Learn Hindi Greetings

Namaste! If you want to learn Hindi, the first thing you may want to master is greetings. The Hindi language isn’t not just about words; it’s about the culture and warmth that comes with them. Understanding how to greet in Hindi can open doors to meaningful conversations and deeper connections with Hindi speakers.

1. Namaste – The Classic Greeting

Namaste (नमस्ते): This is the quintessential Hindi greeting. It is respectful, traditional, and can be used at any time of day. To accompany the word, place your palms together in front of your chest and bow slightly. It signifies respect and is often translated as “I bow to the divine in you.”

2. Good Morning, Afternoon, and Evening

• Suprabhaat (सुप्रभात): This is how you say “Good morning” in Hindi. It’s a cheerful way to start the day.

• Shubh Sandhya (शुभ संध्या): During the evening, use this phrase to say “Good evening.”

Learn Hindi on LingQ

If you are a beginner, you’re going to want to check out the Hindi courses in on LingQ. The LingQ Mini Stories, a course of 60 lessons covering everyday topics, is a great place to start. With the Mini Stories you will build a strong foundation in Hindi.

Translate words and phrases as you move through the lessons making blue words (unknown) yellow (learning) until eventually they are free from highlight (known). These words and phrases are saved in your own database and can be reviewed with vocabulary activities, or just learned through repeated exposure in more lessons if you prefer.

There is all kinds of content on a variety of topics in the Hindi Library; something for everyone.

When you feel ready you can try the LingQ Importer browser extension (available on Chrome, Safari and Firefox) and create lessons with Hindi content you find anywhere online: Netflix, YouTube, blogs, news sources… a world of content at your fingertips!

3. How Are You?

• Aap Kaise Hain? (आप कैसे हैं?): This is a formal way to ask someone how they are. Use this with elders or people you don’t know well.

• Tum Kaise Ho? (तुम कैसे हो?): This is a more informal version and can be used with friends or people your age.

4. Thank You and You’re Welcome

• Dhanyavaad (धन्यवाद): This means “Thank you.” It’s a polite way to show your appreciation.
• Koi Baat Nahi (कोई बात नहीं): The Hindi equivalent of “You’re welcome” or “It’s okay.” It’s a humble response to thanks.

5. Farewells

• Alvida (अलविदा): This means “Goodbye.” It’s a formal parting phrase.
• Phir Milenge (फिर मिलेंगे): A more casual way to say “We’ll meet again.”

Tips for Using Hindi Greetings

1. Respect the Culture: Understanding the context in which these greetings are used is crucial. They are not just words but carry cultural significance.
2. Body Language: Accompany greetings with appropriate gestures. A slight bow with “Namaste” shows respect for example.
3. Listen and Learn: Bollywood movies, Hindi songs, and Indian TV shows are great resources for hearing greetings in their natural context. Try creating lessons with them using the LingQ Importer.