaut)
Hinglish MeaningHaving graduated from a school/college
Actual English MeaningTo faint
In a Sentenceतुम किस कॉलेज से पास-आउट हो?
Tum kiS kauLej Se paaS-aaut ho.
“Which college did you pass from?”

17. “Bheja-fry” – भेजा-फ़्राई (bhejaa-fraaii)
Hinglish MeaningBored / Exhausted
Actual English MeaningThere’s no such word in English
In a Sentenceइतनी गर्मी में भेजा-फ़्राई हो गया।
iTaNii garmii men bhejaa-fraaii ho gayaa.
“It’s so hot, I’m exhausted!”

18. “Good Name” – गुड-नेम (gud-Nem)
Hinglish MeaningUsed to ask someone’s name in a polite way
Actual English MeaningThe actual way to ask is “Name, please?”
In a Sentenceआपका गुड-नेम क्या है?
 aapakaa gud-Nem kyaa hai?
“What’s your name?”

Now that we’ve looked at some unique Hinglish words, it’s time to talk about a similar (but distinct) topic: loanwords. 

4. Loanwords vs. Hinglish Words

You may be wondering how loanwords are different from Hinglish words. Well, loanwords are words or phrases taken from a foreign language (English) and adapted by the target language (Hindi) while retaining their original meaning. Contrary to loanwords, Hinglish phrases are those which contain a specific meaning understood only by the local people. A Hinglish word may look like an English one, but its meaning is totally different.

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<p align=Learn Hindi with a Twist

Nowadays, we Indians use countless English words in our daily lives. These words have become such an inseparable part of our language that we often forget we’re using English words at all! 

The main reason for using English loanwords in Hindi is that the English word is often much simpler to pronounce than the Hindi word. For example, “train” in Hindi is लौहपथगामिनी (LauhapaTHagaamiNii). Imagine using this long phrase every time you wanted to say “train.” That doesn’t sound too practical, does it?

Some important English words in Hindi include:

  • “bus” = बस (baS)
  • “train” = ट्रेन (treN)
  • “time” = टाइम (taaim)
  • “copy” = कॉपी (kaupii)
  • “coffee” = कॉफ़ी (kaufii)
  • “juice” = जूस (juuS)
  • “pen” = पेन (peN)
  • “airport” = एयरपोर्ट (eyaraport)
  • “bed” = बेड (bed)
  • “inverter” = इन्वर्टर (iNvartar)
  • “sandwich” = सैंडविच (Sandavic)
  • “bread” = ब्रेड (bred)
  • “internet” = इंटरनेट (iNtaraNet)
  • “form” = फ़ॉर्म (faaurm)
  • “phone” = फ़ोन (foN)
  • “bathroom” = बाथरूम (baaTHaruum)
  • “cooler” = कूलर (kuuLar)
  • “TV” = टीवी (tiivii)
  • “dining table” = डाइनिंग टेबल (daaiNing tebaL)
  • “fridge” = फ़्रिज (frij)
  • “handwriting” = हैंडराइटिंग (haindaraaiting)
  • “station” = स्टेशन (StesaN)

Example Sentences:

  • बस कितने बजे आएगी? (baS kiTaNe baje aayegii?)
    “At what time will the bus arrive?”
  • बाथरूम दाहिनी ओर है। (baaTHaruum DaahiNi or hai.)
    “The bathroom is on the right side.”
  • हमारा टीवी दो दिन से ख़राब है। (hamaaraa tiivii Do DiN Se kharaab hai.)
    “Our TV has not been working for two days.”
  • स्टेशन यहाँ से चार किलोमीटर दूर है। (StesaN yahaan Se caar kiLomiitar Duur hai.)
    “The station is four kilometers away from here.”
  • जूस फ़्रिज में रख दो। (juuS frij men rakh Do.)
    “Keep the juice in the fridge.”

5. Famous Names Pronounced in Hindi

Pronunciation is the biggest difference between how English speakers and Hindi speakers say words. There are distinct characteristics in the way Indian people speak, especially when it comes to foreign brands, celebrity names, movie names, etc.

Poster for Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Pronouncing Famous Names in Hindi!

To get a better idea of the correct pronunciation of English words in Hindi, take a look at this list of famous celebrity, movie, and brand names and their Hindi equivalents. 

  • “Tom Cruise” = टॉम क्रूज़ (taum kruuz)
  • “Beyonce” = बियॉन्से (biyaunSe)
  • “Backstreet Boys” = बैकस्ट्रीट ब्वॉयज़ (baikaStriit boyz)
  • “Arnold Schwarzenegger” = अर्नोल्ड श्वार्ज़नेगर (arNauLd svaarzaNegar)
  • “YouTube” = यूट्यूब (yuutyuub)
  • “Facebook” = फ़ेसबुक (feSabuuk)
  • “LinkedIn” = लिंक्डइन (LinkdiN)
  • “Titanic” = टाइटैनिक (taaitaiNik)
  • “Mission Impossible” = मिशन इम्पॉसिबल (misaN impauSibaL)
  • “Interstellar” = इंटरस्टेलर (intaraSteLar)
  • “The Godfather” = द गॉडफ़ादर (Da gaudafaaDar)
  • “Inception” = इंसेप्शन (iNSepsaN)
  • “McDonald’s Burger” = मैक डॉनल्ड्स बर्गर (maik dauNaLdS bargar)
  • “Nivea” = निविया (Niviyaa)
  • “L’oreal” = लॉरिअल (LauriyaL)

6. English Words Derived From Hindi

You’re now familiar with the most common English words in Hindi—but it doesn’t end there! Did you know that there are several English words inspired by Hindi, too?

Two Women Waiting for the Bus

Waiting for the “bus”?

Here are some popular English words taken from the Hindi language:

  • “Yoga” = योग (yog)
  • “Mantra” = मंत्र (manTr)
  • “Guru” = गुरु (guru)
  • “Avatar” = अवतार (avaTaar)
  • “Loot” = लूट (Luut)
  • “Nirvana” = निर्वाण (Nirvaan)
  • “Coolie” = कुली (kuLii)
  • “Bungalow” = बंगला (bangLaa)
  • “Chai” = चाय (caay)

7. Become a Fluent Hindi Speaker with HindiPod101.com

If you have any native Indian friends, you may have noticed them using a lot of Hinglish and English loanwords. Which words or phrases have you heard most frequently? Share them with us in the comments below. We’d also like to encourage intermediate learners to try making sentences with some of the words we’ve covered.

Did you know that we offer the best online Hindi language learning materials, including our comprehensive lesson on Hindi Pronunciation? If you’re ever uncertain about a word’s meaning, feel free to use our online Hindi-English dictionary or browse through our vast collection of vocabulary lists.

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Come and learn with us. 🙂

Once you sign up for a Premium account, you’ll gain access to customized learning pathways specially designed for your needs, starting with the Hindi Basics. In order to learn 24/7, download our mobile app and start studying anywhere, anytime.

Happy learning, and have fun practicing your Hinglish!

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30 Hindi Quotes To Help You Show Off & Sound Smarter

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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!

A Smart Boy Learning Greek

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!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hindi Table of Contents
  1. Why Should You Study Quotes?
  2. Quotes About Success
  3. Quotes About Life
  4. Quotes About Motivation
  5. Quotes About Love, Friendship, and Family
  6. Quotes About Philosophy
  7. Quotes About Food
  8. Quotes About Language Learning
  9. 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.


1. इंतज़ार करने वालों को सिर्फ़ उतना ही मिलता है जितना कोशिश करने वाले छोड़ देते हैं।


RomanizationiNTazaar 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।


Romanizationagar 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।


RomanizationkhuD 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.

A Person Raising His Trophy and Racket

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।


RomanizationvipaTTi 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।


RomanizationkhaaNe 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।


RomanizationaNDHere 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।


RomanizationziNDagii 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।


RomanizationkhuD 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।


Romanizationser 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।


RomanizationkiSii 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.


A Man Climbing a High Mountain

11. जहाँ भी आज़ाद रूह की झलक पड़े समझना वह मेरा घर है।


Romanizationjahaan 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.


12. सच्चा प्रेम समझ से उत्पन्न होता है।


RomanizationSaccaa 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।


RomanizationDoSTii 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.


a Couple Hugging Each Other

14. मित्रता सबसे शुद्ध प्रेम है।


RomanizationmiTraTaa 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।


RomanizationpuTr 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.

A Horse Statue

16. मेरा परिवार मेरी ताकत और मेरी कमज़ोरी है।


Romanizationmeraa 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।


RomanizationciNTaa 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।


Romanizationhar 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।


Romanizationmuurkh 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।


Romanizationjab 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.”

Planting a Tree

21. ख़ाली बर्तन ज़्यादा शोर करते हैं।


RomanizationkhaaLii 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।


Romanizationjo 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।


RomanizationDuuSron 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।


Romanizationbhuukh 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.

A Happy Boy Excited for His Food

25. भूखे भजन न होय गोपाला।


Romanizationbhuukhe 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।


RomanizationjaiSaa 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।


RomanizationjaiSaa 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।


Romanizationraastra 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.

A Symbol of Hinduism

29. हमारी नागरी लिपि दुनिया की सबसे वैज्ञानिक लिपि है।


Romanizationhamaarii 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।


RomanizationhinDii 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.

A Girl Watching Something on Her Phone

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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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! 🙂

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40 Hindi Business Phrases to Boost Your Career

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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.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Business Words and Phrases in Hindi Table of Contents
  1. Breaking the Myth
  2. Why is it Important to Study Business Phrases?
  3. Nailing a Job Interview
  4. Interacting with Coworkers
  5. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
  6. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
  7. Going on a Business Trip
  8. Become a True Professional with HindiPod101.com

1. Breaking the Myth

Jobs

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:

Breaking the Ice with Colleagues

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

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:

Phrases to Make You a Rockstar in the Meeting

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.

Interacting with Your Coworkers in Hindi

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?”

Apologizing for Your Mistakes

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.

Using an Assertive Tone to Achieve the Targets

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.”

Business Phrases

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.

Doing Business Over the Phone

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?”

Expressing Your Ideas Confidently

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.

Congratulating Your Teammates on Their Success

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!

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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! 

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1. What is Lohri?

Close-up Shot of Wheat

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. 


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

A Large Bonfire for Lohri

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. 


3. The Many Foods of Lohri

The Popular Indian Treat, Jaggery

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

An Indian Woman Performing the Giddha Dance

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:

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! 

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20 Common Ways to Say Goodbye in Hindi

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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)

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hindi Table of Contents
  1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
  2. Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
  3. When Texting / Talking Over the Phone
  4. Untranslatable Goodbye Phrases in Hindi
  5. Blessings From Elderly People
  6. Mastering Hindi Goodbyes with HindiPod101.com

1. Formal Ways to Say Goodbye

Most Common Goodbyes

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 SituationThis 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 SituationThis phrase is used at the end of the day. For instance, when leaving a dinner party and saying goodbye to the host.
Sentence Usageपार्टी 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!”


An Indian Woman Giving the NamaSTe Gesture

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 SituationYou 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 Usageये 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 SituationYou 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 Usageहमारे 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 SituationOf 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 Usageउम्मीद 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 SituationWhen 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 Usageऔर 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!”

A Woman Waving Goodbye to Someone

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 SituationWhen 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 Usageकल 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 SituationTwo 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 SituationThis phrase is often used when two friends or colleagues are parting ways and hope to meet soon.
Sentence Usageआज 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.”


A Woman Talking on the Phone with Someone

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 SituationWhen seeing someone off at an airport or train station, loved ones say this to each other.
Sentence Usageकिसी 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 SituationSuppose 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 SituationYou 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 Usageजाने 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.

A Man Waving Goodbye to Someone through a Door

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 SituationAttending an office party, but think it’s getting too late already? Use this phrase to politely express your desire to leave for home.
Sentence Usageकाफ़ी 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 SituationFriends 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 Usageदिल्ली 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 SituationYou 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 Usageचलो, 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.”

A Group of People Waving Goodbye Over a Video Conference

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 SituationThis 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 Usageअलविदा, 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 SituationWhen 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 Usageटाटा! 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 SituationOld people usually say this as a blessing to married couples.
Sentence Usageसदा 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 SituationThis is a more generic blessing from elders to young people. 
Sentence Usageमन 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 SituationThis is another generic blessing, and it means: “May you live long.”
Sentence Usageआयुष्मान भवI
(aayusmaaN bhav.)
English Translation“May you live long.”


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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!

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Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict.

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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:

Confident about the first two factors? Leave everything else to HindiPod101.com! We’re committed to making Hindi learning as interesting as possible.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Learning Hindi Table of Contents
  1. Hindi: Yay or Nay!
  2. Why Should You Learn Hindi?
  3. The Most Easygoing Parts of Learning Hindi
  4. The Hardest Parts
  5. Handy Tips for a New Hindi Learner
  6. Why is HindiPod101.com Great for Learning Hindi?

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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.

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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, र (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.

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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 SoundsHindi ExamplesEnglish Examples
अ (a) Sound
  • नार (aNaar) = “Pomegranate”
  • नोखा (aNokhaa) = “Strange”
Used as [a] in “alone,” “about,” “aloof”
आ (aa) Sound
  • म (aam) = “Mango”
  • ज (aaj) = “Today”
Used as [aa] in “farm,” “farmer,” “bark”
इ (i) Sound
  • तवार (iTavaar) = “Sunday”
  • मली (imaLii) = “Tamarind”
Used as [i] in “still,” “fit,” “live”
  • ई (ii) Sound
  • श्वर (iisvar) = “God”
  • ईद (iiD) = “Eid”
Used as [ee] in “meat,” “sheep”
च (c) Sound
  • लना (caLaNaa) = “To walk”
  • चाँद (caaND) = “Moon”
Used as [ch] in “cherry,” “chalk,” “chips”
ज (j) Sound
  • हाज़ (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 SoundsHindi ExamplesEnglish Examples
त (T) Sound
  • रबूज़ (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.

  • रा (bharaa) = “Full”
    भूरा (bhuuraa) = “Brown”
  • घंटी (ghantii) = “Bell”
    घंटा (ghantaa) = “Hour”
  • रोज़ (roz) = “Daily”
    रोज़ा (rozaa) = “Fasting done by Muslims”
  • ल (phaL) = “Fruit”
    फूल (phuuL) = “Flower”
  • पा (paaN) = “Betel leaf”
    पानी (paaNii) = “Water”

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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”

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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?”
FormalInformalHighly 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 Usedआप (aap)
आपको (aap ko)
तुम (Tum)
तुमको (Tum ko)
तू (Tuu)तुझे
(Tujhe)
Addressing Malesआप क्या खाएंगे?
(aap kyaa khaayenge?)
तुम क्या खाओगे?
(Tum kyaa khaaoge?)
तू क्या खायेगा?
(Tuu kyaa khaayegaa?)
Addressing Femalesआप 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.

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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.

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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!

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How to Avoid the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Learning Hindi

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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!

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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!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hindi Table of Contents
  1. Oh, the Curse of Phonetics!
  2. The Gender Conflict
  3. Confusing Homonyms
  4. “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!
  5. The Politeness Code
  6. Stay Away from Redundancy
  7. Clever Diacritics
  8. When to Skip the jii Suffix
  9. The Local Dialect
  10. The Fear of Making Mistakes
  11. 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

Exampleक    +     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.
Syllable ExamplesLonger StretchShorter Stretch
पेटSpoken as (pet) as in “gate” or “late”

पेट (pet) = “stomach” / “belly”
Spoken as (pet) as in “get” or “set”

पेट (pet) = “pet animal”
जेल Spoken as (jeL) as in “bale” or “tail”

जेल (jeL) = “prison”
Spoken as (jeL) as in “tell” or “fell”

जेल (jeL) = “gel”

Now, don’t sweat over it. These concepts may feel overwhelming, but with time and practice, you’ll soon be able to master them. 🙂

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Slow and Steady Wins the Race

2. The Gender Conflict

You probably know that English verbs are gender-neutral, and that only the pronouns vary based on gender. However, that’s not the case in the Hindi language.

Using the wrong gender-verb conjugation is one of the most common Hindi grammar mistakes. And it’s totally understandable because, for a beginner, the rules can be tricky at times.

Nonetheless, we have one secret code that will not only help you catch the tiger by its tail, but also tame it.

Feminine GenderAll of the verbs and other conjugations end with the -ii sound.

This rule applies to both singular and plural nouns/pronouns.
Examplesजाती है (jaaTii hai) = “goes”
सोती है (SoTii hai) = “sleeps
“खाती है (khaaTii hai) = “eats”

Masculine GenderFor the singular masculine gender, all of the verbs and other conjugations end with the -aa sound.

For the plural masculine gender, all of the verbs and other conjugations end with the -e sound.
Singular Examplesजाता है (jaaTaa hai) = “goes”
सोता है (SoTaa hai) = “sleeps”
खाता है (khaaTaa hai) = “eats”
Plural Examplesजाते हैं (jaaTe hain) = “go”
सोते हैं (SoTe hain) = “sleep”
खाते हैं (khaaTe hain) = “eat”

What we’ve covered here are just the basic rules of thumb to help you avoid conjugation-related Hindi grammar mistakes. In fact, the conjugation rules vary according to the tense, mood, and tone as well. For the more curious souls, have a look at our amazing Verb Conjugation article!

3. Confusing Homonyms

Even if you think you’ve mastered how to avoid spelling mistakes in the Hindi language, there are always things that can go wrong. Why? Because not everything has a shortcut. So, don’t judge yourself or be super-critical about minor mistakes.

Some skills take time to develop and grow. Remember: Slow and steady wins the race! 😉

One of the most troublesome concepts is that of “homonyms.” And mind you, these pairs of words are the exact copies of each other. It’s so easy for beginners to make a mistake in Hindi here without the proper experience and exposure. The only way to crack the code and differentiate between their meanings is by looking at the entire context of a conversation.

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Messed up in a meeting because you said the wrong word?

Here are a few common homonyms that are easily confused.

Hindi WordEnglish Meaning 1English Meaning 2
कल (kaL)“Yesterday”“Tomorrow”
फल (phaL)“Gold” (noun)“To sleep” (verb)
फल (phaL)“Fruits” (noun)“Result” / “Outcome”
खाना (khaaNaa)“Food” (noun)“To eat” (verb)

4. “Where” to Place “What” and “Why”!

Before we continue, some good news for you: We’re almost halfway through this lesson. Yay! Give yourself a pat on the back!

Don’t get too carried away, though, because we have another brain teaser waiting for us.

Now, we’ll be talking about the Hindi sentence pattern and word order. Or, to be precise, about where you should place interrogative words when asking a question. Pay attention, because confusion on this topic leads to many Hindi mistakes! 

Unlike in English, in Hindi, we place the interrogative words right before the helping verb or main verb. Just for easy reference, here are a few common Hindi question words:

  • क्या (kyaa) = “what”
  • कब (kab) = “when”
  • कहाँ (kahaan) = “where”
  • क्यों (kyon) = “why”

5. The Politeness Code

Offending someone is the last thing you want to do in a foreign country. In India, following the proper code of conduct and showing respect and courtesy matter a lot.

Just like people in many Asian countries, we Indians have particular words and phrases we use to show respect to our elders, strangers, and other people in formal situations. We’ll admit that this isn’t so much a set of Hindi mistakes as it is a cultural difference.

So, whenever you’re meeting someone:

  • for the first time;
  • elderly;
  • of the opposite gender;
  • officially senior to you;
  • who is a stranger,

Our rule of thumb is to go with the word आप (aap) rather than तुम (Tum). Both words are Hindi translations for the pronoun “you.” But remember that आप (aap) is more than just a word; it’s a gesture of showing respect and proper etiquette.

6. Stay Away from Redundancy

A frequent mistake Hindi-learners make is to crowd a sentence with unnecessary words. Well, honestly, the crime of redundancy is not unique to Hindi, but it’s still important to cover.

First of all, repetitive words make us sound clumsy and cluttered. Redundancy steals the sharpness and freshness from our sentences and turns them into long, boring lines.

A Kid Listening to Music, Happy about an A+ on His Homework

Mastering Hindi the fun way!

Here are a few examples of common mistakes that are made while learning Hindi.

Example 1Hindi SentenceLiteral English Meaning
Wrong Wayमैं तुमसे सोमवार के दिन मिलूंगा Imain Tum Se Somavaar ke DiN miLuungaa.“I will meet you on the day of Monday.”
Right Wayमैं तुमसे सोमवार को मिलूंगा Imain Tum Se Somavaar ko miLuungaa.“I will meet you on Monday.”

Example 2Hindi SentenceLiteral English Meaning
Wrong Wayट्रेन को आने में दो घंटे का समय लगेगा ItreN ko aaNe men Do ghante kaa Samay Lagegaa.“The train will arrive in two hours of time.”
Right Wayट्रेन को आने में दो घंटे लगेंगे ItreN ko aaNe men Do ghante Lagenge.“The train will arrive in two hours.”

Example 3Hindi SentenceLiteral English Meaning
Wrong Wayक्या मुझे एक गिलास पीने का पानी मिलेगा?kyaa mujhe ek giLaaS piiNe ka paaNii miLegaa?“Can I get a glass of drinking water?”
Right Wayक्या मुझे एक गिलास पानी मिलेगा?kyaa mujhe ek giLaaS paaNii miLegaa?“Can I get a glass of water?”

As you can see, the phrases “the day of,” “of time,” and “drinking” in Examples 1, 2, and 3 respectively, are unnecessary. Removing them from the sentence doesn’t affect the meaning at all. In fact, removing those words helps us construct shorter, cleaner statements.

7. Clever Diacritics

Make no mistake! Hindi diacritics are a total game-changer. They can make you or break you. But what is a diacritic, anyway? Check out our lesson to find more information about the Hindi maatraa.

Assuming that you have a little bit of an idea about the Hindi maatraa, let’s see how missing a seemingly innocent sign here and there can completely distort the meaning of your statement.

सुना (SuNaa) = “Listened” / “Heard”

सूना (SuuNaa) = “Feeling empty” / “Deserted”

का(kaam) = “Work”

म (kam) = “Less” / “Few”

दिन (DiN) = “Day”

दीन (DiiN) = “Poor” / “Underprivileged”

सिलना (SiLaNaa) = “To sew”

सीलना (SiiLaNaa) = “Damp” / “Soggy”

र (or) = “Toward”

र (aur) = “And”

As you can see, a slight change in diacritics can greatly change a word’s meaning. Ignorance about the significance of diacritics is another common mistake Hindi-learners make, so watch out for these! 

8. When to Skip the jii Suffix

It’s always okay, and especially important, to add the जी (-jii) suffix when calling an elder person by their name. The one and only condition where using जी (-jii) may do you more harm than good, is when you attach it to your own name.

Yeah, that could leave your Indian friends laughing out loud. It just doesn’t go well with our own names. So, always remember to avoid getting into this pitfall, because it’s a natural mistake that Hindi grammar lessons don’t often talk about!

A Little Girl Practicing the Piano

9. The Local Dialect

Nearly every language can be said to have its own colloquial words. This may include synonyms, regional accents, local dialects, and so on. So, basically, a word can have the same meaning in different dialects, even if each dialect says it quite differently. 

To give you an idea, let’s recall words like “yeah” / “yup” / “ya” which all mean “yes.” Similarly, we also use “buddy” / “bud” / “pal” / “man” / “dude,” all of which mean the same thing.

Likewise, in Hindi, a category of similar words may confuse a beginner. What are these words? Well, here are some examples:

Interchangeable Hindi WordsEnglish Meaning
वह (vah) / वो (vo)“He” / “She” / “That”
सब (Sab) / सारे (Saare) / सभी (Sabhii)“All” / “Everyone”
क्यों (kyon) / काहे (kaahe) / किसलिए (kiSLiye)“Why”
कहाँ (kahaan) / किधर (kidhar)“Where”

You get the drift, right? It’s not a matter of one phrase being right and the others being wrong. It’s just a matter of preference by the individual or the regional dialect.

A Woman Covering Her Mouth

How to avoid those oops moments!

10. The Fear of Making Mistakes

You’ve now learned how to improve Hindi mistakes that new learners make, and most of them are quite easy to fix. But what about the biggest mistake? 

Face your fears and don’t be ashamed of your common Hindi grammar mistakes. Have you seen a child falling again and again when trying to walk for the first time? We don’t call their fall a failure or mistake, do we? We take it as part and parcel of learning.

In our mind, we know that it’s practically impossible for him or her to crawl one day and start walking perfectly the next day. The same is true of Hindi language-learning. As long as you’re afraid of making mistakes, you’ll never learn to move forward.

So, instead of acting on the natural tendency to escape, it’s time to master the tips from this article on how to avoid Hindi language mistakes.

11. Overcoming Your Hindi Mistakes with HindiPod101.com

All right! We’ve finally covered all of the common mistakes in learning Hindi and tips on how to avoid them. We hope this lesson has been useful and easy for you to understand.

If you have any doubts or questions, reach out to us at MyTeacher Messenger. All you need to do is download our free mobile app and start learning.

Is there anything we didn’t cover in this article that you want to know about? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and connect with other learners as well!

Happy Hindi learning!

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Top 10 Conversation Questions in Hindi & How to Answer Them

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“What’s up?”

“May I know your name?”

“Oh, how are you?”

These are simple questions that carry the potential to bond two people, and they serve as great conversation starters. Today, you’ll learn and practice similar English-to-Hindi question-answer patterns that are popular in Indian society. These on-the-spot questions to ask in Hindi will help you break the ice and, on some occasions, save you from unnecessary challenges.

Before we start, you may want to get familiar with the most common Hindi question words. We have relevant lessons on our website that you can check out for the question words  “what,” “where,” and “when.” 

Now, there may be a ton of survival interrogative phrases. But let’s be honest: we can’t cram everything into just one lesson. So, here’s the deal. We’ll bring you the ten best conversation questions in Hindi and teach you different ways to answer them.

You’ll also learn the English meaning of each and every Hindi word while practicing the various sentence structures.

Quick Note: As this lesson mainly focuses on the top Hindi questions, we’ll only be explaining each word from the questions, instead of covering both Q&A.

Let’s begin the adventure and check out the ten most popular question sentences in Hindi!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hindi Table of Contents
  1. What’s in a name, after all?
  2. How do you do?
  3. Where are you from?
  4. What do you do for a living?
  5. Do you speak Hindi?
  6. How is everyone in the family?
  7. Time, please?
  8. Would you like to have something?
  9. What’s wrong?
  10. How much is it?
  11. Ice-Breaking with HindiPod101.com

1. What’s in a name, after all?

Well, a lot. The first personal thing we get to know about someone is his/her name. If it’s your first conversation with this person, then this is certainly one of the good questions to ask a Hindi native.

You’ll not only sweep them off their feet, but you’ll also enjoy the credit of breaking the ice! 

In a nutshell, asking somebody’s name is one of the top Hindi questions you need to know in India. Luckily, doing so isn’t that hard.

So, here we go!

Q.आपका नाम क्या है?
aap kaa Naam kyaa hai?
“What’s your name?”
A.मेरा नाम मनीषा है।
meraa Naam maNiisaa hai.
“My name is Manisha.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1आपका“your”aap kaa
Word 2नाम“name”Naam
Word 3क्या“what”kyaa
Word 4है“is”hai

Q.आपका शुभ नाम क्या है?
aap kaa subh Naam kyaa hai?
“What’s your good name?”
A.मेरा नाम अदित है।
meraa Naam aDiT hai.
“My name is Adit.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1आपका“your”aap kaa
Word 2शुभ“good”subh
Word 3नाम“name”Naam
Word 4क्या“what”kyaa
Word 5है“is”hai

Voila! You’ve just mastered the very first conversation questions in Hindi! Wasn’t that easy? Based on the patterns of these basic Hindi questions and answers, you can see how your answer should be constructed. All you need to do is insert your name in place of the example name.

First Encounter

2. How do you do?

Okay, how do you show your care and concern for somebody? By asking how they are. This etiquette rule applies all over the world, and India is no exception. Because this is so important for strengthening any relationship, we’ll show you some simple Hindi questions and answers you can expect.

These may be easy questions to ask in Hindi, but they’re also a sureshot way to touch someone’s heart. One simple question, and they may pour out their pain, sadness, joy, or happiness to you in a moment. And an experience like that can make you feel so precious and strengthen your bond with that person.

Q.कैसे हैं आप?
kaiSe hain aap?
“How are you?”
A.मैं ठीक हूँ।
main thiik huun.
“I’m good/okay.”
A.मैं परेशान हूँ।
main paresaaN huun.
“I’m worried.”
A. मैं ख़ुश हूँ।
main khus huun.
“I’m happy.”
A. मैं नाराज़ / उदास हूँ।
main Naaraaz / uDaaS huun.
“I’m upset/sad.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1कैसे“how”kaiSe
Word 2हैं“are”hain
Word 3आप“you”aap

Above, we outlined the Hindi questions with answers for a variety of circumstances. This will allow you to become more fluent when using conversational Hindi questions, as you’ll be able to understand (or give) different answers. 

Q.क्या हाल-चाल हैं?
kyaa haaL-caaL hain?
“How do you do?”
A.बिल्कुल बढ़िया!
biLkuL badhiyaa!
“Great!” / “Absolutely fine!”
A.बकवास!
bakavaaS!
“Terrible!”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1क्या “what”kyaa
Word 2हाल-चाल “well-being”haaL-caaL
Word 3हैं“are”hain

Here are some of the best Hindi adjectives to help you express the various shades of your moods.

3. Where are you from?

Now, what are some general Hindi questions and answers that you can expect as a foreigner in India? 

Well, our third question is for asking where someone is from.

In this day and age, when the whole world has become a global village, people from all cultures and places can meet each other. In such circumstances, asking about someone’s hometown/country is inevitable.

And given India’s warm and social culture, you’ll find yourself either asking or answering Hindi questions like these often. So, check out these questions and impress the natives with your fluent Hindi.

Q.आप कहाँ से हैं?
aap kahaan Se hain?
“Where are you from?”
A.मैं भारत से हूँ।
main bhaaraT Se huun.
“I’m from India.”
A.मैं जापान से हूँ।
main jaapaaN Se huun.
“I’m from Japan.”
A.मैं रूस से हूँ।
main ruuS Se huun.
“I’m from Russia.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1आप“you”aap
Word 2कहाँ“where”kahaan
Word 3से“from”Se
Word 4हैं“are”hain

If you’re located in India or currently living there, people may ask you the same thing, but in a slightly different way.

Q.आपका घर कहाँ हैं?
aap kaa ghar kahaan hai?
“Where do you live?”
A.मेरा घर लाजपत नगर में है।
meraa ghar LaajapaT Nagar men hai.
“I live in Lajpat Nagar.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1आपका “your”aap kaa 
Word 2घर“home”ghar
Word 3कहाँ“where”kahaan
Word 4है“is”hai

4. What do you do for a living?

Indians are quite upfront and casual when it comes to asking about others’ source of living. What you do and how you explain your work may have a wonderful impression on the locals. So why waste the chance to leave them speechless with your amazing Hindi vocab? 

And while we’re at it, it won’t take long to check out these straight-to-business questions and answers in Hindi!

Q.आप क्या करते हैं?
aap kyaa karaTe hain?
“What do you do?”
A.मैं टीचर हूँ।
main tiicar huun.
“I’m a teacher.”
A.मैं वक़ील हूँ।
main vaqiiL huun.
“I’m a lawyer.”
A.मैं कलाकार हूँ।
main kaLaakaar huun.
“I’m an artist.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1आप“you”aap
Word 2क्या“what”kyaa
Word 3करते“do”karaTe
Word 4हैं“are”hain

Q.आप क्या काम करते हैं?
aap kyaa kaam karaTe hain?
“What’s your profession?”
A.मैं तैराकी सिखाती हूँ।
main Tairaakii SikhaaTii huun.
“I teach swimming.”
A.मैं होटल में मैनेजर हूँ।
main hotaL men maiNejar huun.
“I’m a hotel manager.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1आप“you”aap
Word 2क्या“what”kyaa
Word 3काम“work”kaam
Word 4करते“do”karaTe
Word 5हैं“are”hain

Yes, having your own business or being in a job does make a difference in Indian society. In fact, if you could grab a government job, you’d be treated as nothing less than a king/queen. However, things are changing and people are becoming more open-minded (though there’s still a long way to go for us Indians).

In your first few meetings, talking about each other’s professions falls under the category of good questions to ask a Hindi speaker. So, if you’re out of ideas, feel free to use such questions for a friendly chat.

Q.आप व्यापार करते हैं या नौकरी?
aap vyaapaar karaTe hain yaa Naukarii?
“Are you in a business or job?”
A.मेरा ख़ुद का ब्यूटी पार्लर (व्यापार) है।
meraa khuD kaa byuutii paarLar (vyaapaar) hai.
“I run my own beauty parlor (business).”
A.मैं जिम में काम करता हूँ।
main jim men kaam karaTaa huun.
“I work at a gym.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1आप“you”aap
Word 2व्यापार“business”vyaapaar
Word 3करते“do”karaTe
Word 4हैं“are”hain
Word 5या “or”yaa 
Word 6नौकरी“job”Naukarii

5. Do you speak Hindi?

Some of you may be surprised to know that not all Indians speak Hindi. In fact, there are more than twenty local Indian languages spoken in different parts of the country.

The bottom line is that whenever you meet an Indian, it’s better not to assume that they speak Hindi.

Two People Looking at a Map

Can you speak Hindi?

Here are the basic Hindi questions and answers you can use to ask about someone’s Hindi-speaking abilities or answer about your own. 

Q.क्या आप हिंदी समझते / बोलते हैं?
kyaa aap hiNDii SamajhaTe / boLaTe hain?
“Do you understand/speak Hindi?”
A.हाँ, मुझे ठीक-ठाक हिंदी आती है।
haan, mujhe thiik-thaak hinDii aaTii hai.
“Yeah, my Hindi is alright.”
A.हाँ, मुझे बहुत अच्छी हिंदी आती है।
haan, mujhe bahuT acchii hinDii aaTii hai.
“Yeah, I am quite fluent in Hindi.”
A.नहीं, मुझे ज़्यादा हिंदी नहीं आती।
Nahiin, mujhe zyaaDaa hinDii Nahiin aaTii.
“No, I don’t know much Hindi.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1क्या“do”kyaa
Word 2आप“you”aap
Word 3हिंदी“Hindi”hinDii
Word 4समझते“understand”SamajhaTe
Word 5बोलते“speak”boLaTe
Word 6हैं“are”hain

6. How is everyone in the family?

Family holds a special place in every part of the world, and this may be even more true for Indians than for most other people.

A Family Enjoying a Meal Outside Together

How’s your family?

So whenever you bump into a local friend, remember that family is definitely a topic of choice if you need some good questions to ask a Hindi native and melt his or her heart.

Q.घर में सब कैसे हैं?
ghar men Sab kaiSe hain?
“How’s everyone in the family?”
A.घर में सब ठीक हैं।
ghar men Sab thiik hain.
“Everything’s great at home.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1घर “home” / “family”ghar    
Word 2में“in”men
Word 3सब“everyone”Sab
Word 4कैसे“how”kaiSe
Word 5हैं“are”hain

Q.और सब ठीक-ठाक है?
aur Sab thiik-thaak hai?
“Everything’s well in the family?”
A.जी, सब अच्छा है।
jii, Sab acchaa hai.
“Yeah, everything’s going great!”

Do you know what we call family members in Hindi? Here’s our quick list for family members in India. Have a look!


HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1और “and”aur   
Word 2सब“everything”Sab
Word 3ठीक-ठाक“okay”thiik-thaak
Word 4है“is”hai

7. Time, please?

Isn’t it remarkable to learn so many Hindi question words in just one lesson? Well, don’t worry. We still have plenty of material for you in this guide.

This section is about asking for the time, which is another really important and practical question in Hindi. Before we teach you how to ask a Hindi question about time, you might like to take a sneak-peek at our Tell the Time in Hindi lesson for a more thorough knowledge.

Q.कितने बज रहे हैं?
kiTaNe baj rahe hain?
“What’s the time?”
A.सुबह के सात बज रहे हैं।
Subah ke SaaT baj rahe hain.
“It’s seven in the morning.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1कितने “what”kiTaNe 
Word 2बज“time” / “o’clock”baj
Word 3रहे“happening”rahe
Word 4हैं“are”hain

Q.वक़्त क्या हो रहा है?
vaqT kyaa ho rahaa hai?
“What’s the time?”
A.दो बज रहे हैं।
Do baj rahe hain.
“It’s two o’clock.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1वक़्त “time”vaqT 
Word 2क्या“what”kyaa
Word 3हो रहा“happening”ho rahaa
Word 4है“is”hai

8. Would you like to have something?

We all like to treat our guests in the best possible way. Suppose you’re on a date or having lunch with a colleague/friend. Wouldn’t it be marvelous to welcome them with some Hindi greetings?

Someone Picking Up a Slice of Pizza

Hey, would you like to eat with us?

Fortunately, there are many ways to impress people, and you can choose whichever sounds easiest and more apt to you.

Without further ado, here are the most popular Hindi questions and answers when welcoming your guests.

Q.क्या लेना पसंद करेंगे?
kyaa LeNaa paSaND karenge?
“What would you like to have?”
A.मैं एक कप चाय ले लूँगी।
main ek kap caay Le Luungii.
“I’ll have a cup of tea.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1क्या “what”kyaa 
Word 2लेना“take”LeNaa
Word 3पसंद“like”paSaND
Word 4करेंगे“do”karenge

Q.कुछ चाहिए?
kuch caahiye?
“Do you want something?”
A.जी, मुझे पानी पीना है।
jii, mujhe paaNii piiNaa hai.
“Yeah, I’d like to have some water.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1कुछ “something”kuch 
Word 2चाहिए“want” / “need”caahiye

Q.चाय पिएंगे या ठंडा?
caay piyenge yaa thandaa?
“Would you have something hot or cold?”
A.जी, मैं शरबत लूँगा।
jii, main sarbaT Luungaa.
“Yeah, I’ll have sherbet.”
Juices, Smoothies, and Fruits & Veggies Arranged on a White Background

Some fresh juice, please?


HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1चाय “tea”caay 
Word 2पिएंगे“will drink” / “have drink”piyenge
Word 3या“or”yaa
Word 4ठंडा“cold drink”thandaa

9. What’s wrong?

Now, you don’t want to miss out on the Hindi phrases you’ll need when something goes wrong!

After all, when sad, all one wants is someone to show that they care. So, if you see that your friend’s feeling low, just asking these simple things may lighten their mood, and they may just share their feelings with you.

Q.क्या हुआ?
kyaa huaa?
“What happened?”
A.मेरी तबियत ठीक नहीं है।
merii TabiyaT thiik Nahiin hai.
“I’m not feeling well.”
A.नहीं, कुछ नहीं हुआ।
Nahiin, kuch Nahiin huaa.
“No, everything’s alright.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1क्या “what”kyaa 
Word 2हुआ“happened”huaa

A Girl Lying on the Couch, Holding a Stuffed Animal

Is something wrong?

Q.कोई बात है क्या?
koi baaT hai kyaa?
“Is something wrong?”
A.मेरा झगड़ा हुआ है।
meraa jhagadaa huaa hai.
“I’ve had a fight.”
A.नहीं, कुछ नहीं हुआ।
Nahiin, kuch Nahiin huaa.
“No, everything’s alright.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1कोई “something”koi 
Word 2बात“wrong”baaT
Word 3है“is”hai
Word 4क्या“what”kyaa

10. How much is it?

Our final section is related to shopping, bargaining, asking prices, and so on. Practice these phrases and grab yourself the best deal in the market by proving your Hindi knowledge.

Q.इसका दाम क्या है?
iS kaa Daam kyaa hai?
“What’s the price of this?”
A.इसका दाम पचास रुपये है।
 iS kaa Daam pacaaS rupaye hai.
“It’s fifty bucks.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1इसका“its”iS kaa 
Word 2दाम“price”Daam
Word 3क्या“what”kyaa
Word 4है“is”hai

A Little Kid Pointing at Something in the Sky

Oh, what’s that?

Q.ये कितने का है?
ye kiTaNe kaa hai?
“How much is this?”
A.ये सात सौ बीस रुपये का है।
ye SaaT Sau biiS rupaye kaa hai.
“It’s seven hundred and twenty rupees.”

HindiEnglishRomanization
Word 1ये “this”ye 
Word 2कितने“how much”kiTaNe
Word 3का“of”kaa
Word 4है“is”hai

11. Ice-Breaking with HindiPod101.com

Finally, we’re at the end of this lesson. By now, you must have become familiar with many different questions in Hindi, the process of asking these questions, and even their proper responses.

But no matter how much you read, it’s just not worth it without regular practice. At HindiPod101.com, we make it possible for you to stay in touch 24/7, even when you’re on the go. All you have to do is download our mobile app and go through the lesson materials whenever possible.

Meanwhile, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know which of these Hindi questions and answers seem easiest to you. You can also make up some new questions on your own and flaunt your Hindi skills to the world!

Got any questions? Feel free to ask us through our Premium PLUS feature MyTeacher, and we’ll get back to you with an answer. Happy learning, guys!

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