Hindi Language Basics for Travelers
A English - Hindi Lexicon for Travelers in India
When embarking on your travel to India, even a handful of essential Hindi phrases can transform your journey. After 20 years of guiding our travelers through the subcontinent, Shanti Travel knows firsthand that simple language efforts open hearts and doors, especially when communicating with Hindi-speaking drivers. This glossary is designed with real travel experiences in mind—emphasizing clarity, politeness, and practical expression, so you can connect more confidently with your driver and the people you meet on the road.
Why Use Hindi With Your Driver?
Our drivers possess extensive route knowledge and are seasoned in caring for international guests. Yet, not all speak fluent English. Even basic Hindi can break the ice, show respect, and clear up misunderstandings. In addition to the terms below, you will find maps in your travel documents to help clarify your itinerary visually.
Expert tip: Use polite forms and a gentle tone. Indians appreciate sincerity and patience—never underestimate the power of a smile or a heartfelt "Namaste" with palms together!
Practical Hindi Tips for Travelers
Politeness Matters:
- "Kripya" (Please) and "Dhanyavad" (Thank you) go a long way.
- To get attention: "Suniyé" (Excuse me/Listen!)
- For apologies: "Maaf kijiye" (I’m sorry)
Pronunciation Hints:
- Hindi is phonetic; say each syllable clearly. For example, "rukiye" (please stop) = "roo-kee-yay."
- The 'a' often sounds like the 'a' in 'car;' 'o' is like 'go.'
Gestures & Etiquette:
- A nod or brief head tilt acknowledges understanding or agreement.
- Avoid pointing feet at anyone and minimize hand gestures—verbal cues are preferred.
- If in doubt, ask your driver to repeat slowly: "Kripya dhire boliyé."
Numbers in Hindi (for fares, directions, etc.):
| Number | Hindi | Pronunciation Hint |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | एक (ek) | "ek" rhymes with "check" |
| 2 | दो (do) | "doh" |
| 5 | पाँच (paanch) | "paanch" (nasal ‘n’) |
| 10 | दस (das) | "dus" (as in "dust" but no 't') |
| 20 | बीस (bees) | "bees" (as in insect) |
Travel-Specific Vocabulary:
- Auto-rickshaw: ऑटो (auto)
- Taxi: टैक्सी (taxi)
- Stop here: यहाँ रोकिए (yahaan rukiye)
- Turn left/right: बाएँ/दाएँ मुडिए (baayein/daahine mudiyé)
- Traffic jam: ट्रैफिक जाम (traffic jam)
- Highway: राजमार्ग (raajmaarg)
Avoiding Common Misunderstandings:
- Always ask for fare: "Kitne rupaye?" (How many rupees?)
- Confirm your destination: "Mujhe [destination] jana hai" (I want to go to...)
- If you don’t understand: "Mujhe samajh nahi aaya" (I didn’t understand)
- To soften a refusal, use "Nahi kripya" (No, please)
Essential Glossary for Travelers
Welcome / Swagat
| ENGLISH | HINDI |
|---|---|
| Hello | Namasté |
| Good bye | Alvida |
| Thank you | Dhanyavad / Shukriya |
| Yes | Han |
| No | Nahi |
| Good | Achha / Theek hai |
| I agree | Main sahmat hoon |
| How are you? | Aap kaise hain? |
| I am French. | Main French hoon. |
| I don’t understand you | Main aapko nahi samajh sakta (male)/samajh sakti (female). |
| I am sorry | Mujhe maaf kar do/ Maaf kijiye |
| My name is … | Mera naam … hai. |
Questions / Prashna
| ENGLISH | HINDI |
|---|---|
| Can you help me please ? | Kya kripya aap meri madad kar sakte hain? |
| Do you speak English ? | Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain? |
| Can you repeat please ? | Kripya aap dohra sakte hain? |
| Can you speak slowly ? | Kya aap dhire bol sakte hain? |
| Where can we find … | Hum … kahan paa sakte hain? |
| How ? | Kaise? |
| Why ? | Kyun? |
| When ? | Kab? |
| Where ? | Kahan? |
Timing and Meeting / Samay aur Mulaqat
| ENGLISH | HINDI |
|---|---|
| What time is it ? | Kya samay hua hai? / Kitne baje hain? |
| Tomorrow | Kal |
| Yesterday | Kal |
| Tonight | Aaj raat |
| Today | Aaj |
At the Restaurant / Restaurant Par
| ENGLISH | HINDI |
|---|---|
| I would like to have a coffee please. | Main coffee chahta hoon (male)/ chahti hoon (female). |
| How much is it ? | Yeh kitne ka hai? |
| To eat | Khana |
| To drink | Peena |
Useful Words / Mehatvapurna Shabd
| ENGLISH | HINDI |
|---|---|
| Railway station | Railway Station |
| Airport | Hawai adda |
| The price | Mulya / Keemat |
| Spoon | Chammach |
| Fork | Kanta |
| Knife | Chaku |
| Glass | Glass / Shishe ka bartan |
| Bank | Bank |
| Post office | Daak ghar |
| Doctor | Chikitsak |
| Hospital | Aspatal / Chikitsalaya |
| The bill | Bill |
| Stop | Ruko / Rukna |
| Bathroom | Snan ghar / Guslkhana |
| Chemist | Dawa ki dukaan / Chemist |
| Mosquito repellent | Machchar bhagane ki dawa |
| Toilet paper | Shauchalaya kagaz |
| More | Adhik/Jyada |
| Less | Kam |
Final Expert Advice
With just a few Hindi words and a warm attitude, your interactions in India can become more meaningful and enjoyable. Take your time, repeat politely as needed, and remember—most drivers genuinely appreciate your effort. For specific phrases tailored to your route or local dialect, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Shanti Travel expert before or during your trip.
