Essential Hindi Phrases
Basic Hindi phrases to help you navigate Jaipur like a local. Even a few words will earn you smiles!
6 Most Important Phrases
Quick Language Tips
Greetings & Basics
| English | Hindi | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 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: Rajasthani Phrases
Locals will be extra impressed if you use these Rajasthani (Marwari) phrases!
Tips for Using Hindi
About Languages in Jaipur
Jaipur is primarily Hindi-speaking, making it one of the easier Indian cities for foreign tourists to navigate. Unlike South India where regional languages dominate, Hindi serves as both the local and national language here. Most signs, menus, and official documents are in Hindi and English.
The local dialect is Rajasthani (specifically the Marwari variant), which differs from standard Hindi in vocabulary and pronunciation. While most Jaipur residents are bilingual in Hindi and Rajasthani, they'll always understand and respond to Hindi. Using Rajasthani phrases like "Khamma Ghani" (hello) shows cultural appreciation and often leads to warmer interactions.
English proficiency varies significantly. In tourist areas like Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and upscale hotels, English is well understood. However, auto-rickshaw drivers, local shopkeepers in non-tourist markets, and street food vendors often know only basic English. This is where our Hindi phrases become invaluable.
The bargaining culture in Jaipur makes shopping phrases particularly important. Knowing how to ask prices, express that something is expensive, and politely decline will save you money and make shopping more enjoyable. Most tourists report that even basic Hindi attempts improve their bargaining outcomes significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Hindi phrase is most useful for shopping in Jaipur?
'Kitna?' (how much?) is the most essential phrase. For bargaining, follow up with 'Bahut mehnga!' (too expensive!) and 'Kam karo' (reduce the price). These three phrases alone will help you negotiate prices at any Jaipur bazaar.
Do I need to learn Hindi to visit Jaipur?
No, English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, knowing basic Hindi phrases enhances your experience - locals appreciate the effort. For non-touristy areas and auto-rickshaw drivers, basic Hindi is helpful. Google Translate works as backup.
What's the difference between Hindi and Rajasthani?
Hindi is the main language in Jaipur, but locals also speak Rajasthani (Marwari dialect). Rajasthani has its own vocabulary - for example, 'Khamma Ghani' means hello (vs 'Namaste' in Hindi). Using Rajasthani phrases like this impresses locals and shows cultural respect.
How do I say 'no spicy' in Hindi?
'Teekha nahi' (no spicy) or 'Kam teekha' (less spicy). These are essential if you can't handle spicy food, as Rajasthani cuisine can be quite hot. Also useful: 'Mirchi nahi' specifically means 'no chili'.
What's the polite way to decline persistent sellers?
'Nahi chahiye' (I don't want it) said firmly but politely usually works. You can also say 'Sochenge' (I'll think about it) to leave gracefully. Avoid engaging in long conversations if you're not interested, as this encourages more selling.
How do I pronounce Hindi words correctly?
Hindi pronunciation is phonetic - words are pronounced as they're written. The 'a' sound is like 'uh' (Namaste = nuh-mus-tay). Don't worry about perfection - Indians are used to foreign accents and appreciate any attempt to speak Hindi. Smile and try!