Use respectful forms with elders
Aap is a respectful way to say “you”. Aap kaise hain? is a useful greeting to practise with grandparents or other elders. Your family may use different expressions; ask which sounds most natural to them.
Make space for a reply
After asking a question, wait and listen. You can repeat a familiar word or answer partly in English while you learn. The goal is a genuine exchange, not a perfect performance.
Build your own family phrasebook
Write down one phrase a relative actually uses, ask what it means, and try using it the next time. Personal words can be more memorable than a large generic list.
| Hindi | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते | Namaste | Hello |
| आप कैसे हैं? | Aap kaise hain? | How are you? (respectful) |
| मेरा नाम … है। | Mera naam … hai. | My name is … |
| धन्यवाद | Dhanyavaad | Thank you |
| फिर मिलेंगे। | Phir milenge. | See you again. |
Introductory practice material. Transliteration is approximate. These initial resources are not yet attributed as personally reviewed by Neelam. Read our editorial policy.