Phrasebook
Hindi

hindi

Learn useful Hindi phrases with romanization and English translations for daily conversations and travel.

संवाद पुस्तिका

Contents

Greetings Politeness and thanks Understanding and repeating Introducing yourself Basic questions Short answers Numbers and quantities Time and dates Simple requests Asking directions Rickshaw and taxi Railway station Indian train Metro Bus Airport Tickets and bookings Location and direction Renting a vehicle At the restaurant Vegetarian and diets Spices and preferences Street food and chai Drinks Bill and payment Market and bargaining Clothes and tailors Souvenirs and spices Grocery and supermarket Hotel and check-in Reception requests Room problems Check-out and luggage SIM card Internet and Wi-Fi Laundry Bank and ATM General health Digestive issues Common symptoms Body and pain Pharmacy Doctor and clinic Hospital and emergencies Crowds and harassment Police and theft Lost items Family and marital status Religion and temples Bollywood and cricket Work and studies Festivals Tourism and monuments Weather and seasons Friendship and meetings Emotions Invitations and hospitality Opinions and agreement Wishes and condolences Goodbye My Favorites
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❃ Greetings

नमस्ते।
[ Namaste. ]

Hello.

अस्सलाम वालेकुम।
[ Assalam walekum. ]

Peace be upon you (Hello).

क्या हाल है?
[ Kya haal hai? ]

How are you? (Informal)

आप कैसे हैं?
[ Aap kaise hain? ]

How are you? (Formal/Masc)

मैं ठीक हूँ।
[ Main theek hoon. ]

I am fine.

और आप?
[ Aur aap? ]

And you?

आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
[ Aapse milkar achha laga. ]

Nice to meet you.

आपका स्वागत है।
[ Aapka swagat hai. ]

Welcome.

शुभ प्रभात।
[ Shubh prabhat. ]

Good morning.

शुभ रात्रि।
[ Shubh ratri. ]

Good night.

फिर मिलेंगे।
[ Phir milenge. ]

See you later.

कल मिलते हैं।
[ Kal milte hain. ]

See you tomorrow.

अलविदा।
[ Alvida. ]

Goodbye.

घर पर सब कैसे हैं?
[ Ghar par sab kaise hain? ]

How is everyone at home?

सब बढ़िया है।
[ Sab badhiya hai. ]

Everything is fine.

आपका दिन शुभ हो।
[ Aapka din shubh ho. ]

Have a good day.

अपना ख्याल रखना।
[ Apna khyal rakhna. ]

Take care.

बहुत दिनों बाद मिले।
[ Bahut dinon baad mile. ]

Long time no see.

क्या चल रहा है?
[ Kya chal raha hai? ]

What's up?

सब ठीक है।
[ Sab theek hai. ]

All is well.

Cultural keys to a successful trip to India

Discover the golden rules of Indian culture: street food, haggling, transport, and customs for a successful trip to India.

More than a language, a true culture shock: traveling in India is not just about visiting the Taj Mahal or Rajasthan. It is a total immersion in a world with unique codes. While learning a few phrases in Hindi is a great way to break the ice, understanding the local culture is absolutely essential to avoid misunderstandings. Our Hindi / English phrasebook is designed specifically for reality on the ground. Here are the essential cultural points you need to know before packing your backpack.

1. The sacred relationship with food: the 'Veg and Non-Veg' rule

In India, religion and gastronomy are intimately linked. It is not enough to ask if a dish is good; you must know its exact nature.

  • Vegetarian culture : A large part of the population is Pure Veg (strictly vegetarian, without eggs). You will even come across Jain menus, a practice that also excludes root vegetables (onions, garlic, potatoes). In our guide, you will learn to identify and order these dishes flawlessly.
  • Surviving the spices : The Indian palate is accustomed to chili. Saying 'Not too spicy' (Kam teekha / कम तीखा) is often the traveler's first reflex!
  • Water and the famous 'Delhi Belly' : Indian street food is delicious but requires precautions. Always demand sealed bottled water (Seelband paani / सीलबंद पानी) and refuse ice cubes. In case of food poisoning, the medical glossary in the guide (ORS, boiled water, pharmacy) will be of great help.

2. Indian transport: from Auto-Rickshaws to IRCTC

Getting around in India is an adventure in itself that has its own jargon.

  • Negotiating with rickshaws : The traveler's first challenge. Knowing how to ask the driver to turn on his meter ('Meter se chalenge?' / मीटर से चलेंगे?) or fixing the price in advance is paramount.
  • The maze of Indian trains : The railway system is the beating heart of the country. You must understand the different classes (Sleeper, AC), find your Berth, and know booking tricks like the emergency quota (Tatkal).
  • The metro : In Delhi or Mumbai, note that there are carriages exclusively reserved for women (Ladies compartment) to guarantee their safety and comfort.

3. The art of negotiation and modern payments

Forget the displayed prices; Indian bazaars are the scene of theatrical negotiations!

  • Haggling with a smile : It is a national sport. Knowing how to politely say an item is too expensive ('Yeh bahut mehanga hai' / यह बहुत महंगा है) and halving the price without offending the seller is a key skill our guide teaches you.
  • The QR Code revolution (UPI) : India has massively digitalized. Even the smallest tea vendor (Chaiwala) on the street will offer you to pay by Google Pay or UPI.

4. 'Atithi Devo Bhava': Indian hospitality and curiosity

Indians are renowned for their extraordinary warmth, governed by the proverb Atithi Devo Bhava ('The guest is God').

  • Family first : Don't be surprised if you are asked your age, your salary, or if you are married within the first few minutes of conversation. It's a sign of benevolent curiosity.
  • Religion and respect : Removing your shoes before entering a temple, covering your head, and respecting silence during an offering (Prasad) or prayer (Aarti) are essential basics detailed in our book.

5. Practical life and little everyday hazards

Daily life in India has its peculiarities that a Western traveler is not always prepared for:

  • At the hotel : You have to deal with frequent power cuts, turn on the Geyser (individual water heater) 15 minutes before showering, or fill out the famous mandatory C-Form for foreigners.
  • Politely standing your ground : India is a dense country. It is sometimes necessary to know how to firmly push away insistent touts ('Mujhe akela chhod do' / मुझे अकेला छोड़ दो — Leave me alone) or head to the police to file an FIR (theft report).