Basic Hindi Phrases For Travel

Hindi is the most spoken language in India, with more than 500 million native speakers.

While many people in urban areas speak English, learning even a tiny amount of Hindi can be very helpful, especially in the northern and central regions, where the majority of India’s Hindi speakers live.

I’ve been to India several times and have travelled fairly extensively throughout the country. Every time I go, I try to pick up a few more words and phrases. It’s always appreciated by the local people and opens doors to deeper interactions.

With 22 official languages and more than a billion people, India is a vast place in all senses of the word. India offers dazzling diversity, rich traditions, and a wider range of experiences than almost any other country on Earth.

Basic Words in Hindi

From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the serene backwaters of Kerala in the south, every region of India offers a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, sounds, tastes, and memories.

To get you started on your Hindi-learning journey, here are a few simple words.

• नमस्ते – Namaste – Hello
• अलविदा – Alvida – Goodbye
• धन्यवाद – Dhanyavad – Thank you
• कोई बात नहीं – Koi baat nahin – You’re welcome
• कृपया – Kripya – Please
• हां – Haan – Yes
• नहीं – Nahin – No
• सुप्रभात – Suprabhat – Good morning
• शुभ संध्या – Shubh sandhya – Good evening
• नमस्कार – Namaskar (used as Good afternoon as well)
• भोजन – Bhojan – Food
• पानी – Paani – Water
• शौचालय – Shauchalay – Bathroom

Common Hindi Phrases

These common Hindi phrases are your key to engaging in daily life. Ideal for casual interactions, they’ll help bring you closer to India’s vibrant cultures.

• आप कैसे हैं? – Aap kaise hain? – How are you?
• मैं ठीक हूँ, धन्यवाद – Main theek hoon, dhanyavad – I’m good thanks
• आपसे मिलकर अच्छा लगा – Aapse milkar accha laga – Nice to meet you
• मेरा नाम… है – Mera naam… hai – My name is…
• मुझे खेद है – Mujhe khed hai – I’m sorry
• क्षमा करें – Kshama karen – Excuse me
• क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? – Kya aap meri madad kar sakte hain? – Can you help me?
• बहुत सुंदर! – Bahut sundar! – How beautiful!
• फिर मिलेंगे – Phir milenge – See you
• बाद में मिलते हैं – Baad mein milte hain – See you later
• शुभकामनाएँ! – Shubhkamnayein! – Good luck!

Basic Hindi Phrases for Travellers

These traveller-focused phrases are useful for anyone exploring India. They’ll enhance your journey, whether you’re navigating India’s bustling cities (like Kolkata) or its scenic countryside and hill stations.

• मेरा आरक्षण है – Mera aarakshan hai – I have a reservation
• कृपया शौचालय कहाँ है? – Kripya shauchalay kahan hai? – Where are the bathrooms, please?
• मैं ___ कैसे पहुँचूँ? – Main ___ kaise pahunchun? – How do I get to ___?
• इसकी कीमत क्या है? – Iski keemat kya hai? – How much is this?
• क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं? – Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain? – Do you speak English?
• नजदीकी होटल कहाँ है? – Nazdeeki hotel kahan hai? – Where is the nearest hotel?
• मैं खो गया/गई हूँ। क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? – Main kho gaya/gayi hoon. Kya aap meri madad kar sakte hain? – I’m lost. Can you help me?
• क्या यह क्षेत्र सुरक्षित है? – Kya yah kshetra surakshit hai? – Is this area safe?
• क्या यह क्षेत्र रात में सुरक्षित है? – Kya yah kshetra raat mein surakshit hai? – Is this area safe at night?
• आपके आतिथ्य के लिए धन्यवाद – Aapke aatithya ke liye dhanyavad – Thank you for your hospitality

Useful Hindi Phrases for Information

When you’re curious or need guidance in India, these Hindi phrases should come in handy. They’ll make asking for information and understanding responses more straightforward.

• मेरा एक सवाल है – Mera ek sawaal hai – I have a question
• इसे हिंदी में क्या कहते हैं? – Ise Hindi mein kya kehte hain? – What is this called in Hindi?
• क्या आप धीरे बोल सकते हैं, कृपया? – Kya aap dheere bol sakte hain, kripya? – Can you speak slower, please?
• मैं हिंदी अच्छी तरह से नहीं बोलता/बोलती – Main Hindi acchi tarah se nahi bolta/bolti – I do not speak Hindi very well
• मुझे समझ नहीं आया – Mujhe samajh nahi aaya – I do not understand
• क्या आप दोबारा कह सकते हैं? – Kya aap dobara keh sakte hain? – Can you repeat that please?
• मुझे जानकारी चाहिए – Mujhe jaankari chahiye – I need information
• सूचना कार्यालय कहाँ है? – Suchna karyalay kahan hai? – Where is the information office?
• इसका मतलब क्या है? – Iska matlab kya hai? – What does this mean?
• अभी क्या समय हुआ है? – Abhi kya samay hua hai? – What time is it?
• आपका ईमेल पता क्या है? – Aapka email pata kya hai? – What’s your email address?
• ____ को हिंदी में क्या कहते हैं? – ____ ko Hindi mein kya kehte hain? – How do you say ____ in Hindi?
• यह/वह क्या है? – Yah/Vah kya hai? – What is this/that?
• क्या मैं आपका फोन इस्तेमाल कर सकता/सकती हूँ? – Kya main aapka phone istemal kar sakta/sakti hoon? – Can I use your phone?

Useful Phrases for Directions in Hindi

Find your way around India’s diverse landscapes with these directional phrases. Whether you’re exploring ancient towns or modern cities, they’ll help you stay on the right track.

• …कहाँ है? – …kahan hai? – Where is the…?
• मैं …कैसे पहुँचूँ? – Main …kaise pahunchun? – How do I get to…?
• क्या आप मुझे नक्शे पर दिखा सकते हैं? – Kya aap mujhe nakashe par dikha sakte hain? – Can you show me on the map?
• सीधे जाइए – Sidhe jaiye – Go straight ahead
• दाएँ/बाएँ मुड़ें – Daayen/Baayen muden – Turn right/left
• यह नजदीक/दूर है – Yah nazdeek/door hai – It’s near/far
• यह कोने के पास है – Yah kone ke paas hai – It’s around the corner
• यह कोना है – Yah kona hai – This is the corner
• …तक जाने का रास्ता कौन सा है? – …tak jaane ka raasta kaun sa hai? – Which way is it to…?
• क्या मैं वहाँ पैदल जा सकता/सकती हूँ या मुझे टैक्सी लेनी चाहिए? – Kya main vahan paidal ja sakta/sakti hoon ya mujhe taxi leni chahiye? – Can I walk there or do I need a taxi?

Basic Hindi Phrases for Transportation

Navigate India’s extensive transportation system smoothly with these phrases. From rickshaws to buses and sleeper trains, the following words should make your travels easier and more stress-free.

• मुझे टैक्सी कहाँ मिल सकती है? – Mujhe taxi kahan mil sakti hai? – Where can I get a taxi?
• …जाने का कितना किराया है? – …jaane ka kitna kiraya hai? – How much does it cost to go to…?
• मैं …जाना चाहता/चाहती हूँ – Main …jana chahta/chahti hoon – I want to go to…
• बस स्टॉप कहाँ है? – Bus stop kahan hai? – Where is the bus stop?
• बस स्टेशन कहाँ है? – Bus station kahan hai? – Where is the bus station?
• अगली ट्रेन कब निकलेगी? – Agli train kab niklegi? – What time does the next train leave?
• …पहुँचने में कितना समय लगेगा? – …pahunchne mein kitna samay lagega? – How long does it take to get to…?
• मैं हवाई अड्डे कैसे पहुँचूँ? – Main hawai adda kaise pahunchun? – How do I get to the airport?
• क्या यह बस …जाती है? – Kya yah bus …jaati hai? – Does this bus go to…?
• मुझे राउंड ट्रिप टिकट चाहिए – Mujhe round trip ticket chahiye – I need a round trip ticket
• टिकट कहाँ खरीदूं? – Ticket kahan kharidun? – Where do I buy tickets?

Basic Hindi Phrases About Accommodation

Settle into your Indian accommodation effortlessly. These phrases help you communicate your needs for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

With these phrases, you can confidently ask locals for help with finding a hotel, hostel, or other place to stay.

• क्या आपके पास कोई कमरे उपलब्ध हैं? – Kya aapke paas koi kamre uplabdh hain? – Do you have any rooms available?
• प्रति रात की कीमत क्या है? – Prati raat ki keemat kya hai? – How much does it cost per night?
• क्या नाश्ता कीमत में शामिल है? – Kya nashta keemat mein shaamil hai? – Is breakfast included in the price?
• मुझे एक डबल रूम चाहिए – Mujhe ek double room chahiye – I need a double room
• क्या दो बिस्तरों वाला कमरा है? – Kya do bistaron wala kamra hai? – Is there a room with two beds?
• क्या यहाँ फ्री वाई-फाई है? – Kya yahan free Wi-Fi hai? – Is there free Wi-Fi?
• क्या कमरे में एयर कंडीशनिंग है? – Kya kamre mein air conditioning hai? – Is there air conditioning?
• लिफ्ट कहाँ है? – Lift kahan hai? – Where is the elevator?
• जिम कहाँ है? – Gym kahan hai? – Where is the gym?
• मैं एक कमरा बुक करना चाहता/चाहती हूँ – Main ek kamra book karna chahta/chahti hoon – I would like to book a room
• क्या कमरे में रूम सर्विस है? – Kya kamre mein room service hai? – Is there room service?
• कमरा गंदा है – Kamra ganda hai – The room is dirty
• मुझे इस होटल में सुरक्षित महसूस होता है – Mujhe is hotel mein surakshit mehsoos hota hai – I feel safe in this hotel
• क्या आपके पास प्लग अडैप्टर है? – Kya aapke paas plug adapter hai? – Do you have a plug adaptor?
• मुझे सुंदर नजारे वाला कमरा चाहिए – Mujhe sundar nazare wala kamra chahiye – I want a room with a nice view
• क्या कमरे में सेफ है? – Kya kamre mein safe hai? – Is there a safe in the room?
• क्या आप मुझे (सात) बजे सुबह जगा सकते हैं? – Kya aap mujhe (saat) baje subah jaga sakte hain? – Can you wake me up at (Seven) a.m.?
• मुझे बच्चे के लिए पालना चाहिए – Mujhe bacche ke liye palna chahiye – I need a crib for the baby
• चेक-आउट का समय क्या है? – Check-out ka samay kya hai? – What’s the check-out time?

Helpful Hindi Phrases for Shopping

Turn shopping in India into a fun and easy experience. These phrases are great for browsing, bargaining, and buying, adding a local touch to your shopping adventures.

• मैं… ढूंढ रहा/रही हूँ – Main… dhoondh raha/rahi hoon – I am looking for…
• इसकी कीमत क्या है? – Iski keemat kya hai? – How much does it cost?
• क्या कोई छूट है? – Kya koi chhoot hai? – Is there any discount?
• छूट कितनी है? – Chhoot kitni hai? – How much is the discount?
• यह बहुत महंगा है – Yah bahut mahanga hai – That’s too expensive
• क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं? – Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain? – Can you lower the price?
• क्या मैं क्रेडिट कार्ड से भुगतान कर सकता/सकती हूँ? – Kya main credit card se bhugtan kar sakta/sakti hoon? – Can I pay with a credit card?
• केवल नकद – Keval nakad – Cash only
• क्या आपके पास इसका बड़ा आकार है? – Kya aapke paas iska bada aakaar hai? – Do you have this in a larger size?
• क्या आपके पास इसका दूसरा रंग है? – Kya aapke paas iska doosra rang hai? – Do you have this in another colour?
• मैं इसे वापस करना चाहता/चाहती हूँ – Main ise wapas karna chahta/chahti hoon – I want to return this
• ट्रायल रूम कहाँ हैं? – Trial room kahan hain? – Where are the fitting rooms?
• क्षमा कीजिए, सुपरमार्केट कहाँ है? – Kshama kijiye, supermarket kahan hai? – Excuse me, where’s the supermarket?
• कपड़ों का स्टोर कहाँ है? – Kapdon ka store kahan hai? – Where’s the clothing store?
• मुझे एक बैग चाहिए – Mujhe ek bag chahiye – I need a bag
• मैं स्थानीय उत्पाद कहाँ ढूंढ सकता/सकती हूँ? – Main sthaniya utpad kahan dhoondh sakta/sakti hoon? – Where can I find local products?

Helpful Phrases for Dining Out in India

The food in India is simply incredible. From the famous street chaat to delicious curries, there’s something here for everyone.

Savour the diverse flavours of India with these dining phrases. Browse menus, order your favourite dishes, navigate any dietary requirements, and immerse yourself in India’s rich culinary scene.

• क्या मैं दो लोगों के लिए टेबल पा सकता/सकती हूँ? – Kya main do logon ke liye table pa sakta/sakti hoon? – Can I get a table for two?
• कृपया मुझे मेन्यू दिखाएँ – Kripya mujhe menu dikhaen – Can you please show me the menu?
• आज का स्पेशल डिश क्या है? – Aaj ka special dish kya hai? – What is the dish of the day?
• मैं चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी… – Main chahunga/chahungi… – I would like…
• क्या आप मेरे लिए कुछ सुझाव दे सकते हैं? – Kya aap mere liye kuch sujhav de sakte hain? – Could you suggest something for me?
• खाने में आप क्या सुझाव देते हैं? – Khane mein aap kya sujhav dete hain? – What do you recommend to eat?
• मुझे … से एलर्जी है – Mujhe … se allergy hai – I’m allergic to…
• क्या इस डिश में … होता है? – Kya is dish mein … hota hai? – Does this dish contain…?
• क्या आपके पास शाकाहारी/वीगन विकल्प हैं? – Kya aapke paas shakahari/vegan vikalp hain? – Do you have vegetarian/vegan options?
• मैं मांस/मछली/डेयरी नहीं खाता/खाती – Main maans/machhli/dairy nahi khata/khati – I don’t eat meat/fish/dairy
• क्या यह शाकाहारियों के अनुकूल है? – Kya yah shakahariyon ke anukool hai? – Is this suitable for vegetarians?
• यह क्या है? – Yah kya hai? – What is this?
• मुझे यह पसंद है – Mujhe yeh pasand hai – I like it
• क्या मैं बिल ले सकता/सकती हूँ, कृपया? – Kya main bill le sakta/sakti hoon, kripya? – Can I have the bill, please?
• यह बहुत स्वादिष्ट था! धन्यवाद – Yeh bahut swadisht tha! Dhanyavad – It was delicious! Thank you

Hindi Question Words

Fuel your curiosity and conversations with these Hindi question words. Essential for deeper interactions, they help you uncover India’s many layers.

• क्या? – Kya? – What?
• कहाँ? – Kahan? – Where?
• कब? – Kab? – When?
• कौन? – Kaun? – Who?
• क्यों? – Kyon? – Why?
• कैसे? – Kaise? – How?
• कौन सा? – Kaun sa? – Which?
• कितना? – Kitna? – How much?
• कितने? – Kitne? – How many?
• किसका? – Kiska? – Whose?
• कितना/कितने? – Kitna/Kitne? – How much/How many?
• क्या यह…? – Kya yeh…? – Is it…?
• क्या…कर सकते हैं? – Kya…kar sakte hain? – Can
• क्या…होगा? – Kya…hoga? – Will
• यह क्या है? – Yeh kya hai? – What is this?
• वह कौन है? – Vah kaun hai? – Who is that?
• यह कैसा है? – Yeh kaisa hai? – How is it?
• यह क्यों है? – Yeh kyon hai? – Why is it?
• यह क्यों? – Yeh kyon? – Why this?
• …में क्या है? – …mein kya hai? – What is in …?
• …कहाँ है? – …kahan hai? – Where is …?
• क्या वहाँ…है? – Kya vahan…hai? – Is there a …?

Numbers in Hindi

Understanding the Hindi numbering system is useful in a wide range of scenarios, especially when it comes to transactions, discussing times, and navigating transportation.

Below is a list of simple numbers along with some larger ones:

• शून्य – Shoonya – 0
• एक – Ek – 1
• दो – Do – 2
• तीन – Teen – 3
• चार – Chaar – 4
• पांच – Paanch – 5
• छह – Cheh – 6
• सात – Saat – 7
• आठ – Aath – 8
• नौ – Nau – 9
• दस – Das – 10
• ग्यारह – Gyaarah – 11
• बारह – Baarah – 12
• तेरह – Terah – 13
• चौदह – Chaudah – 14
• पंद्रह – Pandrah – 15
• सोलह – Solah – 16
• सत्रह – Satrah – 17
• अठारह – Atharah – 18
• उन्नीस – Unnees – 19
• बीस – Bees – 20
• तीस – Tees – 30
• चालीस – Chalees – 40
• पचास – Pachaas – 50
• साठ – Saath – 60
• सत्तर – Sattar – 70
• अस्सी – Assee – 80
• नब्बे – Nabbe – 90
• सौ – Sau – 100
• हज़ार – Hazaar – 1,000
• दस हज़ार – Das Hazaar – 10,000
• एक लाख – Ek Laakh – 100,000
• दस लाख – Das Laakh – 1,000,000

Lakhs and Crores

In India, the terms “lakh” and “crore” are widely used to express large numbers. These terms are part of the South Asian numbering system.

This is different from the Western system where numbers are typically grouped in thousands, millions, and billions.

One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand (100,000 – although it’s written as “1,00,000”). For example, it’s common to hear someone say a car costs “5 lakh rupees” rather than “500,000 rupees.”

A crore is equivalent to ten million (10,000,000) or 100 lakhs. It’s represented as “1,00,00,000” in the Indian numerical format. The usage of crore is similar to lakh but for much larger quantities.

See Also

If you’re interested in learning another South Asian language, check out my post on Basic Sinhala Phrases For Travel.

Final Thoughts

Now you know some common Hindi phrases to help you get around on your next adventure. Whether it’s ordering food or asking for directions, these will come in handy.

Armed with these Hindi words and phrases, you’re ready to dive into India’s rich tapestry. Don’t be afraid to try them out! You might be surprised at just how much of a difference it makes.

Lastly, if you want to take your Hindi learning to the next level, you’ll find lots of great resources on Duolingo.