You do not need to speak fluent Hindi to enjoy India, but a handful of phrases changes how people respond to you. Shopkeepers smile, drivers slow down and strangers become helpful. Below are 50 practical Hindi phrases written in Roman script, each with its meaning and a note on when to use it. Pronunciation is kept simple: say vowels openly, and remember that “aa” is a long sound as in “father”.
Greetings and basic manners
- Namaste : Hello / goodbye (respectful). Use it: with anyone, any time of day.
- Aap kaise hain : How are you (polite). Use it: after greeting an older person or a host.
- Main theek hoon : I am fine. Use it: as your reply.
- Shukriya : Thank you. Use it: after any help or service.
- Dhanyavaad : Thank you (formal). Use it: in speeches or with elders.
- Kripya : Please. Use it: before a request.
- Maaf kijiye : Excuse me / sorry. Use it: to get attention or apologise.
- Koi baat nahin : No problem. Use it: when someone thanks or apologises to you.
- Aapka naam kya hai : What is your name. Use it: when meeting someone new.
- Mera naam … hai : My name is …. Use it: introducing yourself.
- Phir milenge : See you again. Use it: when parting.
- Shubh ratri : Good night. Use it: at the end of the evening.
Getting around
- Yeh kahan hai : Where is this. Use it: pointing to a place on a map.
- Station kahan hai : Where is the station. Use it: looking for a train or metro.
- Seedha jaiye : Go straight. Use it: giving or hearing directions.
- Baayen / Daayen : Left / Right. Use it: following directions.
- Yahan roko : Stop here. Use it: telling a taxi or auto driver.
- Meter se chaliye : Please go by the meter. Use it: when hiring an auto-rickshaw.
- Kitna time lagega : How long will it take. Use it: before a journey.
- Mujhe … jaana hai : I want to go to …. Use it: stating your destination.
- Yeh train kab chalegi : When does this train leave. Use it: at a station.
Eating and drinking
- Paani chahiye : I need water. Use it: at a restaurant.
- Menu dijiye : Please give the menu. Use it: when seated.
- Kam teekha : Less spicy. Use it: when ordering food.
- Teekha mat daalna : Do not add chilli. Use it: if you cannot handle heat.
- Shaakahaari : Vegetarian. Use it: to confirm a dish has no meat.
- Bill laaiye : Bring the bill. Use it: when finished.
- Bahut swaadisht : Very tasty. Use it: to compliment the cook.
- Ek chai dijiye : One tea please. Use it: at a tea stall.
- Bas, ho gaya : That is enough. Use it: when declining more food.
- Thoda aur : A little more. Use it: when you want a second helping.
Shopping and money
- Yeh kitne ka hai : How much is this. Use it: asking a price.
- Bahut mehenga hai : It is too expensive. Use it: while bargaining politely.
- Thoda kam kijiye : Please reduce it a little. Use it: to negotiate.
- Mujhe pasand hai : I like it. Use it: showing interest.
- Mujhe nahin chahiye : I do not want it. Use it: to decline a sales pitch kindly.
- Rasid dijiye : Please give a receipt. Use it: after paying.
- Kya card chalega : Will a card work. Use it: before paying.
- Chhutta hai kya : Do you have change. Use it: when paying with a large note.
Help and emergencies
- Madad kijiye : Please help me. Use it: when you need assistance.
- Mujhe doctor chahiye : I need a doctor. Use it: if unwell.
- Mera rasta kho gaya : I am lost. Use it: asking for directions.
- Police ko bulaiye : Call the police. Use it: in a genuine emergency.
- Mujhe samajh nahin aaya : I did not understand. Use it: when something is unclear.
- Dheere boliye : Please speak slowly. Use it: when speech is too fast.
- Kya aap angrezi bolte hain : Do you speak English. Use it: to find a helper.
Handy everyday words
- Haan / Nahin : Yes / No. Use it: in any conversation.
- Theek hai : Okay. Use it: to agree.
- Accha : Good / I see. Use it: to show you are listening.
- Shaanti : Peace / calm. Use it: a nice word to know.
Tips for sounding natural
Add “ji” after a name or title (for example “Sharma ji”) to sound respectful. Use “aap” for elders and strangers, and keep “tum” or “tu” for close friends. Do not worry about grammar: pointing, smiling and one or two words go a long way. If you would like a friendly cultural primer first, read Namaste: meaning and etiquette. You can explore more English articles in our English section, or visit the Hindi home page to see the language in everyday use.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hindi spoken across all of India?
No. Hindi is widely understood in the north and centre, but states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Karnataka have their own major languages. English is common in cities, hotels and tourist places.
Will people understand my accent?
Almost always. Locals are used to many accents and appreciate the effort.
Which phrases should I learn first?
Start with namaste, shukriya, kitna, paani chahiye and kam teekha. These cover most daily situations.
Are these phrases polite?
Yes, they use the respectful form. Adding “kripya” (please) makes them softer still.
Is Roman Hindi spelling fixed?
No. There are several ways to spell the same word, so do not be surprised to see small variations on signs and menus.
Related reading: English section | Yuva Digest home | Best time to visit India
