Hindi is spoken by over 600 million people in India. From Delhi to Mumbai, from Jaipur to Varanasi: with this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in northern India. Indians greatly appreciate the effort of speaking their language.
Hindi (हिन्दी) is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with about 600 million native and second-language speakers, mainly across India, Nepal, and the Indian diaspora. Together with English, it is an official language of the Indian Union, although India constitutionally recognizes 22 languages and hundreds of regional ones. Hindi is written in Devanagari (देवनागरी), an abugida script in which each character represents a syllable, read from left to right. Its roots reach deep into Sanskrit, the sacred language of Hinduism, from which it inherits much of its scholarly vocabulary, while daily life borrows heavily from Persian, Arabic, and English (the famous Hinglish). Unlike French, Hindi does not have a strict tu/vous split: politeness is expressed through three pronominal levels (तू tu intimate, तुम tum familiar, आप aap respectful) and through verb endings. When you travel in India, remember that aap is your safest choice when addressing a stranger, a shopkeeper, or an elder. Hindi also shines through Bollywood, whose films and songs are the main vehicle spreading the language globally. Beyond words, communication in India relies on specific cultural codes: namaste (joined hands) rather than a handshake, exclusive use of the right hand to eat or hand objects, removing shoes before entering a home or temple, and the famous head wobble that can mean yes, agreed, or understood. Mastering a few Hindi phrases opens an immediate smile across the subcontinent.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land at Indira Gandhi International Airport after a long flight. The noise, heat, and crowd may be surprising. Greeting staff with a namaste immediately sets the respectful tone that opens all doors in India.
Outside New Delhi station, dozens of rickshaws approach you. Bargaining is the rule: state your destination, ask the price, and negotiate with a smile before getting in. Stay calm and keep your sense of humor.
You enter a traditional dhaba to try a Rajasthani thali. The server greets you in Hindi. Specify your dietary needs, ask for recommendations, and do not hesitate to mention your spice tolerance.
After a street-food meal, you feel unwell. You must quickly explain your condition to the hotel reception and ask for a doctor. Stay clear, use the respectful form, and mention any allergies.
On the morning of departure, you settle the room, ask the exact check-out time, and request a taxi to the station. A sincere namaste and a warm dhanyavaad always leave an excellent impression at reception.
What you need to know before travelling to a hindi-speaking country.
Namaste (hands joined at the chest) is the universal greeting. It expresses respect, avoids physical contact, and is appreciated by everyone, from children to elders.
Removing shoes before entering a home or temple is mandatory. Expect to do this often and wear shoes that are easy to take off.
The left hand is considered impure in Hindu culture. Always give and receive food, gifts or money with your right hand.
Indian "yes" can manifest as a lateral head movement (head wobble), not a nod up and down as in Europe. Don't get confused.
The cow is sacred to Hindus. Do not comment on or touch cows in the street. In some states, beef consumption is prohibited.
Bargaining is normal practice in markets and with rickshaws. Not bargaining can even seem strange. Stay smiling and keep a sense of humor.
Indians are curious and will ask very personal questions (age, salary, marital status) very naturally. It is a sign of interest and hospitality, not indiscretion.
IST (Indian Standard Time) implies that delays are common and tolerated. Don't be offended if your host arrives 30 minutes late for an informal dinner.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
हाँ
Haan
Yes
नहीं
Nahi
No
धन्यवाद
Dhanyavaad
Thank you
कोई बात नहीं
Koi baat nahi
You're welcome
माफ़ कीजिए
Maaf kijiye
Sorry
पानी
Paani
Water
खाना
Khaana
Food
होटल
Hotel
Hotel
हवाई अड्डा
Hawai adda
Airport
अस्पताल
Aspataal
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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