Essential Hindi Phrases
Basic Hindi & Marathi to navigate Mumbai like a local
6 Most Important Phrases
Greetings & Basics
| English | Hindi | Say |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Greetings | Namaste | nuh-mus-tay |
| Thank you | Dhanyavaad | dhun-ya-vaad |
| Thank you (casual) | Shukriya | shuk-ree-ya |
| Yes | Haan | haa(n) |
| No | Nahi | nuh-hee |
| Please | Kripya | kri-pya |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Maaf kijiye | maaf kee-ji-yay |
| I don't understand | Mujhe samajh nahi aaya | moo-jhay su-muj nuh-hee aa-ya |
Shopping & Bargaining
| English | Hindi | Say |
|---|---|---|
| How much? | Kitna? | kit-na? |
| Too expensive! | Bahut mehnga! | ba-hut mehn-ga! |
| Give less (discount) | Kam karo | kum kuh-ro |
| Last price? | Last? | last? |
| I don't want | Nahi chahiye | nuh-hee chaa-hi-yay |
| Show me another | Aur dikhao | aur di-khaa-o |
| This is good | Yeh accha hai | yeh uch-cha hay |
| I'll think about it | Sochenge | so-chen-gay |
Food & Dining
| English | Hindi | Say |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Paani | paa-nee |
| I want vegetarian | Mujhe veg chahiye | moo-jhay veg chaa-hi-yay |
| No spicy | Teekha nahi | tee-kha nuh-hee |
| Less spicy | Kam teekha | kum tee-kha |
| Delicious! | Bahut tasty! | ba-hut tasty! |
| Bill please | Bill dedo | bill day-do |
| One more | Ek aur | ek aur |
| Enough / No more | Bas | bus |
Transport & Directions
| English | Hindi | Say |
|---|---|---|
| Where is...? | ...kahan hai? | ...kuh-haa(n) hay? |
| Go straight | Seedha jao | see-dha jaa-o |
| Turn left | Baayein mudo | baa-yen moo-do |
| Turn right | Daayein mudo | daa-yen moo-do |
| Stop here | Yahan ruko | ya-haa(n) roo-ko |
| How far? | Kitna door? | kit-na door? |
| Take me to... | Mujhe...le chalo | moo-jhay...lay chuh-lo |
| Use meter | Meter se chalo | meter say chuh-lo |
Emergencies & Help
| English | Hindi | Say |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | Madad! | mu-dud! |
| I need a doctor | Mujhe doctor chahiye | moo-jhay doctor chaa-hi-yay |
| Call the police | Police ko bulao | police ko boo-laa-o |
| I am lost | Main kho gaya | main kho ga-ya |
| Where is the hospital? | Hospital kahan hai? | hospital kuh-haa(n) hay? |
| I don't feel well | Tabiyat theek nahi | ta-bee-yat theek nuh-hee |
Numbers
| English | Hindi | Say |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ek | ek |
| 2 | Do | do |
| 3 | Teen | teen |
| 5 | Paanch | paa(n)ch |
| 10 | Das | dus |
| 20 | Bees | bees |
| 50 | Pachaas | puh-chaas |
| 100 | Sau | sau |
Bonus: Marathi Phrases (Local Language)
Tips for Using Hindi in Mumbai
About Languages in Mumbai
Mumbai is India's most cosmopolitan city with excellent English proficiency. Hindi is widely spoken as the common language, while Marathi is the official state language. Most Mumbaikars are multilingual. English works almost everywhere - from local trains to street vendors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Hindi phrase is most useful for shopping in Mumbai?
'Kitna?' (how much?) is the most essential phrase. For bargaining at Crawford Market, Colaba Causeway, or Linking Road, follow up with 'Bahut mehnga!' (too expensive!) and 'Kam karo' (reduce the price).
Do I need to learn Hindi to visit Mumbai?
Mumbai is very English-friendly - most people understand English, especially in South Mumbai, business districts, and tourist areas. However, basic Hindi helps with taxi/auto drivers and local vendors. Marathi is the official state language.
What's the difference between Hindi and Marathi in Mumbai?
Hindi is widely spoken as Mumbai is cosmopolitan, but Marathi is the local state language. Most Mumbaikars are bilingual. Knowing a few Marathi words like 'Namaskar' (hello) or 'Dhanyavaad' (thanks) impresses locals.
How do I say 'no spicy' in Hindi?
'Teekha nahi' (no spicy) or 'Kam teekha' (less spicy). Important for street food at Juhu Beach, Mohammed Ali Road, or Khau Galli. Also useful: 'Mirchi nahi' means 'no chili'.
What's the polite way to decline persistent sellers?
'Nahi chahiye' (I don't want it) said firmly works. 'Sochenge' (I'll think about it) helps you leave gracefully. Common at tourist spots like Gateway of India and Colaba.
How do I communicate with Mumbai taxi/auto drivers?
Use 'Meter se chalo' (use the meter) for autos. For destination, just say the place name clearly. 'Yahan ruko' means stop here. Most drivers understand basic English and Hindi.