Basic Hindi for Travelers

Why Learn a Few Hindi Phrases?

India is a land of diverse cultures and languages. Hindi is spoken by over 40% of the population and is understood in most urban and tourist areas. Knowing a handful of common phrases can help you:

Show respect to locals.
Navigate transport, restaurants and hotels.
Ask for help or directions safely.
Make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

Essential Greetings

English	Hindi (Devanagari)	Pronunciation
Hello / Hi	(Namaste)	nuh-MUHS-tey
Good morning	(Suprabhaat)	soo-pra-BAHT
Good evening	(Shubh Sandhya)	shubh san-DHYAA
Good night	(Shubh Raatri)	shubh RAA-tree
Goodbye	(Alvida)	al-VEE-daa

Polite Words

English	Hindi (Devanagari)	Pronunciation
Please	(Kripya)	kri-PYA
Thank you	(Dhanyavaad)	dhun-ya-VAAD
Sorry / Excuse me	(Maaf Kijiye)	maaf kee-JEE-ye
Yes	(Haan)	haan
No	(Nahi)	na-HEEN

Getting Around

English	Hindi (Devanagari)	Pronunciation
Where is?	? (kahan hai?)	kah-HAAN hay?
How far?	? (Kitni door?)	KIT-nee door?
Left	(Bayein)	baa-YEN
Right	(Daayein)	daa-YEN
Straight ahead	(Seedhe)	SEE-dhey
Bus station	(Bus Stop)	bus stop
Train station	(Railway Station)	rail-way STAY-shun

Eating Out

English	Hindi (Devanagari)	Pronunciation
Menu, please	, (Menu, kripya)	ME-nyoo, kri-PYA
Water	(Paani)	paa-NEE
Spicy	(Teekha)	TEE-kha
Not spicy	(Kam masale wala)	kum ma-SA-le WA-la
Bill, please	, (Bill, kripya)	bill, kri-PYA

Shopping & Bargaining

English	Hindi (Devanagari)	Pronunciation
How much?	? (Yeh kitne ka hai?)	yeh KIT-ney ka hay?
Too expensive	(Bahut mehnga hai)	bau-hoot MEHNG-a hay
Can you lower the price?	? (Kya aap kam keemat par de sakte hain?)	kyaa aap kum kee-MAT par day SAHK-te hain?
I'll take it	(Main le leta hoon)	main lay LAY-taa hoon

Emergency Phrases

English	Hindi (Devanagari)	Pronunciation
Help!	! (Madad!)	ma-DAAD!
Police	(Police)	PO-leece
Doctor	(Doctor)	DOC-tor
I am lost	(Main kho gaya hoon)	main kho GYA hoon
Call an ambulance	(Ambulance bulao)	EM-byu-lens bu-LO

Tips for Speaking Hindi

Keep it simple. Most people appreciate the effort even if your pronunciation isnt perfect.
Use Namaste with a smile. It works as both hello and goodbye.
Speak slowly. Hindi speakers often adjust to the pace of foreign travelers.
Listen for the a sound. Many Hindi words end with a soft a that is barely pronounced in casual speech (e.g., bata becomes bata).
Dont be afraid to ask for clarification. Phrases like (dohraye please repeat) are handy.