Hello
Namaste
नमस्ते
Say: nuh-mus-tay
For our family & friends
A few useful words
Hello, thank you, and a little help along the way.
Start with a greeting. The sounds below are a simple guide—ask someone to say them with you.
Thank you
Shukriya
शुक्रिया
Say: shook-ree-yaa
Yes / No
Haan / Nahin
हाँ / नहीं
Say: haan / nuh-heen
My name is…
Mera naam … hai.
मेरा नाम … है।
Say: may-raa naam … hai
How are you?
Aap kaise hain?
आप कैसे हैं?
Say: aap kai-say hain
I’m well
Main theek hoon.
मैं ठीक हूँ।
Say: main teek hoon
Water, please
Paani, please.
पानी, प्लीज़।
Say: paa-nee, pleez
Very tasty!
Bahut swaadisht!
बहुत स्वादिष्ट!
Say: buh-hut swaa-disht
Congratulations!
Badhaai ho!
बधाई हो!
Say: buh-dhaa-ee ho
Let’s dance!
Chaliye, naachte hain!
चलिए, नाचते हैं!
Say: chul-ee-yay, naach-tay hain
One photo?
Ek photo?
एक फ़ोटो?
Say: ayk fo-toh
Where is the toilet?
Toilet kahaan hai?
टॉयलेट कहाँ है?
Say: toy-let kuh-haan hai
Simple English phrases you might hear at the wedding, with a reply to try.
Lovely to meet you
आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा।
Reply: “You too!”
How was your journey?
आपका सफ़र कैसा रहा?
Reply: “Good, thanks!”
Cheers!
शुक्रिया!
Reply: “You’re welcome!”
Shall we get some food?
चलें, कुछ खाएँ?
Reply: “Yes, let’s!”
Would you like a drink?
क्या आप कुछ पीना चाहेंगे?
Reply: “Water, please.”
You look lovely!
आप बहुत अच्छे लग रहे हैं!
Reply: “Thank you!”
Let’s get a photo
आइए, एक फ़ोटो लें।
Reply: “Of course!”
See you in a bit
थोड़ी देर में मिलते हैं।
Reply: “See you!”
Pronunciation is a friendly approximation. Ask a relative to say a phrase with you — that’s a rather lovely icebreaker in itself.
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