Hindi for English Speakers: Basic Conversational Phrases

Starting a new language can feel like a big step. But every conversation begins with a few simple words. This guide focuses on essential Hindi phrases for everyday situations. It’s a practical starting point for any English speaker.

We will use Romanized Hindi (Hindi written in English letters) to help you get speaking right away.

The Foundation: Greetings and Politeness

The first words you learn set the tone for every interaction.

Hello / Greetings The most common greeting is **Namaste** (नमस्ते). You say it with your palms pressed together near your chest. It’s used for both "hello" and "goodbye." A more time-specific greeting is **Namaskar** (नमस्कार), which is slightly more formal.

How are you? A simple and common way to ask is **Aap kaise hain?** (आप कैसे हैं?). **Aap* is the formal "you." Use it with strangers and elders. **Kaise* means "how." **Hain* means "are."

To respond, you can say: **Main theek hoon.* (मैं ठीक हूँ。) - I am fine. **Main achchha hoon.* (मैं अच्छा हूँ।) - I am good. (If the speaker is male; a female would say "Main achchhee hoon.")

Please and Thank You Politeness is highly valued. **Kripya** (कृपया) means "please." For "thank you," you have options. **Dhanyavaad** (धन्यवाद) is a standard, slightly formal thanks. A more heartfelt and common word is **Shukriya** (शुक्रिया).

You're welcome** is **Koi baat nahin (कोई बात नहीं), which literally means "It's nothing."

Introducing Yourself

Making a connection starts with an introduction.

My name is... Mera naam ... hai. (मेरा नाम ... है।) **Mera* means "my." **Naam* means "name." **Hai* means "is."

So, "Mera naam David hai" means "My name is David."

Where are you from? To ask someone, say **Aap kahan se hain?** (आप कहाँ से हैं?). To answer, say **Main ... se hoon.** (मैं ... से हूँ।). For example, "Main America se hoon" (I am from America).

Nice to meet you. A simple and friendly way to say this is **Aap se milkar khushi hui.** (आप से मिलकर खुशी हुई।).

Essential Questions and Requests

These phrases will help you navigate daily situations.

Do you speak English? This is a crucial question. **Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?** (क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?) **Kya* is a word used to start a yes/no question. **Angrezi* means English.

I don't understand. If you’re lost, just say **Mujhe samajh nahin aaya.** (मुझे समझ नहीं आया।).

How much is this? Perfect for shopping. **Yeh kitne ka hai?** (यह कितने का है?) **Yeh* means "this." **Kitne* means "how much."

Help! In an urgent situation, call out **Madad!** (मदद!).

Everyday Conversational Phrases

Use these to sound more natural.

Yes and No Simple. **Haan** (हाँ) for yes. **Nahin** (नहीं) for no.

Excuse me / Sorry To get someone's attention or to apologize, use **Maaf kijiye** (माफ कीजिये). It’s a polite and versatile phrase.

Okay Just like in English, **Theek hai** (ठीक है) is used everywhere to mean "okay" or "alright."

Goodbye While **Namaste** works, a more casual goodbye is **Alvida** (अलविदा). A very common parting phrase is **Phir milenge** (फिर मिलेंगे), which means "We will meet again."

A Quick Note on Pronunciation

Hindi pronunciation is mostly consistent. Each letter has a specific sound. **'a' sounds:** The 'a' in *namaste* is like the 'u' in 'but.' The 'aa' in *haan is a longer sound, like the 'a' in 'father.' **'th' sound:** The 'th' in *theek is aspirated, meaning you release a small puff of air. It is not like the soft 'th' in 'think.' **'dh' sound:** Similarly, the 'dh' in *dhanyavaad is also aspirated.

Don't worry about being perfect. People will appreciate your effort immensely.

Putting It All Together: A Sample Conversation

Let’s see these phrases in action.

Person A: **Namaste.* Person B: **Namaste. Aap kaise hain?* Person A: **Main theek hoon. Aap kaise hain? Mera naam Anya hai.* Person B: **Mera naam Raj hai. Aap se milkar khushi hui.* Person A: **Phir milenge! Alvida.* Person B: **Alvida.*

Start with these basics. Practice them. Use them without fear. Each phrase is a key that unlocks a new part of the Hindi-speaking world. Happy learning