Marathi is spoken by around 83 million people in Maharashtra, Mumbai and diasporas in Australia, Canada, the United States and Mauritius. With this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in Mumbai, Pune or Nagpur.
Marathi is the third native language of India after Hindi and Bengali, with around 83 million native speakers and 16 million second-language speakers. It is mainly spoken in Maharashtra, the state of Mumbai (economic capital of India), Pune and Nagpur, as well as in Goa, pockets of Gujarat and Karnataka, and diasporas in Australia, Canada, the United States and Mauritius. Recognized as a classical language of India in October 2024, Marathi has one of the oldest literatures among modern Indian languages, with a rich devotional tradition (Varkari saints) and theater. It is written in Devanagari (Balbodh variant), the same abugida as Hindi, which makes learning easier if you already know a bit of Hindi. For French-speaking travelers, Marathi opens the door to Mumbai and its iconic Marine Drive, the UNESCO-listed Buddhist caves of Ajanta and Ellora, the mountain forts of the Sahyadri, the beaches of North Goa and the Konkan coast. Maharashtrian culture shines through its cinema (Bollywood based in Mumbai), its theater, and its festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi. The greeting "Namaskar", joined palms, works in all formal situations. This kit gathers the bare essentials to handle an arrival in Mumbai, a taxi ride, a meal in a Maharashtrian thali, a temple visit, a medical emergency and a smooth departure. With these phrases in hand, you will earn the respect of any Marathi speaker.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land at Chhatrapati Shivaji airport in Mumbai in the early evening. You greet the immigration officer with Namaskar and joined palms, then ask for directions to the taxi exit.
The driver loads your suitcase and asks for your destination. You tell him your hotel, you want to confirm the price before leaving, then you ask him to stop right in front of the entrance.
You walk into a Maharashtrian restaurant serving a traditional thali. You greet, ask for the menu, specify that you are vegetarian and want it not too spicy, then settle the bill.
You feel sick after a meal. You ask where the nearest hospital is, you mention that you are allergic to certain foods and you ask for help.
On departure morning, you confirm check-out time at the reception, then take a taxi to the airport. Before leaving, you warmly say goodbye to the hotel team with Namaskar.
What you need to know before travelling to a marathi-speaking country.
"Namaskar", with palms joined at chest level, is the standard respectful greeting in Maharashtra. Suitable for elders, strangers, hotel and restaurant staff. For friends and peers, "Kay kaay" (what's up) is more casual.
In Maharashtra, kinship terms are often used instead of first names: "kaka" (uncle), "mavshi" (aunt), "dada" (older brother), "tai" (older sister). Calling a taxi driver "kaka" is appreciated and shows respect.
Mumbai is a multilingual megacity: Marathi, Hindi, English and Gujarati coexist. Marathi remains the state's official language and knowing it is much appreciated, even though Hindi is enough in most tourist situations.
Traditional eating is done with the right hand only, especially Maharashtrian thalis. The left hand is considered impure in the context of meals. Pao bhaji and vada pav, iconic street foods, are eaten with the fingers.
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival (August-September) is the major event of Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai and Pune. Streets are decorated and statues of the god Ganesha are displayed everywhere. If you travel at this time, expect an intense festive atmosphere.
Before entering a Hindu temple (Siddhivinayak in Mumbai, Shree Kshetra Mahalaxmi, or the UNESCO-listed Ellora and Ajanta caves), remove your shoes and cover your shoulders. Photos are sometimes forbidden in the sanctuary.
Maharashtrian cuisine is varied: non-vegetarian in coastal areas (Konkan fish curries), vegetarian and milder in Pune. Piri-piri (chili) is present but less strong than in Andhra cuisine.
Mumbai is known for its intensity: crowds, traffic, suburban train at rush hour. Keep valuables visible, avoid pulling out large amounts of cash and use Uber/Ola taxis rather than unregistered rickshaws in the evening.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Hoy
hoy
Yes
Nahi
na-HEE
No
Dhanyavaad
dan-ya-VAAD
Thank you
Tharik aahe
TA-rik AA-hay
You're welcome
Maaf kara
maaf ka-RA
Sorry
Paani
PAA-nee
Water
Jevan
JE-van
Food
Hotel
ho-TEL
Hotel
Vimantal
vi-MAAN-tal
Airport
Rugnalay
rug-NAA-lay
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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