Did you know that India is a country where animals are worshipped? 

For instance, the owl is associated with Goddess Lakshmi—the goddess of wealth. The eagle is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, while monkeys are associated with Lord Hanuman. And Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge) rides a swan.

If you’re familiar with the Indian god, Lord Krishna, most pictures and paintings have him playing the flute among the cows and other domestic animals. Hindus also consider cows to be their “mother.” And that’s not all—cows have allegedly become a religious symbol. 

Learning the names of animals in Hindi can not only expand your current vocabulary, but also help you better understand Indians and their intense connection with animals. In addition, knowing these words can make it easier for you to strike up a conversation with just about anyone—animal lovers or not, humans tend to have a strong fascination with the animal world. 

In this article, you’ll also learn the names of animal body parts, what sounds animals make in Hindi, and a few colloquial idioms related to animals. 

Let’s go!

Table of Contents

1. Why learn animal names in Hindi?
2. Animal Vocab Basics
3. At Home (Pets)
4. On the Farm (Farm Animals)
5. In the Wild / Forest / Safari (Land Animals / Mammals)
6. Aquatic Animals
7. Bugs and Insects
8. Birds and Reptiles
9. Animal Body Parts
10. Animal Sounds
11. Animal-Related Idioms and Slang Expressions
12. Improve Your Hindi with HindiPod101.com

1. Why learn animal names in Hindi?

Need some practical reasons to get familiar with Hindi animal words? 

Well, as mentioned, animals play a central role in Hinduism. This means that learning animal names in Hindi will allow you to more easily connect with native speakers and start conversations. 

Living in India also means dealing with lots of unexpected animal encounters! 😉 It may sound strange, but one can often find stray cows and dogs roaming the streets and roads. And the natives happen to be totally okay with it. This is much more common in small towns and rare in big cities. So, if you’re about to visit places that are not metropolitan, be prepared to honk and wait for the animals to move at their own will.

Moreover, farming being the backbone of the Indian economy, cows, bulls, and other cattle are pretty widespread in the country. This is especially the case in villages and rural areas.

I guess we’ve covered plenty of reasons why learning animal names in Hindi is essential. So, let’s jump to our main section without any further delays!

2. Animal Vocab Basics

In the Hindi language, every noun and pronoun has a gender attached to it (masculine or feminine). As you’ll see, many of the animal words on our list have a masculine version and a feminine version, depending on the gender of the animal in question. We have an entire article about grammatical gender in Hindi, so make sure to check it out if you’d like to learn more!

Before we dive into the more specific animal names, let’s look at some basic vocabulary for animal categories: 

• “Animal” = जानवर (jaaNavar) 
  • More popular in daily use
• “Animal” = पशु (pasu) 
  • Very formal, mostly used in textbooks
• “Mammals” = स्तनधारी (STaNaDHaarii)
• “Domestic”= पालतू (paaLaTuu)
• “Pet” = पालतू (paaLaTuu)
• “Wild” = जंगली (jangaLii)
• “Bird” = चिड़िया (cidiyaa)
• “Aquatic” = समुद्री (SamuDrii)
• “Bugs” / “Insects” = कीड़ा / कीड़े (kiidaa / kiide)

3. At Home (Pets)

Would you like to pet a piggy?

Dogs and cats top the list of popular pets in India. We also have plenty of stray dogs, and it is common in Indian culture to feed these homeless animals with leftover meat, bread, chapatis mashed in milk, and other foods.

• “Male cat” = बिल्ला (biLLaa)
• “Female cat” = बिल्ली (biLLii)
• “Male dog” = कुत्ता (kuTTaa)
• “Female dog” = कुतिया (kuTiyaa)
• “Male mouse” = चूहा (cuuhaa)
• “Female mouse” = चुहिया (cuhiyaa)
• “Rabbit” = ख़रगोश (kharagos)
• “Squirrel” = गिलहरी (giLaharii)
• “Guinea pig” = गिनी पिग (giNii pig)

4. On the Farm (Farm Animals)

We’ve already discussed how important farming is in this country, so it should come as no surprise that our farm animals are indispensable! 

The primary farm animals in India are cows, buffaloes, hens, and goats. Sheep, donkeys, and horses are popular in the mountainous regions. Some of these animals are domesticated solely for milk and for carrying loads, while others are raised for their meat.

Meet Oxen: The backbone of farming in India

Here’s a list of common domestic animals in Hindi and English:

• “Cow” = गाय (gaay)
• “Buffalo” = भैंस (bhainS)
• “Horse” = घोड़ा (ghodaa)
• “Donkey” = गधा (gaDHaa)
• “Duck” = बत्तख़ (baTTakh)
• “Hen” = मुर्ग़ी (murgii)
• “Rooster” = मुर्ग़ा (murgaa)
• “Pig” = सुअर (Suar)
• “Female goat” = बकरी (bakarii)
• “Male goat” = बकरा (bakaraa)
• “Sheep” = भेड़ (bhed)

5. In the Wild / Forest / Safari (Land Animals / Mammals)

India has a wide range of terrains. That explains the rich variety of animal species present in the different parts of the country. Here are the names of the most popular wild animals in Hindi and English: 

• “Lion” = शेर (ser)
• “Lioness” = शेरनी (serNii)
• “Tiger” = बाघ (baagh)
• “Tigress” = बाघिन (baaghiN)
• “Male elephant” = हाथी (haaTHii)
• “Female elephant”  = हथिनी (haTHiNii)
• “Fox” = लोमड़ी (Lomadii)
• “Bear” = भालू (bhaaLuu)
• “Wolf” = भेड़िया (bhediyaa)
• “Male monkey” = बंदर (baNDar)
• “Female monkey” = बंदरिया (baNDariyaa)
• “Deer” = हिरण (hiran)
• “Hippopotamus”= दरियाई घोड़ा (Dariyaaii ghodaa)
• “Giraffe” = जिराफ़ (jiraaf)
• “Frog” = मेंढक (mendhak)
• “Male camel” = ऊँट (uunt)
• “Female camel” = ऊँटनी (uuntNii)
• “Mongoose” = नेवला (NevaLaa)
• “Bat” = चमगादड़ (camagaaDad)
• “Owl” = उल्लू (uLLuu)
• “Leopard” = तेंदुआ (TenDuaa)
• “Jackal” = सियार (Siyaar)
• “Panther” = तेंदुआ (TenDuaa)
• “Hyena” = लकड़बग्घा (Lakadabagghaa)

6. Aquatic Animals

The worlds that lie within our oceans and other bodies of water are nothing less than a mystery. The diverse population of fish and aquatic animals invokes such a strong sense of curiosity in our minds. Let’s find out how to pronounce the Hindi names of these popular animals!

Life under the ocean!

• “Shark” = हाँगर (haangar)
• “Dolphin” = सूंस (SuunS)
• “Octopus” = अष्टबाहु (astabaahu)
• “Fish” = मछली (machaLii)
• “Turtle” / “Tortoise” = कछुआ (kachuaa)
• “Whale” = व्हेल (vheL)
• “Starfish” = तारामीन (TaaraamiiN)
• “Jellyfish” = जेलीफ़िश (jeLiifis)
• “Prawns” = झींगा मछली (jhiingaa machaLii)
• “Seahorse” = समुद्री घोड़ा (SamuDrii ghodaa)
• “Sealion” = जलसिंह (jaLaSinh)
• “Oyster” = सीप (Siip)

7. Bugs and Insects

Whether you like it or not, you’re sure to stumble upon bugs and insects from time to time. While these creatures look scary and creepy to some people, there are others who find them colorful and fascinating. Whichever side you’re on, learning the Hindi names of some common bugs won’t harm you! 😉

• “Ant” = चींटी (ciintii)
• “Honeybee” = मधुमक्खी (maDHumakkhii)
• “Spider” = मकड़ी (makadii)
• “Housefly” = मक्खी (makkhii)
• “Butterfly” = तितली (TiTaLii)
• “Mosquito” = मच्छर (macchar)
• “Insect” = कीड़ा (kiidaa)
• “Grasshopper” = टिड्डा (tiddaa)
• “Cricket” = झींगुर (jhiingur)
• “Caterpillar” = इल्ली (iLLii)
• “Earthworm” = केंचुआ (kencuaa)
• “Cockroach” = तिलचट्टा (TiLacattaa)
• “Snail” = घोंघा (ghonghaa)

8. Birds and Reptiles

This category includes some of the most widespread birds and reptiles present around us and in the wild. Some of them even live inside our homes and gardens, such as lizards, sparrows, and chameleons.

• “Birds” = चिड़िया (cidiyaa)
• “Eagle” = चील (ciiL)
• “Parrot” = तोता (ToTaa)
• “Cuckoo” = कोयल (koyaL)
• “Goose” = हंसिनी (haNSiNii)
• “Gander” = हंस (haNS)
• “Myna” = मैना (maiNaa)
• “Pigeon” = कबूतर (kabuuTar)
• “Sparrow” = गौरैया (gauraiyaa)
• “Crow” = कौवा (kauvaa)
• “Dove” = सफ़ेद कबूतर (SafeD kabuuTar)
• “Woodpecker” = कठफोड़वा (kathfodwa)
• “Weaverbird” = बया (bayaa)
• “Vulture” = गिद्ध (giDDH)
• “Kite” = चील (ciiL)
• “Hawk” = बाज़ (baaz)
• “Crocodile” = मगरमच्छ (magaramacch)
• “Lizard” = छिपकली (chipakaLii)
• “Tortoise” = कछुआ (kachuaa)
• “Snake” = साँप (Saanp)
• “Alligator” = घड़ियाल (ghadiyaaL)
• “Chameleon” = गिरगिट (giragit)

9. Animal Body Parts

Knowing the body parts of animals in Hindi is just as important as knowing their names, especially if you’re interested in studying animals. So, what are the Hindi words for different animal body parts? Let’s find out!

What’s in the wild?

• “Wing” / “Feather” = पंख (pankh)
• “Tail” = पूंछ (puunch)
• “Hoof” = ख़ुर (khur)
• “Claw” = पंजा (paNjaa)
• “Trunk” =  सूंड (Suund)
• “Tusk” = हाथी-दांत (haaTHii-DaanT)
• “Stinger” = डंक (dank)
• “Scale” = शल्क (saLk)
• “Spine” = काँटा (kaantaa)
• “Fin” = मछली का पर (machaLii kaa par)
• “Horn” = सींग (Siing)

10. Animal Sounds

It’s time to get familiar with the different animal sounds in Hindi. While they might look a bit complicated now, with practice you’re sure to master them in no time.

• “To growl” = गुर्राना (gurraaNaa)
• “To bark” = भौंकना (bhaunkaNaa)
• “To roar” = दहाड़ना (DahaadaNaa)
• “To chirp” = चहचहाना (cahacahaaNaa)
• “To bellow” = चिंघाड़ना (cinghaadaNaa)
• “To croak” = टरटराना (tarataraaNaa)
• “To buzz” = भनभनाना (bhaNabhaNaaNaa)
• “To hum” = गुनगुनाना (guNaguNaaNaa)
• “To moo” = राँभना (raambhaaNaa)
• “To neigh” = हिनहिनाना (hiNahiNaaNaa)

11. Animal-Related Idioms and Slang Expressions

Finally, we’ve arrived at the most interesting and fun section of the article! You’ll see how animals influence the idioms and slang expressions of native Hindi speakers, which will help you sound more like a native yourself! While the true meanings of these idioms are far from their literal translations, this is what makes them so much fun to study.

Oh! Look at this cutie pie kitten!

• पेट में चूहे कूदना (pet men cuuhe kuuDaNaa)
  Literal Meaning: “Mice jumping in the stomach”
  Actual Meaning: Starving or feeling very hungry

• बलि का बकरा (baLi kaa bakaraa)
  Literal Meaning: “A goat for sacrifice”
  Actual Meaning: To become the scapegoat

• घर की मुर्गी दाल बराबर (ghar kii murgii DaaL baraabar)
  Literal Meaning: “A home-cooked chicken is equivalent to home-cooked lentils.”
  Actual Meaning: Familiarity breeds contempt.

• धोबी का कुत्ता न घर का न घाट का (DHobii kaa kuTTaa Na ghar kaa Na ghaat kaa)
  Literal Meaning: “A dog owned by a washerman is useless.”
  Actual Meaning: A person who has no importance

• शेर की खाल में भेड़िया (ser kii khaaL men bhediyaa)
  Literal Meaning: “A wolf in the skin of a lion”
  Actual Meaning: A person who is trying to act courageous, but is not

• गधे के सर से सींग ग़ायब होना (gaDHe ke Sar Se Siing gaayab hoNaa)
  Literal Meaning: “Like a donkey whose horns vanish”
  Actual Meaning: To disappear like it was never there

• गीदड़ भबकियाँ (giiDad bhabakiyaan)
  Literal Meaning: “Jackal growling”
  Actual Meaning: False threats

• बकरे की माँ कब तक ख़ैर मनाएगी (bakare kii maan kab Tak khair maNaayegii)
  Literal Meaning: “How long will the goat’s mother pray for the life of its goat-child”
  Actual Meaning: Trouble cannot be averted forever

• जल बिन मछली (jaL biN machaLii)
  Literal Meaning: “Fish without water”
  Actual Meaning: To be restless

• ऊँट के मुँह में ज़ीरा (uunt ke munh men ziiraa)
  Literal Meaning: “Feeding a camel with cumin seeds”
  Actual Meaning: Providing a negligible amount where a lot is actually needed

• खिसियानी बिल्ली खंबा नोचे (khiSiyaaNii biLLii khambaa Noce)
  Literal Meaning: “An embarrassed cat attacking and biting a pole”
  Actual Meaning: When embarrassed or defeated, a person tries to take it out on something else.

• सौ चूहे खा के बिल्ली हज को चली (Sau cuuhe khaa ke biLLii haj ko caLii)
  Literal Meaning: “After eating hundreds of mice, the cat is finally going on a religious trip.”
  Actual Meaning: Being a hypocrite

• चूज़ा (cuuzaa)
  Literal Meaning: “Chicken”
  Actual Meaning: Somebody too easy to handle, especially in aggressive or violent situations

• गधा (gaDHaa)
  Literal Meaning: “Donkey” / “Ass” 
  Actual Meaning: A totally stupid person

12. Improve Your Hindi with HindiPod101.com

What’s your favorite pet animal?

As you can see, learning the names of animals in Hindi is something that will prove quite useful while in India. We hope you enjoyed going through this lesson as much as we enjoyed writing it! 

By the way, what’s your favorite animal? Are there any animals in your country or region that we forgot to include on our list? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll be glad to get back to you with its name in Hindi. 

If you want to continue learning Hindi in the fastest, easiest, and most fun way possible, make sure to create your free lifetime account on HindiPod101.com today! In addition to a full-fledged lesson library, we offer our students a grammar bank and a range of free vocabulary lists—not to mention a number of other free resources, such as this Hindi-to-English dictionary. Having trouble accessing any of our content? Feel free to reach out to us or browse through our FAQ section. 

Happy Hindi learning!

Since their invention, phones have been an inseparable part of our lives. They allow us to communicate with others across long distances, and the world has relied heavily on them throughout the coronavirus pandemic. While texting and social media are the favored communication means nowadays, traditional phone calls still make up a sizable chunk of our day-to-day conversations.

If you’re visiting India, living here as a foreigner, or have friends and family here, being well-versed in the most common phone call phrases in Hindi is a must!

Hey, this is me!

To get you started, we’ve prepared a list of the most useful Hindi expressions for phone calls. You’ll pick up essential vocabulary, learn how to talk over the phone in Hindi like a native, and even see a couple of dialogue samples. 

Let’s get going already!

Table of Contents

1. Picking up the Phone
2. Introducing Yourself on the Phone
3. Describing the Reason for Your Call
4. Asking to Speak to Someone
5. Asking Someone to Wait
6. Leaving a Message
7. Asking for Clarification or Repetition
8. Ending the Phone Call
9. Sample Phone Conversations in Hindi
10. Getting the Most Out of HindiPod101.com

1. Picking up the Phone

No matter what language you speak, it’s always important to follow proper telephone etiquette. When you first answer the phone, you’ll likely offer a greeting and then inquire about who’s calling (or whom the caller is trying to reach). Below are several Hindi phone call phrases you can use to initiate the conversation. 

1st Stage

1. हेलो! (heLo)
“Hello!”

A simple “hello” will get the job done if you’re not feeling that confident during your first few moments on the phone.

Using the Phone in Hindi

2. हेलो, आप कौन बोल रहे (male)/रही (female) हैं? (heLo, aap kauN boL rahe/rahii hain?)
“Hello, who is speaking?”

This is one of the most common phone call phrases in Hindi, and it can be used in both formal and informal situations. Keep in mind that the verb conjugation in Hindi changes according to the gender and tone of the person.

3. हेलो, कौन? (heLo, kauN?)
“Hello, who is this?”

This is an informal phrase that Indians use when picking up their personal phone. Please, remember that it’s better to avoid using casual tones like this in more formal situations. This phrase is perfect, however, if you’re not expecting any professional calls.

2nd Stage

This is the stage where you ask for the name of the speaker in case he/she hasn’t told you yet. The phrases below can be used in both professional and personal conversations.

4. आपका नाम क्या है? (aapakaa Naam kyaa hai?)
“What’s your name?”

5. आपको किससे बात करनी है? (aapako kiSaSe baaT karaNii hai?)
“Whom do you wish to speak to?”

2. Introducing Yourself on the Phone

When you’re the one making the call, you’ll need to introduce yourself in Hindi. There are many Hindi phone conversation phrases you can use for this purpose, most of which can be used in any context. Keep in mind, however, that some of the phrases below are best suited for casual situations and others for formal situations.

6. जी, मेरा नाम ___ है। (jii, meraa Naam ___ hai.)
“My name is ___.” [Formal + Informal]

7. जी, मैं ___ का/की दोस्त बोल रहा/रही हूँ। (jii, main ___ kaa/kii DoST boL rahaa/rahii huun.)
“This is ___’s friend speaking.” [Formal + Informal]

8. जी, मैं Y कंपनी/ऑफ़िस से X बोल रहा/रही हूँ। (jii, main Y kampaNii/aufiS Se X boL rahaa/rahii huun.)
“I am X speaking from the company/office Y.” [Formal]

9. मैं हूँ, ___। (main huun, ___.)
“This is me, ___.” [Informal]

10. मैं ___ बोल रहा/रही हूँ। (main ___ boL rahaa/rahii huun.)
“I am ___ speaking.” [Formal + Informal]

Key Hindi Phrases for Professional Phone Calls

3. Describing the Reason for Your Call

Sometimes, we have no real reason for making a phone call. Maybe we just wanted a friendly chat with loved ones or are checking up on an old friend. 

But what if you do have a pressing reason for ringing someone up? For instance, maybe you missed a call from an unknown number or have an important inquiry to make. 

How would you express these reasons in Hindi? Let’s find out!

11. आपका कॉल आया था। (aapakaa kauL aayaa THaa.)
“You had called.” [Informal]

12. इस नंबर से कॉल आया था। (iS Nambar Se kauL aayaa THaa.)
“I got a call from this number.” [Formal + Informal]

13. मैंने ये जानने के लिए/पूछने के लिए फ़ोन किया है… (mainNe ye jaaNaNe ke Liye/puuchaNe ke Liye foN kiyaa hai…)
“I have called to inquire/ask about…” [Formal + Informal]

4. Asking to Speak to Someone

More often than not, you already know whom you wish to speak to. Below are a few phone phrases in Hindi that will come in handy when you need to ask for someone.

14. मुझे ___ से बात करनी है। (mujhe ___ Se baaT karaNii hai.)
“I wish to talk to ___.” [Formal + Informal]

15. क्या ___ घर पे है/हैं? (kyaa ___ ghar pe hai/hain?)
“Is ___ at home?” [Informal]

16. ___ से बात हो सकती है क्या? (___ Se baaT ho SakaTii hai kyaa?)
“May I talk to ___?” [Formal + Informal]

17. क्या ___ से बात हो सकती है? (kyaa ___ Se baaT ho SakaTii hai?)
“Can I talk to ___?” [Informal]

5. Asking Someone to Wait

Now, imagine you’re the receiver and the caller has asked to speak to someone. There are a few phrases you could use to ask them to wait while you transfer them to the correct person. 

18. जी हाँ, एक मिनट। (jii haan, ek miNat.)
“Yeah, just a minute.” [Formal + Informal]

19. मैं उन्हें बुलाता/बुलाती हूँ। (main unhen buLaaTa/buLaaTii huun.)
“I’ll call him/her.” [Formal + Informal]

20. ज़रा होल्ड कीजिए/करना। (zaraa hoLd kiijiye/karaNaa.)
“Please, could you hold on for a second?” [Formal + Informal]

May I Know Your Number?

6. Leaving a Message

If you’ve made a phone call only to find that the person you wanted to reach is unavailable, you should leave a proper message for them. Here are a few Hindi phone call phrases you can use to let the receiver know you’d like to leave a message. 

21. उनसे कह दीजियेगा कि मेरा फ़ोन आया था। (uNaSe kah Diijiyegaa ki meraa foN aayaa THaa.)
“Please tell him/her that I called.” [Formal + Informal]

22. क्या आप उन्हें मेरा मैसेज दे देंगे/ देंगी? (kyaa aap unhen meraa meSej De Denge/Dengii?)
“Would you give him/her my message?” [Formal + Informal]

23. उससे कहियेगा मुझे कॉल करे। (uSaSe kahiyegaa mujhe kauL kare.)
“Please tell him/her to call me back.” [Informal]

24. उनसे बोलियेगा कि इसी नंबर पे मुझसे बात कर लें। (uNaSe boLiyegaa ki iSi Nambar pe mujhaSe baaT kar Len.)
“Please tell him/her to give me a call on this number.” [Formal + Informal]

7. Asking for Clarification or Repetition

As a foreigner, trying to make a phone call in Hindi can be a daunting task. Any number of things could cause confusion or disturbance during the call, such as a limited vocabulary or a bad connection. In situations like this, it’s both necessary and polite to ask the other person to repeat what they’ve said. 

25. माफ़ कीजियेगा, लेकिन आपकी आवाज़ सुनाई नहीं दे रही। (maaf kiijiyega, LekiN aapakii aavaaz SuNaaii Nahiin De rahii.)
“I’m sorry, but I can’t hear you.” [Formal]

26. आपकी आवाज़ नहीं आ रही। (aapakii aavaaz Nahiin aa rahii.)
“Your voice is not clear.” [Formal + Informal]

27. नेटवर्क नहीं आ रहा। (Netavark Nahiin aa rahaa.)
“There is no network.” [Informal]

28. कुछ सुनाई नहीं दे रहा। (kuch SuNaaii Nahiin De rahaa.)
“I can’t hear anything.” [Informal]

29. मैं एक बार वापस दोहरा देता/देती हूँ। (main ek baar vaapaS Doharaa DeTaa/DeTii huun.)
“I’ll repeat it once.” [Formal + Informal]

30. आपका शुभ नाम? (aapakaa subh Naam?)
“Your name, please?” [Formal]

31. आपका नाम क्या है? (aapakaa Naam kyaa hai?)
“What’s your name?” [Formal + Informal]

32. क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता/सकती हूँ? (kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa/SakaTii huun?)
“May I know your name, please?” [Formal]

Connect Better with Your Hindi-speaking Friends

8. Ending the Phone Call

This last segment deals with how to end a telephone conversation in Hindi! Here are the most commonly used phrases used before hanging up the phone.

33. बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद। (bahuT-bahuT DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you so much.” [Formal]

34. शुक्रिया। (sukriyaa.)
“Thank you.” [Formal + Informal]

35. नमस्ते। (NamaSTe.)
“Bye!” [Formal + Informal]

36. और कोई बात? (aur koii baaT?)
“Anything else?” [Informal]

37. आपका दिन शुभ हो। (aapakaa DiN subh ho.)
“Have a good day.” [Highly Formal]

38. तो फिर, __ को __ बजे मिलते हैं। (To phir, __ ko ___ baje miLaTe hain.)
“So, let’s meet on __ at __ .” [Formal + Informal]

39. ठीक है, फिर बाद में बात करते हैं। (thiik hai, phir baaD men baaT karaTe hain.)
“Alright, let’s talk later.” [Informal]

40. चलो ठीक है, फिर मैं फ़ोन रखता/रखती हूँ। (caLo thiik hai, phir main foN rakhaTaa/rakhaTii huun.)
“Alright, I’m hanging up now.” [Informal]

Phone Phrases That Make You Sound Smart!

9. Sample Phone Conversations in Hindi

Now that you have several phrases up your sleeve, it’s time to see what a real-life phone call conversation in Hindi might sound like. We’ve included two sample dialogues here: one informal and one formal. 

Informal Phone Conversation

Here, two friends are setting up a time to meet for lunch on a weekend. This should give you a good idea of how an informal chat might go over the phone. 

A: हेलो, मैं A बोल रही/रहा हूँ। (heLo, main A boL rahii/rahaa huun.)
“Hello, this is A speaking.”

B: हाँ, कैसी/कैसे हो? (haan, kaiSii/kaiSe ho?)
“Hey, how are you?”

A: मैं बिल्कुल ठीक हूँ। कई दिन हुए हम साथ नहीं बैठे। (main biLkuL thiik huun. kaii DiN huye ham SaaTH Nahiin baithe.)
“I’m good. It’s been so long since we spent time together.”

B: हाँ, क्यों ना मिलने का प्लान बनायें? (haan, kyon Naa miLaNe kaa pLaaN baNaayen?)
“Yeah, let’s make a plan and meet soon!”

A: ज़रूर! क्या तुम इस शनिवार को ख़ाली हो? (zaruur! Kyaa Tum iS saNivaar ko khaaLii ho?)
“Sure! Are you free this Saturday?”

B: हाँ, हम इस शनिवार मिल सकते हैं। (haan, ham iS saNivaar miL SakaTe hain.)
“Yep, we could definitely meet up this Saturday.”

A: तो फिर दोपहर का खाना साथ ही खाएंगे। (To phir Dopahar kaa khaaNaa SaaTH hii khaayenge.)
“Great, then let’s have lunch together.”

B: एवरग्रीन रेस्टोरेंट कैसा रहेगा? (evaragriiN reStorent kaiSaa rahegaa?)
“How about at Evergreen Restaurant?”

A: सही है! दोपहर 1 बजे मिलते हैं। (Sahii hai! Dopahar ek baje miLaTe hain.)
“That’s perfect! Let’s meet at one o’clock in the afternoon.”

B: ठीक है, मैं वहीं इंतज़ार करूँगी/करूँगा। (thiik hai, main vahiin iNTazaar karuungii/karuungaa.)
“Fine, I’ll wait for you there.”

A: बिल्कुल, चलो फिर मैं फ़ोन रखती/रखता हूँ। इस शनिवार मिलते हैं। (biLkuL, caLo phir main foN rakhaTii/rakhaTaa huun. iS saNivaar miLaTe hain.)
“Definitely. Okay, I’ll hang up the phone now. See you on Saturday.”

B: ठीक है, बाय! (thiik hai, baay!)
“Okay, bye!”

A: बाय! (baay!)
“Bye!”

Say Goodbye to Boring Calls!

Formal Phone Conversation

Once they’ve set the time and place, one of the friends calls the restaurant to reserve a table. They’ll be using relatively formal language here as this is most appropriate for making reservations. 

A: हेलो, क्या एवरग्रीन रेस्टोरेंट में बात हो रही है? (heLo, kyaa evaragriiN reStorent men baaT ho rahii hai?)
“Hello, is this Evergreen Restaurant?”

Staff Member: जी हाँ, ये एवरग्रीन रेस्टोरेंट है। हम आपकी कैसे मदद कर सकते हैं? (jii haan, ye evaragriiN reStorent hai. Ham aapakii kaiSe maDaD kar SakaTe hain?)
“Yes, it’s the Evergreen Restaurant. How may we help you?”

A: मुझे इस शनिवार लंच के लिए एक टेबल बुक करवानी है। (mujhe iS saNivaar LaNc ke Liye ek tebaL buk karavaaNii hai.)
“I have to book a table for lunch this coming Saturday.”

Staff Member: जी, बिल्कुल। क्या मैं आपका नाम जान सकता हूँ? (jii, biLkuL. Kyaa main aapakaa Naam jaaN SakaTaa huun?)
“Sure. May I know your name, please?”

A: हाँ, मैं A बोल रही हूँ। (haan, main A boL rahii huun.)
“Yes, this is A speaking.”

Staff Member: आपको कितने लोगों के लिए और कितने बजे का रिज़र्वेशन चाहिए? (aapako kiTaNe Logon ke Liye aur kiTaNe baje kaa rizarvesaN caahiye.)
“At what time and for how many people would you like to make this reservation?”

A: सिर्फ़ दो लोगों के लिए और शनिवार दोपहर 1 बजे का रिज़र्वेशन चाहिए। (Sirf Do Logon ke Liye aur saNivaar Dopahar ek baje kaa rizarvesaN caahiye.)
“A table for two and I’d like this reservation at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday.”

Staff Member: बिल्कुल हो जायेगा। मैं अभी आपके लिए टेबल बुक कर देता हूँ। (biLkuL ho jaayegaa. Main abhii aapake Liye tebaL buk kar DeTaa huun.)
“Definitely! I’ll book the table for you right away.”

A: धन्यवाद। (DHaNyavaaD.)
“Thank you.”

Staff Member: क्या मैं आपकी कुछ और मदद कर सकता हूँ? (kyaa main aapakii kuch aur maDaD kar SakaTaa huun?)
“Do you need anything else?”

A: जी नहीं, बस इतना ही। (jii Nahiin, baS iTaNaa hii.)
“No, that would be all.”

Staff Member: फ़ोन करने के लिए धन्यवाद। आपका दिन शुभ हो। (foN karaNe ke Liye DHaNyavaaD. aapakaa DiN subh ho.)
“Thank you for calling. Have a good day!”

10. Getting the Most Out of HindiPod101.com

Now that we’ve covered all the essential Hindi phone phrases, we hope you feel more prepared and confident for your future phone calls. Make sure to practice them often!

We always love hearing from you, so feel free to let us know your thoughts on this article. Which of these phrases seems easiest to you, and are there any others you’d like to learn? If you’re uncertain regarding the pronunciation of any phrase, we recommend visiting our comprehensive Hindi pronunciation guide.

Don’t Let the Language Become a Hurdle!

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Expressing your love or romantic feelings for someone is a delicate matter. You want to make sure you’re using the right words at the right time, because even the most romantic phrases can fall flat if used carelessly or in the wrong context. This can be hard enough to do in your own language, let alone in a foreign language like Hindi!

In this article, we’ll provide you with several words and phrases you can use to say “I love you,” in Hindi. You’ll soon be prepared for all of your future romantic endeavors in India and beyond.

Table of Contents

1. Why Study Love Phrases in Hindi?
2. Must-know Cultural Tips
3. Pick-Up Lines to Confess Your Affection
4. Fall in Deeper: “I Love You,” and More
5. Hear the Wedding Bells?
6. Endearment Terms
7. Must-know Love Quotes
8. Find Your Path with HindiPod101.com

1. Why Study Love Phrases in Hindi?

Being in love with someone from a different country/culture is such a phenomenal experience. If you’re attracted to someone who happens to be a native Hindi speaker, confessing your feelings or asking them out in Hindi may sweep him or her off their feet and melt their heart! After all, what could be more romantic than learning the mother tongue of one’s beloved? 

In addition, you’ll find that the concept of love plays a significant role in the Hindi language. There are numerous words for “love” in Hindi, with the most common ones being: 

• प्यार (pyaar)
• इश्क़ (isq)
• मोहब्बत (mohabbaT)
• प्रेम (prem)

And there’s more where those came from!

Confessing your love in Hindi

2. Must-know Cultural Tips

Human beings have come a long way to be where we are today. And yet, it’s worth remembering that cultures are a bit slow to change. For instance, while Indian culture has grown much more forward over the last two decades, there are still a few things that have remained unchanged.

Women are still a bit shy when it comes to expressing affection or responding to romantic gestures. It’s generally expected for men to take the first step in this regard, whether it be asking a woman on a date, proposing marriage, or saying “I love you.”

Also take note that kissing or hugging in public is strictly off-limits in India. Ideally, couples should limit their public displays of affection to holding hands or placing their hand on the other’s shoulder. For more details, check out our blog post on the basic do’s and don’ts in India.

When given compliments, Indians often smile and blush; this is simply a nonverbal way of happily responding to the compliment. Some may even reply with a confident “thank you” and offer a big, broad smile.

Now that you have a fair idea of the Indian culture and customs surrounding romance, let’s jump to the section that you’ve long been waiting for: our list of the most common love words and phrases in Hindi! 

3. Pick-Up Lines to Confess Your Affection

Friendship is the foundation of every solid relationship. If you play your cards right, that relationship can slowly evolve into a romantic one.

We all go through the initial phase of liking someone and feeling attracted toward them, but it can be so hard to figure out the right words to express our interest. The good news is that, with these subtle love expressions in Hindi, confessing your love to a native speaker will be a piece of cake for you. 🙂

Hindi phrases to make your date unforgettable

Call it old-fashioned, but in Indian culture, the basic Hindi love phrases explained below are typically used by men rather than women. But of course, we all know that exceptions are everywhere! 

1 – आप बहुत सुंदर हैं। (aap bahuT SuNDar hain.)	“You are so beautiful.”
This meaningful yet subtle phrase never goes out of style and it always works like a charm. It would be most appropriate to use this phrase when meeting your crush at a party or another special occasion. Be careful to use the phrase only when you know that the other person likes you, too. Otherwise, you might freak them out!

2 – तुम बहुत प्यारी हो। (Tum bahuT pyaarii ho.)	“You are so cute.”
This one’s a magic phrase, offering a healthy dose of general friendliness combined with a romantic tone. Full of care and love, the innocence contained within the phrase speaks for itself. If you really mean it, then say it to the person you like and watch the magic happen.

3 – क्या आप मेरे साथ बाहर / रात के खाने पर चलेंगी? (kyaa aap mere SaaTH baahar / raaT ke khaaNe par caLengi?)	“Would you like to go out/have dinner with me?”
A simple, safe way to ask someone for a date. Use the word बाहर (baahar) if you would just like to ask the woman to go out with you. To specifically ask her out for dinner, use the phrase रात के खाने पर (raaT ke khaaNe par), or more simply, डिनर पर (diNar par).

4 – क्या तुम मेरी वैलेंटाइन बनोगी? (kyaa Tum merii vaLeNtaaiN baNogii?)	“Would you be my valentine?”
Lovers long the whole year for Valentine’s Day, and Indians are no exception. But why hold back your feelings all year, when you already know how to ask someone to be your valentine?

5 – आप मुझे बहुत अच्छी लगती / अच्छे लगते हैं। (aap mujhe bahuT acchii LagaTii / acche LagaTe hain.)	“I like you a lot.”
Oh, this one’s a favorite of many. It’s a popular phrase that lets you enjoy the healthy space of friendship while simultaneously laying the foundation for a romantic relationship.

When love’s in the air

6 – मुझे आपके साथ बातें करना पसंद है। (mujhe aapake SaaTH baaTen karaNaa paSanD hai.)	“I love talking to you.”
A heart-stealer that could change the whole game in one go.

7 – आपके साथ समय कैसे बीत जाता है, पता ही नहीं चलता। (aapake SaaTH Samay kaiSe biiT jaaTaa hai, paTaa hii Nahiin caLaTaa.)	“When I am with you, time flies away so fast.”
This is a killer line for communicating how much you like the other person. Plus, it’s a great compliment that everybody loves to hear!

8 – तुम मुझे बेहद पसंद हो। (Tum mujhe behaD paSanD ho.)	“I like you a lot.”
Here’s a simple, decent, and stylish way to say that you have more than just friendly feelings for her.

4. Fall in Deeper: “I Love You,” and More

Once the attraction is mutual, stop beating around the bush and tell her how you really feel. But how do you say “I love you,” in Hindi? There are plenty of ways to do that. Pick your favorite!

9 – मैं तुमसे प्यार करता/करती हूँ। (main TumaSe pyaar karaTaa/ karaTii huun.)	“I love you.”
This is the most direct phrase here, so use this line only when you’re sure that the romantic feelings are mutual.

10 – मैं तुम्हें अपना बनाना चाहता हूँ। (main Tumhen apaNaa baNaaNaa caahaTaa huun.)	“I want to make you mine.” / “I want you to be mine.”
Contrary to how intense it sounds in English, the Hindi phrase is quite gentle and romantic (given that both people are in love with each other).

How to say “I love you,” in Hindi

11 – मैं हर वक़्त बस तुम्हारे बारे में सोचता रहता/सोचती रहती हूँ। (main har vaqT baS Tumhaare baare men SocaTaa rahaTaa/SocaTii rahaTii huun.)	“I keep thinking about you all the time.”
Such a sweet phrase to let your beloved know how you feel when being far from each other.

12 – मुझे तुम्हारी बहुत याद आती है। (mujhe Tumhaarii bahaT yaaD aaTii hai.)	“I miss you a lot.”
Another delicate way to express your emotions.

13 – मैं तुम्हें मिस करता/करती हूँ। (main Tumhen miS karaTaa/ karaTii huun.)

“I miss you.”

14 – तुम मेरी ज़िंदगी हो। (Tum merii ziNDagii ho.)	“You are my life.”
Nothing needs to be said after this line. A phrase so full of love in itself, we can understand why it’s so popular among couples.

15 – मैं तुम्हारे बिना नहीं रह सकता / सकती। (main Tumhaare biNaa Nahiin rah SakaTaa / SakaTii.)	“I can’t live without you.”
It’s no secret how desperate lovers can be at times, and this phrase expresses that feeling perfectly.

→ Psst… Do you need even more romantic phrases? Then head over to our free vocabulary list of 15 Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day and really sweep your beloved off their feet!

5. Hear the Wedding Bells?

The concept of marriage might scare the heck out of many people, but when two people are truly in love with each other, getting married sounds to them like the most beautiful thing in the world. Let’s throw a glance at a few of the most common Hindi love phrases you could use if marriage is on your mind.

16 – मैं तुमसे शादी करना चाहता हूँ। (main TumaSe saaDii karaNaa caahaTaa huun.)

“I want to marry you.”

17 – क्या तुम मुझसे शादी करोगी? (kyaa Tum mujhaSe saaDii karogii?)

“Will you marry me?”

18 – मैं चाहती हूँ कि तुम मेरे माता-पिता से मिलो। (main caahaTii huun ki Tum mere maaTaa-piTaa Se miLo.)	“I want you to meet my parents.”
This phrase is typically used by the female partner in order to invite their boyfriend/lover to meet their parents.

Moving a step ahead in your love life

19 – मैं तुम्हें अपने माता-पिता से मिलवाना चाहता हूँ। (main Tumhen apaNe maaTaa-piTaa Se miLavaaNaa caahaTaa huun.)	“I want to introduce you to my parents.”
This one is more often used by males when they wish to introduce their girlfriend to their parents. It goes without saying that this phrase means taking your relationship to a serious level, where the whole family is going to be involved.

20 – क्या तुम हमेशा के लिए मेरी होना चाहोगी? (kyaa Tum hamesaa ke Liye merii hoNaa caahogii?)

“Would you be mine forever?”

21 – मैं तुम्हारे साथ अपना घर बसाना चाहता हूँ। (main Tumhaare SaaTH apaNaa ghar baSaaNaa caahaTaa huun.)	“I want to have a family with you.”
Another sweet and gentle way to steal her heart and ask for marriage.

22 – हमारे घर एक नन्हा मेहमान / नन्हीं परी आने वाली है। (hamaare ghar ek NaNhaa mehamaaN / NaNhiin parii aaNe vaaLii hai.)	“We are going to have a baby.”
This one’s a popular phrase that couples use to share the pregnancy news with each other or with others.

23 – मैं माँ बनने वाली हूँ। (main maan baNaNe vaaLii huun.)	“I am pregnant.”
Women say this phrase in order to share the good news with their partner.

6. Endearment Terms

All around the world, spouses and partners use sweet diminutives and nicknames to refer to each other. There are quite a few pet names that are popular among Indian couples, and the best thing is that these “names” can be used by and for both male and female partners. Let’s find out what these endearment terms are!

Missing your beloved

24 – जानू (jaaNuu)

“My life”

25 – बेबी (bebii)

“Babe” / “Baby”

26 – हनी (haNii)

“Honey”

27 – सुनिए (SuNiye)

“Listen”

An interesting term of endearment to call your spouse, this one is especially used by wives when they’re addressing their husband. In Indian culture, it’s still prevalent for the wife to not call her husband by his first name. In fact, in some regions, the husbands too don’t utter their wife’s name until it is really necessary. In such cases, a simple सुनिए (SuNiye) does the job, particularly when the parents and in-laws are around.

7. Must-know Love Quotes

You now know several Hindi love phrases and other sweet nothings you can whisper in your lover’s ear. But let’s take it up a notch with some of the most romantic Hindi love quotes! There are so many of them out there, so we’ve handpicked only the most noteworthy ones for you. Have a look.

28 – इश्क़ और मुश्क़ छुपाये नहीं छुपते। (isq aur musq chupaaye Nahiin chupaTe.)	“Love and fragrance cannot be hidden.”
No matter how much effort you put into keeping your love affair a secret, friends are the creatures who can pick up the scent of your deepest emotions. They may often tease you with this age-old quote.

29 – इश्क़ पर ज़ोर नहीं, है ये वो आतिश ग़ालिब, जो लगाए न लगे और बुझाये न बने। (isq par zor Nahiin, hai ye vo aaTis ghaaLib, jo Lagaaye Na Lage aur bujhaaye Na baNe.)	“Love is a fire beyond our control; neither can it be ignited, nor can it be doused.”
This quote is from the unparalleled Mirza Ghalib, a poet whose creations still move hopeless lovers to this day. It means that one can neither force love, nor kill it.

30 – प्यार के बिना ज़िंदगी अधूरी है। (pyaar ke biNaa ziNdagii aDHuurii hai.)	“Life without love is incomplete.”
An effortless quote that says it all without much ado.

31 – इश्क़ का कोई मज़हब नहीं होता। (isq kaa koii mazahab Nahiin hoTaa.)	“Love knows no religion.”
Religion is supposed to bring harmony and unite us, but many times, the opposite happens. And when two people from different religions fall in love, such stories have always made history. The quote gives us a strong message conveying that there is no greater religion than that of love.

32 – पोथी पढ़ि पढ़ि जग मुवा, पंडित हुआ न कोय, ढाई आखर प्रेम का, पढ़े सो पंडित होय। (poTHii padhi padhi jag muvaa, pandiT huaa Na koye, dhaaii aakhar prem kaa, padhe So pandiT hoye.)	“Bookish knowledge is worthless; fall in love and you’ll know everything.”
A deep quote by Saint Kabir, which is still popular in modern times.

33 – खुसरो दरिया प्रेम का सो उल्टी वाकी धार! जो उबरा सो डूब गया, जो डूबा वो पार!! (khuSaro Dariyaa prem kaa, So uLtii vaakii DHaar! jo ubaraa So duub gayaa, jo duubaa vo paar.)

“The river of love follows a totally different direction. The one who stays afloat drowns, and the one who is immersed completely to the point of drowning crosses the river.”

8. Find Your Path with HindiPod101.com

Today, you learned some of the best Hindi phrases for lovers as well as some sweet endearment terms and love quotes. Start practicing them right away, and you’ll be prepared to woo the love of your life in their native language before you know it! 

Honestly, we have so much more to share with you on HindiPod101.com. Check out our blog and website for plenty of other free Hindi resources and lesson materials. Enrich your Hindi language skills with our simple and effective teaching methods, and download our free mobile app for an unstoppable language-learning journey.

Facing trouble? Feel free to connect with us through our Help Center. You can also share your queries and clear your doubts by joining the HindiPod101.com Forum.

Learning the language of love in Hindi

Before you go, why not practice some of the romantic Hindi phrases with us? Write your favorite pick-up line in Hindi for us in the comments section! If there are any words, terms, or concepts you’re struggling with, feel free to reach out with any questions, as well. We look forward to hearing from you!

Indian culture is not as practical as Western culture. People in India tend to be more emotional and sensitive regarding the tone and body language of others. What makes the situation even more complex is that they are overly social at times and don’t mind making requests that foreign folks may find a bit intrusive.

No! Don’t say no to me!

These factors make it essential to learn how to properly form and use phrases that are negative in Hindi! You obviously don’t want to mess up the initial relationship-building time with any of your Indian friends or colleagues due to this cultural difference. Given that, a little homework regarding your communication skills can go a long way.

Table of Contents

1. Why is it Important to Study Negation in Hindi?
2. Negating a Statement with नहीं (Nahiin)
3. Giving a Negative Response to a Question
4. Other Negating Words and Phrases
5. Double Negatives
6. Master the Hindi Language with HindiPod101.com

1. Why is it Important to Study Negation in Hindi?

Saying no in Hindi requires a special type of assertiveness that will get your point across without offending the other person. It’s a delicate soft skill, actually. Agreeing with someone (or agreeing to do something) is not always for the best. Disagreements are just a natural element of conversations and relationships. 

This could happen at a workplace, with friends, or even with relatives. Remember: People pay more attention to how you say things rather than what you say. And when we’re talking about Hindi—or any foreign language, for that matter—this is something you should definitely take seriously! 

One careless move could hamper your relationship with the other person. It’s a strange dilemma, to be sure:

How can you decline an offer and still stay on good terms with that person? 

This is why practicing how to politely decline a request matters.

So, let’s jump to our lesson for today and learn about negation in the Hindi language.

I don’t want this!!

2. Negating a Statement with नहीं (Nahiin)

In this section, we’ll discuss how to negate a sentence in Hindi with negative words and show you how it’s done. Relax, because this is not rocket science. It’s a rather simple process. All you have to remember is the correct placement of the words in the sentence. 

First of all, the most common Hindi word for negation is: 

• नहीं (Nahiin) – “No” / “Not”

This word usually comes right before the main verb, though it can also be placed before the helping verb if there is no main verb. For example, in the table below, sentence number 3 (“This is not my room.”) has no main verb. So, नहीं (Nahiin) comes right before the helping verb है (hai), which means “is.”

For more examples, check out the following table.

Positive Sentence	Negative Sentence
किरण दूध पीती है।  (kiran DuuDH piiTii hai.) “Kiran drinks milk.”	किरण दूध नहीं पीती है।  (kiran DuuDH Nahiin piiTii hai.) “Kiran does not drink milk.”
बच्चे खेल रहे हैं।  (bacce kheL rahe hain.) “The kids are playing.”	बच्चे नहीं खेल रहे हैं।  (bacce Nahiin kheL rahe hain.) “The kids are not playing.”
यह मेरा कमरा है।  (yah meraa kamaraa hai.) “This is my room.”	यह मेरा कमरा नहीं है।  (yah meraa kamaraa Nahiin hai.) “This is not my room.”
मानस को बिल्लियां पसंद हैं।  (maaNaS ko biLLiyaan paSanD hain.) “Manas likes cats.”	मानस को बिल्लियां पसंद नहीं हैं। (maaNaS ko biLLiyaan paSanD Nahiin hain.) “Manas does not like cats.”

That wasn’t so difficult after all, was it? You see, in order to make a Hindi sentence negative, all you have to do is copy the whole sentence and insert the phrase नहीं (Nahiin) before the main verb.

That’s not going to happen, dude!

3. Giving a Negative Response to a Question

How should you respond if someone asks a question or requests something that makes you uncomfortable? 

The situation could be tricky because, let’s be honest, who finds it easy to say “no” to something? Nobody! 

But we could definitely make things more tender and decline an offer without breaking someone’s heart. Keep reading to learn how to say “no” with some respect and gentleness.

How to Say No to a Request

Interrogative Sentence	Negative Sentence
क्या यह किताब आपकी है?  (kyaa yah kiTaab aapakii hai.) “Is this your book?”	जी नहीं।  (jii Nahiin.) “No.”
क्या आप चाय लेंगे/लेंगी?  (kyaa aap caay Lenge/Lengii?) “Would you like to have tea?”	जी नहीं, धन्यवाद!  (jii Nahiin, DHaNyavaaD!) “No, thank you!”
क्या किरण दूध पीती है?  (kyaa kiran DuuDH piiTii hai?) “Does Kiran drink milk?”	जी नहीं, किरण दूध नहीं पीती है।  (jii Nahiin, kiran DuuDH Nahiin piiTii hai.) “No, Kiran does not drink milk.”
क्या बच्चे खेल रहे हैं?  (kyaa bacce kheL rahe hain?) “Are the kids playing?”	जी नहीं, बच्चे नहीं खेल रहे हैं।  (jii Nahiin, bacce Nahiin kheL rahe hain.) “No, the kids are not playing.”
क्या मानस को बिल्लियां पसंद हैं?  (kyaa maaNaS ko biLLiyaan paSanD hain?) “Does Manas like cats?”	जी नहीं, मानस को बिल्लियां पसंद नहीं हैं।  (jii Nahiin, maaNaS ko biLLiyaan paSanD Nahiin hain.) “No, Manas does not like cats.”

4. Other Negating Words and Phrases

There are a handful of words and phrases for negation in English and Hindi, but Hindi has a slightly longer list! Some of these phrases display an element of surprise or exclamation along with the denial, while others represent a neutral or firm tone. It’s really more about the context of the conversation and the types of questions being asked.

Here are the negation phrases and other negative words in Hindi you should memorize! 

Other Negating Words	Hindi Sentence	English Sentence
ना  (Naa) “Nah”	लोकेश ने काम पूरा कर लिया?  (Lokes Ne kaam puuraa kar Liyaa?) ना।  (Naa.)	“Did Lokesh finish the task?” “Nah.”
नहीं तो!  (Nahiin To) “No”	मिठाई तुमने खाई थी?  (mithaaii TumaNe khaaii THii?) नहीं तो!  (Nahiin To!)	“Did you eat the sweets?” “No.”
बिल्कुल नहीं  (biLkuL Nahiin) “Not at all!”	क्या आपको क्रिकेट पसंद है?  (kyaa aapako kriket paSanD hai?) बिल्कुल नहीं!  (biLkuL Nahiin!)	“Do you like cricket?” “Not at all!”
अभी नहीं  (abhii Nahiin) “Not now”	क्या हम अभी बात कर सकते हैं?  (kyaa ham abhii baaT kar SakaTe hain?) अभी नहीं।  (abhii Nahiin.)	“Can we talk right now?” “Not now.”
अभी तो नहीं  (abhii To Nahiin) “Not yet”	बच्चे स्कूल से घर आ गए?  (bacce SkuuL Se ghar aa gaye?) अभी तो नहीं।  (abhii To Nahiin.)	“Are the kids back from the school?” “Not yet.”
कोई नहीं  (koii Nahiin) “No one”	इस कुर्सी पर कौन बैठा था?  (iS kurSii par kauN baithaa THaa?) कोई नहीं।  (koii Nahiin.)	“Who was sitting on this chair?” “No one.”
कभी नहीं  (kabhii Nahiin) “Never”	क्या आपने कभी मांसाहारी भोजन खाया है?  (kyaa aapaNe kabhii maanSaahaarii bhojaN khaayaa hai?) कभी नहीं!  (kabhii Nahiin!)	“Have you ever tried a non-vegetarian food?” “Never!”
कुछ नहीं  (kuch Nahiin) “Nothing”	क्या हुआ?  (kyaa huaa) कुछ नहीं।  (kuch Nahiin.)	“What happened?” “Nothing.”
सवाल ही नहीं  (SavaaL hii Nahiin) “Not a chance”	हमारे साथ नदी में तैरोगे?  (hamaare SaaTH NaDii men Tairoge?) [to a male] Or: हमारे साथ नदी में तैरोगी?  (hamaare SaaTH NaDii men Tairogii?) [to a female] सवाल ही नहीं!  (SavaaL hii Nahiin!)	“Would you swim with us in the river?” “Not a chance!”
मत करो  (maT karo) “Don’t”	शोर मत करो!  (sor maT karo!)	“Don’t shout!”
और नहीं  (aur Nahiin) “No”	और चावल चाहिए?  (aur caavaL caahiye?) और नहीं।  (aur Nahiin.)	“More rice?” “No.”
अब नहीं  (ab Nahiin) “Not anymore”	क्या सुनीता और तुम दोस्त हो?  (kyaa SuNiiTaa aur Tum DoST ho?) पहले थे पर अब नहीं।  (pahaLe THe par ab Nahiin.)	“Are you and Sunita friends?” “We used to be, but not anymore.”

This list might seem overwhelming now, but consistent hard work is the key. So, as much as possible, try to practice all these phrases and examples with your native Hindi-speaking friends. Trust us, you’ll come out with flying colors and a more solid understanding of Hindi negation!

I’m not ready for this!

5. Double Negatives

To wrap up our article, let’s discuss the concept of “double negatives,” another type of negation in Hindi. Compared to English, the double negatives in Hindi are not overt. However, we’ll cover a few example sentences to give you a better idea of what we’re talking about.

1. 

आपको टेनिस खेलना पसंद है? 
(kyaa aapako teNiS kheLaNaa paSanD hai?)
“Do you like to play tennis?”

नहीं, लेकिन नापसंद भी नहीं है।
(Nahiin, LekiN NaapaSaND bhii Nahiin hai.)
“No, but I don’t dislike it either.”

2. 

चलो, बाहर चलें।
(caLo, baahar caLen.)
“Come on, let’s go outside.”

नहीं, मुझे नहीं जाना है।
(Nahiin, mujhe Nahiin jaaNaa hai.)
“No, I don’t want to.”

3. 

यह पेंटिंग देख लूँ?
(yah penting Dekh Luun?)
“Can I see this painting?”

नहीं, उसे मत छुओ! वह अभी गीली है।
(Nahiin, uSe maT chuo! vah abhii giiLii hai.)
“No, don’t touch that! It’s still wet.”

6. Master the Hindi Language with HindiPod101.com

That’s it for our comprehensive lesson on negation in Hindi. We hope you found the phrases we included useful and interesting.

Which of these words do you think you’ll use most often (or if you’re living in India, which ones do you hear the most frequently)? Share these words with us in the comments below. We’d also like to encourage our intermediate learners to try making sentences with them!

How to Sound Like a Native!

Did you know that we offer the best online Hindi language learning materials out there? From our comprehensive Pronunciation Guide to our free online Hindi-English dictionary and vocabulary lists, HindiPod101.com has everything you need to get started and pave your way to fluency! 

As soon as you sign up for a Premium account on HindiPod101.com, you’ll get access to a customized learning pathway especially designed for your needs, starting from the Hindi Basics. In order to learn 24/7, download our mobile app and study anywhere, anytime.

Happy learning! 

Learning a language is a serious decision. It takes a lot of grit and discipline to master a new language—in this case, Hindi. 

As you consider your options, you might start asking yourself: Why learn Hindi? Is it really worth the time and effort? 

Of course, the myriad of answers to these questions adds to the confusion and makes it more difficult for you to make a decision. 

It’s interesting to see how even genuinely interested people can, at times, generate so many vague excuses to put off Hindi learning. That’s why it’s important to analyze the top reasons for studying Hindi. If nothing else, remembering the “why” helps us stick to our language learning goal and motivates us to do better.

Ready to be inspired? Come and explore how wonderful the language is!

How Well Do You Know Indian Culture?

Table of Contents

1. The Deep-rooted Hindi-an Culture
2. Benefits of Learning a Language
3. Personal and Professional Gains
4. Hindi is Easy to Learn!
5. HindiPod101.com: The Best Platform for Learning Hindi

1. The Deep-rooted Hindi-an Culture

India has made its mark as one of the world’s largest democracies. Its ancient cultural history has enchanted mankind for ages. Being the offspring of Sanskrit—the mother of many languages—Hindi penetrates the old and new social values of Indian society.

1 – Spoken by the Majority!

India has the second highest population in the world, and the majority of this population speaks Hindi. 

Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi speak Hindi and its various dialects as their mother tongue.

Mind you! Uttar Pradesh is the most heavily populated state in India, while Delhi is a melting pot of various cultures and occupants from different states—this naturally adds to the rising number of Hindi speakers.

2- Spiritual / Literary Learning

Every year, people from all over the world love to visit India for spiritual purposes. More often than not, their Indian mentors deliver the discourses in Hindi. In such cases, knowing the Hindi language helps the seeker connect with their Indian Gurus in a more personal way, while allowing them to better understand the context behind the whole learning process.

3 – Global Influence

Another compelling reason to learn Hindi is that this language has impressed the world for so long. Don’t believe us? Apart from India, more than ten nations fall under the category of Hindi-speaking countries.

Even the versatile English language has many loanwords from Hindi. To name a few: Karma, Mantra, Guru, Yoga. Sound familiar?

Language Learning can Improve Your Thinking Process

2. Benefits of Learning a Language

Learning a foreign language comes with several added benefits. For example, the language learning process is known to enhance your cognitive and creative abilities! And did you know that when you’re studying a second language, it actually improves your command of your mother tongue, too?

Trying on a language yet unknown to you is like opening a treasure chest. Once you unlock it, many priceless things come pouring out.

4 – Boost Your Brain Power

Learning a new language activates the neurons and sharpens the thinking process. Not only that, but it also enhances your memory while slowing down the aging process of the brain cells. How cool is that! Working on a second language has proven effects on positive cognitive skills. For instance, your way of thinking changes when the brain tries to create thought patterns in a new language.

5 – It’s So Creative!

Marveling over a completely new language is a creative way to experience the vivid richness of this world and the course of human evolution. 

Learning Hindi opens the door to better understanding the Indian culture and gaining first-hand experience when you arrive here. 

There are a lot of elements that go missing once a book is translated from the source language to the target language. Learning Hindi will give you much easier access to so many commendable books and Upanishads in their original language. You’ll be able to explore the Hindi literary works of brilliant writers and poets, such as Munshi Premchand, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and Mahashveta Devi.

Learn Hindi. Get Better Jobs.

3. Personal and Professional Gains

Is India calling? 

Whether you want to visit or live here for personal or professional reasons, the bottomline is that you should take a crash course in Hindi first! We cannot emphasize enough how much it’s going to help you. 

Let’s look at a few reasons why you should learn Hindi before your visit and examine a few situations where knowing the language can save you from petty troubles.

6 – Be a Bad*ss Tourist!

Traveling has its own set of pros and cons, especially when you’re about to explore a foreign land with a foreign language. Let’s face it: India, known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and countless tourist spots, is a whole new world for many.

We have a totally different culture from what you’re probably used to. Our way of dressing, the Indian cuisine, our style of greeting, and even the popular Indian gestures are enough to puzzle any English speaker. And you can add to that the communication gap!

But once you’re familiar with Hindi survival phrases, things will be much better. As a tourist, Hindi gives you an essential edge while shopping and bargaining, during emergencies, while asking for directions or other kinds of help—not to mention it’s a great way to show off. 😉

7 – Job Opportunities

Are you looking for work in India and wish to improve your chances of getting a job? Or maybe you’re already working in India and want to gel up with your new colleagues? Learning Hindi is a sure way to boost your career, attract many opportunities, and connect with native speakers. 

Another great reason to learn Hindi? You’ll finally begin to understand the context and colloquialism of your daily conversations, and have a hearty laugh with your Indian friends/coworkers. As a result, your bonds in the workplace will become stronger. You’ll develop a more solid social network as well. 

8 – Bollywood Movies and Songs

Nowadays, people of every nationality and linguistic background are enjoying Bollywood movies and music! 

There’s just something about Hindi songs and music that touches the soul and makes our hearts dance to the beats.

If you too are an avid fan, then welcome to our Hindi cult. We can promise that once you’ve started learning Hindi, all the lyrical expressions will make much more sense, and you’ll feel rather connected with the songs and stories depicted in the Hindi-language movies.

Movies, anyone?

9 – When Love’s in the Air!

The world has become a global village. Nowadays, people can easily connect with anyone from anywhere. This connection could turn into an amazing friendship, and who knows—maybe even into a romantic relationship! The point is, there’s nothing more romantic than to have someone learn and express their love in your native language.

So, if you feel kind of crazy in love with a person who speaks Hindi, sweep them off their feet by learning these romantic phrases in Hindi. And if you’re already married to a native Hindi speaker, learning the language could also deepen your bond with your partner and his/her family! 

4. Hindi is Easy to Learn!

Sure, Hindi might not sound like a piece of cake when you’ve grown up speaking English or any European language. But it isn’t as difficult as you might imagine. There are many aspects of Hindi which make it quite fun and straightforward to learn. For example: 

10 – You Speak as You Write

Each syllable is spoken just as it’s written, thanks to the Devanagari script. Even for beginners, there’s no confusion when it comes to pronouncing Hindi words. Unlike English, which has a twisted way of saying “plough” and “tough” (or “cut” and “put,” for that matter), Hindi pronunciation is much cleaner and simple.

Speak as You Write

In short, each vowel and consonant is spoken just the way it’s written, and this rule never changes. So, once you’ve mastered the ability to read Hindi and recognize the diacritics, you’ve won half the battle. Isn’t that wonderful and relieving to know!

5. HindiPod101.com: The Best Platform for Learning Hindi

Gone are the days when one had to search for a tutor and meet them everyday, in person. Let alone the trouble of getting tied to a fixed time and juggling that into one’s daily schedule. And even if that was an option, what chances are there of doing that during this pandemic?

In such circumstances, the online Hindi learning platform HindiPod101.com offers great value. It’s time-saving, energy-saving, and personalized. What’s more, you can learn Hindi anywhere, anytime, at your convenience. And honestly, why wouldn’t someone be interested when there are as many as 15 ways to learn Hindi for free?

Boost Your Hindi with HindiPod101.com

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s study together at HindiPod101.com and explore the best learning materials. Feeling clueless about where to start? Reach out to our Help Center. Our page First Steps with the System will help you get started smoothly.

All the while, we’ll be waiting to hear your topmost reason to study Hindi. Are you traveling to India or planning to date someone from here? Maybe you’re in love with the Indian music? Whatever it is, we’d love to work with you on this journey!

Many aspiring students long to know the estimated duration of their Hindi learning—and this makes perfect sense! Without a well-defined deadline, one could easily derail from the language learning path. It would be like traveling to an undisclosed destination with no idea of when you would reach it. 

If you’re like most aspiring Hindi language learners, you probably have this important question on your mind: How long does it take to learn Hindi? 

In this article, we will… 

• …give you an outline of how long it takes to reach each level of Hindi. 
• …offer you some tips on how to learn Hindi fast.
• …provide you with some motivational facts to keep you going strong. 

It’s natural to be curious, and you might also be wondering how difficult it is to learn the Hindi language. You can check out the following article to discover the hardest (and easiest) parts of the language: Is Hindi Hard to Learn? Our Verdict. 

Now, are you ready to unpack the topic at hand?

Cracking the Hindi Learning Code

Table of Contents

1. Why Should You Know How Long it Takes to Learn Hindi?
2. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Beginner Level?
3. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Intermediate Level?
4. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Advanced Level?
5. Motivational Facts
6. How to Use HindiPod101.com to the Fullest

1. Why Should You Know How Long it Takes to Learn Hindi?

It’s important to get a fair idea of how long it will take to learn Hindi because this will help you set a realistic language learning goal and develop a suitable strategy. Once you have an approximate duration in mind, you’re ready to assign the required time and energy in a balanced manner. This way, you can work toward your goals without feeling crushed! 

Before moving forward, we’d like to remind you that, according to the ILTS TLP Hindi proficiency test, there are three levels of Hindi proficiency: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each level requires a different time commitment from the student. Read on to learn more about what each level looks like and how to reach them effectively. 

2. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Beginner Level?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, such as your study methods and how much time you spend actively learning.

If you’re consistently in touch with native speakers, watch Hindi movies and shows, and listen to Hindi podcasts every day, then you’ll be able to pick up the basics within 3-4 months. 

Clueless where to begin? Our blog is a great place to get ideas! See our posts on: 

• Hindi movies
• Hindi Netflix shows
• Hindi YouTube channels 

As a beginner, it’s a good idea to start by learning the Devanagari script used for reading and writing, some popular Hindi greetings, and common Hindi words that are used on a daily basis. Once you have a solid foundation in those areas, slowly begin to focus on the pronunciation, diacritics, and conjugations, as these are quite unique and crucial to the Hindi language.

Practicing with the Native Friends

Here are a few simple Hindi words and phrases for beginners:

• नमस्ते। (NamaSTe.) = “Hello.”
• कैसी हैं आप? (kaiSii hain aap?) = “How are you?” [to a female]
• कैसे हैं आप? (kaiSe hain aap?) = “How are you?” [to a male]
• मैं ठीक हूँ। (main thiik huun.) = “I am fine.”
• धन्यवाद। (DHaNyavaaD.) = “Thank you.”
• आपका नाम क्या है? (aapakaa Naam kyaa hai?) = “What is your name?”
• मेरा नाम ___ है। (meraa Naam ___ hai.) = “My name is ____.”

Although it normally takes one a few months to master the key Hindi phrases, you don’t have to wait that long! How, you ask? By working on your reading skills and listening skills right away, you can increase your pace and pick up the basics faster than other people.

Having the Right Strategy is Important!

Helpful Links

There’s a lot of ground to cover at this stage of your Hindi learning! To give you a headstart on the basic phrases you should know, HindiPod101.com has comprehensive lessons on the following topics:

• How to introduce yourself 
• How to say hello 
• How to say thank you 

We also provide our students with spaced repetition flashcards. Reviewing them once in a while is a wonderful way to easily memorize new words and retain them for longer.

In addition to picking up new vocabulary, you should focus on learning the basic rules of Hindi grammar and syntax. For example, did you know that Hindi uses a different sentence structure than English does? Hindi is an SOV language, while English is an SVO language.  

Each of our beginner lessons features a dialogue by native speakers, a vocabulary list of relevant words and phrases, and lesson notes to summarize the main points. You can also download a PDF of the lesson transcript to keep it handy! We recommend you start with our Absolute Beginner Pathway, which covers everything you should know before pressing onward toward the intermediate level. 

3. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Intermediate Level?

According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI), English speakers can reach an intermediate level of Hindi in 3 months, given that they study consistently for an hour each day. But if you wish to take your Hindi learning more lightly and at a slower pace, 6-8 months could do the job!

Once you achieve this level, you’ll be able to…

• …have fluent informal conversations. 
• …pronounce unfamiliar sounds correctly. 
• …follow Hindi conjugation rules in a flawless manner.

Daily Speaking is the Key!

Helpful Links

The journey from beginner to intermediate is long, with lots of progress made along the way. Wondering how to learn Hindi effectively at this point? HindiPod101.com has you covered! 

As mentioned, you should be able to hold informal conversations at this level. This includes things like… 

• …talking about your family.
• …telling (or asking for) the time.
• …giving (or asking for) directions. 

Pronunciation is another huge factor at this point. Did you know that many of the sounds in Hindi are completely new to English speakers? The good news is that, within 6 months, most students are ready to flaunt their improved pronunciation skills! 

Before you reach the intermediate level, you should also be quite familiar with the different parts of speech in Hindi:

• Nouns
• Pronouns
• Verbs
• Conjunctions

4. How Long Does it Take to Achieve Advanced Level?

You’ve made a ton of progress by now, but there’s still a ways to go. How long does it take to learn Hindi fluently? For most learners, this process takes about 1100 hours (or about 3 years) of consistent study—but the payoff is worth it! 

Once you reach the advanced level, you’ll be able to make formal conversation and understand many different colloquial expressions. You’ll be more than capable of using Hindi in a variety of day-to-day situations! 

Helpful Links

Reaching the advanced level means that you not only know the language, but that you understand how to apply it in the context of Indian culture. This means having a good working knowledge of…

• …gender rules and conjugations.
• …various tenses. 
• …Indian etiquette. 
• …local idioms and proverbs.
• …untranslatable words. 
• …slang terms.

Think Beyond the Books

5. Motivational Facts

Learning the Hindi language isn’t easy, but there are plenty of reasons to stick with it anyway. Here are some motivational facts to keep you going strong! 

• Not everyone in India speaks Hindi correctly. India is a land of several languages and countless dialects. It’s possible to meet Indian people who know not a single word of Hindi.
  
  At the same time, there are those who speak (or are trying to learn) Hindi as a second or third language. Their mother tongue is likely an Indian regional language such as Telugu, Tamil, or Kannada, and English is their second language.
  
  So, chillax if you’re still a beginner at Hindi; you can find many Indians who have less command over Hindi than you do!

• Having an accent is acceptable. Indian people are quite supportive when it comes to foreigners having an accent or struggling with the right pronunciation. If it’s any consolation, there are some local folks who have an accent in English as well as in Hindi. And we’re totally okay with that!


• It gets better and easier with time. The more time you spend learning and practicing Hindi, the more fluent you’ll get at it. If you enjoy watching movies and listening to songs, use those hobbies to learn Hindi. Pick any artist or movie genre of your choice in Hindi and focus on the words and pronunciation.
  
  Running out of time? Plug in your earphones while you work out, do the dishes, or walk to that nearby park. Daily activities like these are golden opportunities to learn Hindi. You can use the time to listen to simple Hindi podcasts, songs, or the daily news.

• How quickly you learn depends a lot on your background and mother tongue. What if you’re not a native English speaker? Hindi shares a lot of sounds with and has loanwords from languages like Russian, Arabic, Persian, and even French. Language learners from those particular countries have an edge when it comes to unfamiliar sounds in Hindi.


• We use lots of English words in daily spoken Hindi. To give you just a sample, you’ll find the following words used in the Hindi language: “bus” / “train” / “hospital” / “nurse” / “doctor” / “time” / “bread” / “coffee” / “computer.” This is quite helpful because you can easily bank upon these English words to communicate, even if you don’t know the Hindi words for them.


• We speak as we write. There’s no hidden pronunciation rules or guesswork. Unlike English, where the pronunciation of a given letter or letter combination varies greatly from one word to another, Hindi is predictable and straightforward. You can’t explain why “rough” cannot be spoken as “plough,” or “cut” as “put”? Well, you don’t have to struggle with these inexplicable rules in Hindi. The phonetics-based Devanagari script used in Hindi makes sure that each word is spoken exactly as it’s written.

6. How to Use HindiPod101.com to the Fullest

If you’ve decided to learn Hindi, HindiPod101.com is ready to offer you the best online study materials to make your journey that much smoother.

Did you know that there are 15 ways to study Hindi free at HindiPod101.com! No? Then features like our Grammar Bank are sure to sweep you off your feet. Just type in any keyword/topic you wish to study, and the Grammar Bank will display the whole list of related lessons.

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!

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. 

→ If you’re looking to add even more flair to your Hindi conversations, then make sure to check out our vocabulary list of the Essential Idioms That Will Make You Sound Like a Native Speaker.
→ And if you’re a beginner, you may find it useful to study our Hindi Pronunciation Guide before continuing.

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’.”

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.”

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.”

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’.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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

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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“!

English Loanwords

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.

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 Meaning	A person who is overreacting / A dramatic incidence
Actual English Meaning	Derived from the word “film”
In a Sentence	दुल्हन 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 Meaning	Not taking something seriously / Something that doesn’t interest you much
Actual English Meaning	“Passing the time” / “Hobby”
In a Sentence	आज वाली मूवी बस टाइम-पास थी। aaj vaaLii muuvii baS taaim-paaS THii. “Today’s movie was just okay.”

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

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

5. “Hero” / “Heroine” – हीरो / हीरोइन (hiiro / hiiroiN)
Hinglish Meaning	Can be used to praise or taunt someone (the latter when that person is trying to act smart)
Actual English Meaning	The lead actor/actress in a movie / A brave person who performs good deeds
In a Sentence	सीमा, 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 Meaning	Mentally or physically exhausted
Actual English Meaning	A small hole in a tire or something else that’s inflated
In a Sentence	भीड़ और गर्मी से दिमाग़ पंक्चर हो गया। bhiid aur garmii Se Dimaag pankcar ho gayaa. “The heat and the crowd exhausted me completely.”

Feeling “Punctured?” Oops… “Exhausted!”

7. “Junglee” – जंगली (jangaLii)
Hinglish Meaning	Lacking in social manners
Actual English Meaning	Derived from the word “jungle”
In a Sentence	ये 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 Meaning	A rank / A division / A railway coach / A high-end airline class
In a Sentence	A:  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 Meaning	A life somebody is enjoying a lot
Actual English Meaning	A slang term for “criminal-life” or “a self-built person”
In a Sentence	कमल 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 Meaning	Buddy / Friend
Actual English Meaning	A person’s direct superior in the workplace
In a Sentence	क्या हाल है, बॉस! kyaa haaL hai, bauS! “How are you, buddy?”

11. “Solid” – सॉलिड (SauLid)
Hinglish Meaning	Awesome / Perfect
Actual English Meaning	Something strong
In a Sentence	आज 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 Meaning	Something to please someone or calm them down temporarily instead of giving them what they want / False promise
Actual English Meaning	A candy
In a Sentence	हर 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.”

“Hello, ‘boss’, how are you doing?”

13. “Picture” – पिक्चर (pikcar)
Hinglish Meaning	Movie
Actual English Meaning	Photograph
In a Sentence	कल 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 Meaning	Fiance
Actual English Meaning	A generic term used to describe a prospective/aspiring person or relationship
In a Sentence	आइये, 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 Meaning	Acting overly smart
Actual English Meaning	Derived from the English word “hero”
In a Sentence	ज़्यादा हीरोपंती मत दिखाओ। zyaaDaa hiiropanTii maT Dikhaao. “Don’t try to be a smart aleck.”

16. “Pass out” – पास-आउट (paaS-aaut)
Hinglish Meaning	Having graduated from a school/college
Actual English Meaning	To faint
In a Sentence	तुम 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 Meaning	Bored / Exhausted
Actual English Meaning	There’s no such word in English
In a Sentence	इतनी 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 Meaning	Used to ask someone’s name in a polite way
Actual English Meaning	The actual way to ask is “Name, please?”
In a Sentence	आपका 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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

Indian culture is a melting pot of several languages, countless dialects, and a multitude of beliefs and ways of living. Geographically speaking, the Hindi-speaking belt consists of North Indian states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

In this lesson, we’ll take you straight to the heart of these Hindi-speaking regions. We’ll discuss the most important festivals, religious beliefs, popular foods, prevalent family structures, and much more. You’ll soon see that India has come a long way from its extremely conservative past, and is today more experimental and open-minded.

Exploring Indian Culture

If you look at the present Indian society, you’ll find a blend of both old-fashioned and modern ideas. The truth is, no society or country is perfect and the same holds true for India. This guide is a sincere effort to explore the different shades and faces of Indian culture in the Hindi Belt (i.e. Uttar Pradesh). So, let’s begin! 🙂

Table of Contents

1. Social Values and Beliefs
2. Religions and the Caste System
3. Shattering the Gender Stereotypes
4. Family, Work, and Lifestyle
5. Art and Architecture
6. Listen to Your Taste Buds
7. Traditional Holidays and Festivals
8. Talk Like a Native With HindiPod101.com

1. Social Values and Beliefs

Can you imagine separating milk from water? Then you have a good image of how impossible it is to separate the Hindi-Urdu blend of our lingua franca, the Hindustani language. As such, it should come as no surprise that the Hindi culture is not exclusive to Hindus. In fact, some of these social values apply to Muslims, Punjabis, and Sindhis, although their rituals and ways of expression may differ.

In Indian culture, values and beliefs are markedly different between the older and younger generations. This has resulted in a wide generation gap in Indian families, with the older generation being more conservative and the younger generation becoming quite forward. This contrast can be seen in Indian marriage culture, where both arranged and love-based marriages are popular. However, orthodox families strictly opt for arranged marriages.

Changing Social Values

The older generation also believes in values like togetherness, keeping the whole family under one roof, and prioritizing relationships over success and fame. The younger generation, on the other hand, yearns for more freedom and seeks to find a life purpose.

Indians are quite social. They love to talk and be friendly toward each other. It’s common for two strangers to happen upon each other while traveling and start talking like they’ve known each other from Adam. Asking about family or personal life doesn’t usually offend people.

2. Religions and the Caste System

“Unity in Diversity.” This is how we love to portray India! 

One of the most defining characteristics of Indian culture is its diverse range of religions. The most prominent are Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, whereas Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Sindhi religions are comparatively less popular. 

For Hindus, going to temples is a pretty common part of their routine. They may visit the temple every day or on special occasions such as birthdays, marriages, or before a job interview. 

People in India are quite religious, but that’s not to say there are no atheists or people who don’t identify with a specific religion.

Durga: the Goddess of Hindus

Despite our country’s religious diversity, India does have its share of flaws. In Indian culture, caste systems are alive and well—and its roots go deeper than one can imagine. The Hindu religion itself is divided into many castes and people put great importance on that when considering marriages, helping someone get a job, and many other aspects of daily life.

In Hindu, Brahmins hold the highest position in the religious hierarchy. They are followed by Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. There are also Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which are the most vulnerable segment of our society, and thus, protected by many Indian laws. Despite all the claims and efforts, Indian society is still struggling with this system of untouchability.

At the same time, we are emotionally driven. This is not always a good thing, because it affects the political preferences of the common people. The political parties leave no stone unturned to exploit this weak nerve of the general public, especially when it comes to the different religious beliefs.

In reality, both Hindus and Muslims love to live in harmony and support each other in times of crisis. There are so many instances when these two groups of people have shown huge solidarity in the midst of political distress.

3. Shattering the Gender Stereotypes

People are working on gender equality, but there’s a long way to go. In Indian culture, gender roles still play a large role and this disparity shows in almost every aspect of life: upbringing, the male-female child ratio, education, and the freedom to choose one’s partners and professions. Workplaces also suffer from gender inequality when it comes to their pay scales.

While males have traditionally enjoyed the freedom to choose any field of work, females have been—and still are—seen as better-suited for teaching or medical jobs. Nonetheless, this scenario has changed a lot and both men and women are breaking the gender stereotypes.

Achieving Gender Equality: The New Norm of India

Parents are more supportive than ever when it comes to their daughters’ dream jobs. Girls and women are exploring freedom in all aspects of life, be it their jobs, love life, or the decision to remain single. However, intercaste marriages—while slowly gaining acceptance—are no child’s play. Honor killing is still a huge blot on our faces.

In times past, household chores were solely the responsibility of women, whether they had a job or not. Today, husbands, brothers, and fathers are sharing the load at home and changing the definition of typical Indian families.

The latest approval of LGBTQ rights by the Indian Supreme Court is a grand victory for people who stand for equality and believe in the existence of true love. It just shows how much the Indian society has grown and learned to transform itself for the better!

4. Family, Work, and Lifestyle

In Indian culture, marriage is considered a sacred bond between husband and wife. And as you probably know, Indian (Hindu) weddings can be incredibly lavish! The ceremony is full of music, food, and melodrama. Alcohol is rarely served, and when it is, getting drunk is seen as a sign of poor character.

While married Hindu men may flaunt their engagement rings, women are often seen wearing a red bindi, vermillion, bangles, and saree as their traditional attire in the initial days after their marriage. In families that are more open-minded, a married female may wear a salwar suit or Western clothing.

The Iconic Indian Look!

Couples are not shy in public spaces, but they’re not as expressive as those in Western countries. For example, they are comfortable holding hands but kissing and hugging in front of others is almost unheard of. It may come as a shock to you, but there is unspoken pressure on the younger generation to settle professionally and get married by their late 20s.

We have both nuclear and joint families. It’s common to see Indian couples living with their parents (usually the husband’s parents), but nowadays more and more couples are living separately from their parents. They may live in the same town or move to a different part of the country in search of high-paying jobs.

People are open to both traditional jobs and running their own businesses. However, many people are highly inclined to find government jobs, which offer more social and financial security. Those who want to earn more and are open to taking risks would naturally dive into private-sector jobs.

Chewing tobacco, smoking, and drinking alcohol are rather common in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. However, it’s strictly looked down upon and people are expected to do these things privately. To be honest, these habits are widely seen in the lower classes of society. The irony is that when the same things are done by the upper-class people, it’s called “being cool and classy.”

5. Art and Architecture

For the general public, the entertainment industry largely consists of Bollywood movies and Hindi music. Bollywood produces the highest number of movies in the world every year. Those who are more sophisticated love listening to ghazals and classical music. The unforgettable Umrao Jaan, Mirza Ghalib, and Begum Akhtar are all from Uttar Pradesh.

Kathak is the classical dance form of Uttar Pradesh and is quite popular. There are so many youngsters who learn Kathak and vocals, and go on to make careers with these skills. The dance forms vary from one state to another.

Seven Wonders of the World: The Taj Mahal

When it comes to literature, Urdu and Hindi are two sides of one coin. That ‘coin’ is Hindustani, a beautiful amalgamation like that of milk and honey. This heavenly bond to the Urdu language is not limited to Muslims. So many people have fallen in love with this written language and read Shayari, nazm, revolutionary texts on social evils, as well as the classic literary works of Premchand, Mannu Bhandari, Mirza Ghalib, and Rabindranath Tagore.

Talking specifically about Uttar Pradesh, the hub of the Hindi language, there are various local handicrafts that have long gained worldwide appeal. The embroidery work on sarees and salwar suits is enormously famous. This art form is from Lucknow and is locally known as “chikankari.” In addition, we have the heavy, gorgeous Banarasi sarees with broad borders woven with real gold and silver wires. This embroidery form is known as Zardozi.

Some of the most famous examples of Indian architecture are the Mughal buildings in Lucknow, as well as numerous forts built in some cities of Uttar Pradesh. For instance, we have Bada Imambara and Chhota Imambara in Lucknow. And who hasn’t heard of the Taj Mahal, Agra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World?

Many foreigners and tourists have Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, on their bucket list. Ayodhya, the birthplace and kingdom of Lord Ram, is also in Uttar Pradesh. Some of the other famous places like Sarnath (Varanasi), Sangam and Kumbh Mela (Allahabad), Jhansi Fort of Rani Laxmibai (Jhansi), and Agra Fort are also worth visiting!

For the adventurous soul in you, there is also:

• India’s oldest national park, the Jim Corbett National Park
• River rafting in Rishikesh
• The hot and happening waterfalls in Mirzapur

6. Listen to Your Taste Buds

The Indian food culture is quite interesting. It’s versatile with so many different kinds of delicacies. The staple foods in the Hindi-speaking belt are wheat and rice. Chapatis made of wheat flour and rice are usually served with dal (pulses), stir-fried vegetables, gravy-curry, curd, salad, and some sweets. This is famously known as the “Thali system.”

Spicy Indian Food

Uttar Pradesh has introduced many lip-smacking snacks and meals to the entire country. The guava from Allahabad is famous all over India. You can find countless mini stalls and cabin-like shops with huge crowds waiting for chaat and golgappa, a spicy Indian street food. North Indian cuisine, especially that of Uttar Pradesh, is heavily influenced by Mughal flavors. Dishes like biryani, kebabs, naan, rumali roti, and kulfi feature a blend of Indian, Persian, and Iranian flavors.

While Punjab is known for its makke ki roti and sarson ka saag, Rajasthan and Bihar serve the best litti chokha in the world. Gujarati dishes have won many hearts around the globe with their sweet and tangy flavors. Some of the most popular Gujarati items are dhokla, khandvi, and khakra.

7. Traditional Holidays and Festivals

Holi: The Festival of Colors

There are three Indian national holidays: Independence Day (August 15), Republic Day (January 26), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). Apart from these, people in the Hindi Belt celebrate hundreds of other festivals, small and large. The prominent ones are: 

• Holi (The Festival of Colors)
• Diwali (The Festival of Lights)
• Raksha Bandhan
• Dussehra

These are mainly Hindu festivals but are enjoyed by folks of every religion. 

Eid, Bakrid, and Moharram are the prominent festivals for Muslims. Sikhs honor their Guru Sahib by celebrating Gurunanak Jayanti.

8. Talk Like a Native With HindiPod101.com

Indian culture is wonderful, isn’t it? By now, you should be much more familiar with the different cultural aspects of India’s Hindi-speaking regions.

If you’re planning to visit soon, what Indian attire would you try and which street food is on the top of your list? Oh, and which Indian festivals would you love to take part in? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

Welcome to the HindiPod101.com Family!

We welcome you to explore our vocabulary lists and online dictionary as you get ready to start (or continue!) your Hindi language learning journey. To learn even more about any of the topics we’ve covered here, don’t forget to create your free lifetime account on the HindiPod101.com homepage. Once you’ve done that, download our mobile app and you’re good to go.

Happy learning!

Have you always wanted to try ethnic food in India? It can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you want quality, authentic Indian food. 

In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about the cuisine of India. From the top five dishes you must try in a restaurant to the most popular street foods and heavenly Indian desserts, you’ll get a taste of what to expect when dining in India. We’ll even give you a few simple Indian food recipes that you can try at home. 🙂

Table of Contents

1. Why is it Important to Study Indian Foods?
2. Food-Related Vocabulary
3. Useful Phrases Related to Food
4. Must-Try Dishes in Indian Restaurants
5. Unique Indian Foods
6. Bonus: Simple Recipes to Make Authentic Indian Food at Home
7. How to Get the Most Out of HindiPod101.com

1. Why is it Important to Study Indian Foods?

We all love food. During the course of human history, food has become more than just a means of survival—it has become a source of pleasure and a major component of culture. Just look at the variety of eating styles in different cultures, countries, and regions! 

India has always flaunted its love of spices and flavors, and has created all kinds of finger-licking recipes.

For a non-native, talking about Indian cuisine is a foolproof way to bond with local Indians. And if you’re here as a traveler, you’ll need to know the names of popular food items to make sure you don’t stay hungry!

Once you have a good understanding of the different types of Indian cuisine and a solid vocabulary, mouth-watering desserts, buttery non-veg dishes, and unforgettable savoriness are just a menu away.

2. Food-Related Vocabulary

The best way to begin this guide is by learning as many Indian food names in Hindi as possible.

You can’t get your order right unless you’re familiar with Indian spices and herbs, as well as the names of other ingredients. Some ingredients may be too spicy for non-natives, whereas others may be too sweet.

We’ve categorized several essential items into different tables for you. Review them often to quickly pick up and memorize the new words.

Table 1
Spices and Condiments	मसाले (maSaaLe)
Salt	नमक (Namak)
Black Salt	काला नमक (kaaLaa Namak)
Sugar	चीनी (ciiNii)
Turmeric	हल्दी (haLDii)
Red Chili Powder	लाल मिर्च पाउडर (LaaL mirc paaudar)
Coriander Powder	धनिया पाउडर (DHaNiyaa paaudar)
Black Pepper	काली मिर्च (kaaLii mirc)
Clove	लौंग (Laung)
Cardamom	इलायची (iLaayacii)
Fennel Seeds	सौंफ़ (Saunf)
Cumin Seeds	ज़ीरा (ziiraa)
Mustard Seeds	सरसों (SaraSon) / राई (raaii)

Table 2
Vegetables	सब्ज़ी (Sabzii)
Potato	आलू (aaLuu)
Green Chilis	हरी मिर्च (harii mirc)
Bell Pepper	शिमला मिर्च (simaLaa mirc)
Ginger	अदरक (aDarak)
Garlic	लहसुन (LahaSuN)
Onion	प्याज़ (pyaaz)
Green Coriander	हरी धनिया (harii DHaNiyaa)
Cucumber	खीरा (khiiraa)
Brinjal / Eggplants	बैंगन (baingaN)
Cabbage	पत्ता गोभी (paTTaa gobhii)
Cauliflower	फूलगोभी (phuuL gobhii)
Spinach	पालक (paaLak)
Carrots	गाजर (gaajar)

Table 3
Fruits	फल (phaL)
Apple	सेब (Seb)
Orange	संतरा (SanTaraa)
Banana	केला (keLaa)
Grapes	अंगूर (anguur)
Watermelon	तरबूज़ (Tarabuuz)
Melon	ख़रबूज़ा (kharabuuzaa)
Lemon	नींबू (Niimbuu)
Guava	अमरूद (amaruuD)
Pineapple	अनानास (aNaaNaaS)
Pomegranate	अनार (aNaar)
Mango	आम (aam)
Tomato	टमाटर (tamaatar)
Bottle Gourd	लौकी (Laukii) / घीया (ghiiyaa)
Pumpkin	कद्दू (kaDDuu)

Table 4
Dairy Items	दुग्ध उत्पाद (DugDH uTpaaD)
Milk	दूध (DuuDH)
Curd	दही (Dahii)
Buttermilk	छाछ (chaach)
Butter	मक्खन (makkhaN)
Clarified Butter	घी (ghii)
Cottage Cheese	पनीर (paNiir)

Table 5
Staple Foods	प्रमुख भोजन (pramukh bhojaN)
Rice	चावल (caavaL)
Wheat	गेहूँ (gehuun)
Wheat Flour	आटा (aataa)
Millets	बाजरा (baajaraa)
Lentils	दाल (DaaL)
Kidney Beans	राजमा (raajamaa)
Black Gram	उड़द दाल (udaD DaaL)
Bengal Gram	चना दाल (caNaa DaaL)

Table 6
Non-Vegetarian Items	मांसाहारी भोजन (maanSaahaarii bhojaN)
Eggs	अंडे (ande)
Fish	मछली (machaLii)
Chicken	चिकन (cikaN) / मुर्गा (murgaa)
Prawns	झींगा मछली (jhiingaa macaLii)
Mutton	बकरी का गोश्त (bakarii kaa goshT)
Crabs	केकड़ा (kekadaa)

* “Vegetarian food” is known as शाकाहारी भोजन (saakaahaarii bhojaN) in Hindi.

* There’s also a special type of food that contains no garlic, onion, potato, or non-veg items. It’s called “Jain Food” = जैन भोजन (jaiN bhojaN). There are many restaurants which serve only Jain food.

Table 7
Other Essential Words	अन्य उपयोगी शब्द(aNya upayogii sabD)
Water	पानी (paaNii)
Tea	चाय (caay)
Coffee	कॉफ़ी (kaufii)
Lemonade	नींबू पानी (Niimbuu paaNii)
Dry Vegetable/ Stir-fry	सूखी सब्ज़ी (Suukhii Sabzii)
Curry	शोरबा (sorbaa) / करी (karii)
Salad	सलाद (SaLaaD)
Hot and Spicy	तीखा (Tiikhaa)
Dessert / Sweets	मीठा (miithaa) / मिठाई (mithaaii)

Table 8
Flavors and Tastes	स्वाद (SvaaD)
Sweet	मीठा (miithaa)
Sour	खट्टा (khattaa)
Salty	नमकीन (NamakiiN)
Spicy	चटपटा (catapataa)
Hot (Spicy)	तीखा (Tiikhaa)
Cold	ठंडा (thandaa)
Hot	गर्म (garm)
Bland	फीका (phiikaa)
Boiled	उबला (ubaLaa)
Raw	कच्चा (kaccaa)
Cooked	पका हुआ (pakaa huaa)

Table 9
Utensils and Tableware	बर्तनों के नाम (barTaNon ke Naam)
Spoon	चम्मच (cammac)
Fork	काँटा (kaantaa)
Glass	गिलास (giLaaS)
Plate	थाली (THaaLii)
Bowl	कटोरी (katorii)
Cup	प्याला (pyaaLaa)
Knife	चाकू (caakuu)
Pitcher	जग (jag)
Ladle	कलछी (kaLachii)

Don’t forget to visit our complete list of tableware in Hindi to learn even more practical words!

Table 10
Breakfast	सुबह का नाश्ता (Subah kaa NaasTaa)
Lunch	दोपहर का खाना (Dopahar kaa khaaNaa)
Dinner	रात का खाना (raaT kaa khaaNaa) रात्रिभोज (raaTribhoj)
Snack	नाश्ता (NaasTaa) / अल्पाहार (aLpaahaar)

3. Useful Phrases Related to Food

Great! You’ve already made yourself familiar with the common vocabulary related to food items. Now, it’s time to learn the most useful phrases for different scenarios, such as ordering food.

1 – Phrases for Ordering Food

Let’s begin with the phrases you might find useful when placing an order at a restaurant.

• खाने में क्या मिलेगा? (khaaNe men kyaa miLegaa?) / मेन्यू में क्या है? (meNyuu men kyaa hai?)
  “What’s on the menu?”

• क्या यहाँ शाकाहारी भोजन मिलेगा? (kyaa yahaan saakaahaarii bhojaN miLegaa?)
  “Do you serve vegetarian food here?”

• क्या यहाँ मांसाहारी भोजन मिलेगा? (kyaa yahaan maanSaahaarii bhojaN miLegaa?)
  “Do you serve non-vegetarian food here?”

• मुझे एक गिलास ठंडा पानी चाहिए। (mujhe ek giLaaS thandaa paaNii caahiye.)
  “I need a glass of water.”

• मुझे कम-मिर्च का / कम तीखा भोजन चाहिए। (mujhe kam-mirc kaa/ kam Tiikhaa bhojaN caahiye.)
  “I want something less spicy.”

• मुझे दो रोटी, दाल, आलू की सूखी सब्ज़ी, दही, और सलाद चाहिए। (mujhe Do rotii, DaaL, aaLuu kii Suukhii Sabzii, Dahii, aur SaLaaD caahiye.)
  “I want two chapatis, a bowl of lentils, dry potato curry, curd, and salad.”

• एक आइसक्रीम ले आइये। (ek aaiSakriim Le aaiye.)
  “Please get me an ice cream.”

• क्या आप बिल ले आएंगे? (kyaa aap biL Le aayenge?)
  “Could you bring the bill, please?”

2 – How to Describe a Food Item

Isn’t it wonderful how our taste buds respond so quickly to anything we eat? Suppose you wanted to talk about the flavor of something you just ate; how would you do that? Let’s look at some example phrases for expressing the flavor of whatever we’re having.

• यह बहुत तीखा है। (yah bahuT Tiikhaa hai.)
  “It’s really hot and spicy.”

• इस सब्ज़ी में नमक कम है। (iS Sabzii men Namak kam hai.)
  “This curry could use more salt.”

• मुझे एक गर्म चाय का प्याला चाहिए। (mujhe ek garm caay kaa pyaaLaa caahiye.)
  “I want a hot cup of tea.”

• यह फलों का रस बिल्कुल ताज़ा है। (yah phaLon kaa raS biLkuL Taazaa hai.)
  “This fruit juice is so fresh.”

• खाना बहुत स्वादिष्ट है। (khaaNaa bahuT SvaaDist hai.)
  “The food is delicious.”

3 – Phrases for When You’re Learning to Cook Indian Food

They say that those who love to eat also love to cook. Cooking is an art; it’s an expression of love served in the form of a fresh, hot meal. Of course, the foodie in all of us wants not only to relish a cuisine, but also to manifest our love of food through cooking.

By the time you’re done reading this guide, you’ll want to try your hand at some of these wonderful Indian cuisine dishes. God forbid you get stuck in the middle of a cooking battle! Feel free to use the Hindi phrases below to get going with your super chef skills.

• इस सब्ज़ी को बनाने का क्या तरीक़ा है? (iS Sabzii ko baNaaNe kaa kyaa Tariiqaa hai.)
  “What’s the recipe for this curry?”

• यह सलाद कैसे बनायें? (yah SaLaaD kaiSe baNaayen.)
  “How do you make this salad?”

• क्या दाल पक गयी है? (kyaa DaaL pak gayii hai.)
  “Are the lentils cooked?”

• मुझे रोटी बनाना सीखना है। (mujhe rotii baNaaNaa SiikhaNaa hai.)
  “I want to learn how to make chapatis.”

4. Must-Try Dishes in Indian Restaurants

Now for the part you’ve been waiting for! We’re about to walk you through the must-try dishes served in Indian restaurants. 

1 – Lentils = दाल (DaaL)

Let’s just say that we Indians love lentils. An authentic Indian Thali is never complete without a bowl of दाल (DaaL). The two most popular varieties are:

• अरहर की दाल (arahar kii DaaL) / पीली दाल (piiLii DaaL)
•  काली दाल (kaaLii DaaL)

These lentils are first washed and then pressure cooked in salted water until soft. The water contains a bit of turmeric and a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor and color.

When looking at an Indian cuisine menu, you may find options like “Dal Fry” or “Dal Tadka” and “Plain Dal.” The Plain Dal is the safest option if you’re not into spicy foods, whereas Dal Tadka actually comes with “tempering.”

Tempering can be done with clarified butter and cumin seeds. The spicier “Tadka” consists of onions, chopped garlic cloves, dry red chilis, and cumin seeds all fried in ghee/clarified butter.

We recommend this dish because it’s an Indian version of comfort food. It’s hot like soup, a great source of protein, and quite filling—all while being low on the spicy meter.

2 – Different Types of Flatbreads

Flatbreads have different names in Hindi depending on how they’re made and what ingredients are used in them:

• रोटी (rotii) / फुलका (phuLakaa) / चपाती (capaaTii)

The first and most common wheat “flatbread” is called रोटी (rotii) / फुलका (phuLakaa) / चपाती (capaaTii). The flour dough is flattened into a round shape with a rolling pin, heated on the tavaa, and then heated directly on the flame for a while.

रोटी (rotii) is quite soft. It’s commonly served with clarified butter or salted butter spread over it. However, those who don’t like it that way may skip the butter.

• Naan – नान (NaaN)

Naan is made with refined flour. It’s so soft and delicious that you just can’t stop at one! Nonetheless, it’s heavy on the stomach; one or two Naan is enough to satisfy one’s hunger.

Naan has become quite popular due to its variety of flavor options. For instance, you can get butter Naan, garlic Naan, and so on.

• Tandoori Roti – तंदूरी रोटी (TanDuurii rotii)

The name Tandoori Roti comes from the way it’s cooked: directly on the flames of a tandoor. A tandoor uses a traditional way of baking with hot charcoals. The Tandoori Roti is crispy and is best eaten with curry or dipped in hot dal.

• Rumali Roti – रुमाली रोटी (rumaaLii rotii)

This kind of flatbread is made with refined flour, rolled as thinly as possible, and then tossed in the air using the fingertips to increase its size. Rumali Roti is one of a kind and you should definitely try it!

• Missi Roti – मिस्सी रोटी (miSSii rotii)

Missi Roti is made with gram flour. It’s a bit crispy, filled with protein, and quite healthy for your gut. You can always have a bite with some curry or stir-fry.

• Paratha – परांठा (paraanthaa)

Now, there is plain paratha and then there’s stuffed paratha. And believe me, when comparing their flavors and pleasure to the taste buds, there’s a difference as stark as day and night.

Plain paratha is just like chapati, except it’s thinly layered with oil or ghee. Stuffed paratha is made in the same way, but it bursts with the flavors of whatever the inside stuffing is. Indians usually love parathas stuffed with mashed potatoes, grated cauliflower, grated radish, and onions.

3 – Rice Dishes

When it comes to rice, we have quite a long list of Indian foods to review. For instance, you could feast on simple steamed rice mixed with daal. You could also get jeera rice (cumin rice), pulav, or biryani.

The biryani is a complete meal in itself, actually. There are two versions: veg biryani and non-veg biryani. The rice is soaked, cooked, and mixed with deep-fried whole spices, such as cardamom, saffron, cashew nuts, and cloves.

Veg biryani contains a variety of chopped vegetables, whereas the non-veg kind may have chicken pieces or other types of meat in it.

4 – South Indian Recipes

South Indian cuisine is a popular choice among many Indians and foreigners. It’s low on spices and low on oil. That’s what makes it so superb! Adding to that, you can have it for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner. It can make a proper meal or just a snack. 

South Indian food items such as Dosa, Idli-Sambhar, Rasam, and Uttapam are usually made with ground and steamed paste of white Urad lentil and rice. It’s best served with hot Sambhar and cool coconut chutney!

5 – Cottage Cheese Recipes

There are countless cheese varieties around the world. Of them all, Indians prefer fresh cottage cheese. Our love for cottage cheese, whether it be homemade or store-bought, cannot be compared to anything! Glance through any Indian menu and you’ll find “cottage cheese” or पनीर (paNiir) dishes as snacks, main courses, and starters.

We whole-heartedly recommend these menu items: 

• पालक पनीर (paaLak paNiir) = “Spinach and cottage cheese curry”
• पनीर टिक्का (paNiir tikkaa) = “Skewed cheese and veggies”
• पनीर बटर मसाला (paNiir batar maSaaLaa) = “Spicy butter cheese curry”
• कढ़ाई पनीर (kadhaai paNiir) = “Cauldron cheese”
• पनीर चिली (paNiir ciLii) = “Cheese chili”
• मटर पनीर (matar paNiir) = “Cheese with green peas curry”

6 – Chicken Recipes

To cut this section short, all of the cottage cheese dishes we just mentioned have equivalent chicken dishes. Here are just a few popular chicken dishes you can expect to find in India: 

• “chili chicken”
• “chicken butter masala”
• “mughlai chicken”
• “chicken rogan josh”
• “tawa chicken”

7 – Potatoes and Other Veggies

Don’t even get me started on the veggie list. Did you know that Indian meals never lack vegetables? Vegetarian Indian food is far more popular in India than meat-based foods are. Whether it be a succulent gravy-filled dish or a dry curry, we must have some vegetables in our thaali.

When you’re in a restaurant, order at your own risk when you get confused about which curries to eat and which to skip. Just kidding. 😉 We’re here to help you narrow down the best Indian foods so you can gorge on fresh main course vegetables.

These curries never go out of fashion: 

• आलू मटर (aaLuu matar) = “Potato and peas dry curry”
• गोभी मसाला (gobhii maSaaLaa) = “Spicy cauliflower”
• मटर मशरूम (matar masaruum) = “Peas and mushroom stir fry”
• मशरूम मसाला (masaruum maSaaLaa) = “Spicy mushroom curry” 
• मिक्स वेज (mikS vej) = “Mix veg”

5. Unique Indian Foods

This section is the most interesting of all, because we’re going to quickly explore a set of unique Indian cuisine essentials which are only popular in India. So, let’s dig in!

1 – Raita = रायता (raayaTaa)

Raita is blended curd mixed with particular spices, such as roasted and ground cumin seeds, black salt, sea salt, a pinch of chili powder, and mint leaves. The most popular type is the cucumber raita, to which peeled and grated cucumber is added to the spiced curd.

Raita is a healthy Indian food and a tasty way to cool off during the summer heat. It also helps with digestion and increases healthy gut bacteria.

2 – Buttermilk = छाछ (chaach)

When cream is blended for a long time, it separates into butter and buttermilk. The latter is another unique Indian beverage, especially loved in Northern India.

Usually, people prefer a glassful of plain buttermilk with some salt added. Another way is to temper the buttermilk with asafoetida, cumin seeds, and chili powder, and to add a few mint leaves to it.

3 – Lassi = लस्सी (LaSSii)

This is a sweet beverage. Curd is cooled and blended by adding some water and ice. Add some sugar or rose syrup, crushed almonds, and cashew nuts, and enjoy!

4 – Shikanji = शिकंजी (sikanjii) or नींबू पानी (Niimbuu paaNii)

You can always count on this drink during the summer! It’s the most widespread homemade drink, and you can also find it sold in street stalls during May and June.

नींबू पानी (Niimbuu paaNii), or “lemonade,” can be made either sweet or salted. Add some sugar, squeeze a lemon, and drop some ice cubes into chilled water. Mix until the sugar dissolves and your sweet lemonade version, called शिकंजी (sikanjii), is ready. 

For the salted version, all you have to do is replace the sugar with salt and add some mint leaves for that refreshing feeling.

5 – Street Foods 

Oh, the list is never-ending. We Indians are so much into spicy Indian street foods that it’s impossible to cover all of them. But just for you, we’ll name some of the most superb and unforgettable Indian street foods.

They include: 

• पाव भाजी (paav bhaajii) = “Bread and spicy curry” 
• समोसा (SamoSaa) = “Samosa” 
• कचौड़ी (kacaudii) = “Kachori” 
• चाट (caat) = “Chaat” 
• छोले भटूरे (choLe bhatuure) = “Chole bhature” 
• आलू पूरी (aaLuu puurii) = “Aloo poori” 
• पानी पूरी (paaNii puurii) / गोलगप्पे (goLagappe) / पुचका (puchaka) = “Panipuri” / “Golgappe” / “Puchka” 

6. Bonus: Simple Recipes to Make Authentic Indian Food at Home

As we promised you at the beginning of this article, here comes the section that you’ve long been waiting for! Enjoy a handful of quick Indian cuisine recipes that are not only authentic but also delicious. Flaunt your cooking skills and impress the natives by serving them these all-time favorite local Indian dishes. 

1 – “Yellow Lentils” (Pigeon Pea) / Arhar Dal = अरहर दाल (arahar DaaL)

Wash the yellow lentils and place them in a pressure cooker. Add some water, salt, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, and a dash of chili powder.

Pressure cook on high heat until you hear a whistle. Then, turn it down and let it whistle two more times to simmer. When the Arhar Dal is cooked nicely, heat some clarified butter in a medium-sized ladle, add some cumin seeds, asafoetida, and chili powder, and mix it in the cooked DaL.

2 – “Coriander Chutney” / Dhaniya Chatni = धनिया चटनी (DHaNiyaa cataNii)

This is the easiest one! 

To a blender, add a bunch of fresh green coriander leaves, a few mint leaves, salt to taste, cumin seeds, 2-3 green chilis (if you want it spicy), and blend it all together. If it looks dry, add some water to make a fine paste. Serve it fresh with any snacks or full meals.

3 – Cucumber Raita / Kheere ka Raita = खीरे का रायता (khiire kaa raayaTaa)

Wash, peel, and grate some fresh cucumbers. In a bowl, take a good amount of curd and blend it with a spoon. Add the grated cucumber, sea salt, black salt, chili powder, chopped coriander leaves, chopped mint leaves, and…voila! You’re done! The cucumber raita is ready. Best served when chilled, so remember to refrigerate it for a few hours.

4 – Rice Pudding / Kheer = खीर (khiir)

Wash and soak some rice. Drain it and put it aside. In another heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour a good amount of milk and bring it to a boil. Keep stirring so it doesn’t stick to the pan. When the milk amount is reduced, add the rice and let it cook. Don’t forget to stir once in a while.

When the rice looks soft and the mixture has become thick, add sugar to taste. Cook a little longer and then turn off the heat. Top it with chopped nuts (like almonds or cashews), shredded dried coconut, and raisins.

You can either serve it hot or put it in the fridge for a few hours until it’s chilled.

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