India is a land of diverse cultures and languages. With over 1.4 billion people speaking more than 19,500 languages and dialects, greetings vary across states and regions. While English and Hindi are widely spoken, each language has a unique way of saying hello, reflecting local traditions and customs.
Understanding how to greet someone in different Indian languages can help you connect better, show respect, and appreciate the richness of India’s linguistic heritage. Whether you’re traveling, working, or just curious, learning these greetings can be a great way to start conversations.
This guide covers how to say hello in different Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and many more. Let’s explore how people greet each other across India!
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1. How to Say Hello in Hindi
Greeting: Namaste (नमस्ते)
Meaning: “I bow to you.”
Usage: Common across North India, used in formal and informal settings.
Hindi, the most spoken language in India, uses Namaste as a respectful greeting. It is used widely in daily life, business meetings, and cultural gatherings. A slight variation, Namaskar (नमस्कार), is often used in more formal or traditional settings.
2. How to Say Hello in Bengali
Greeting: Nomoskar (নমস্কার)
Meaning: “I offer my respects.”
Usage: Used formally and informally in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Bengali speakers use Nomoskar for both greeting and showing respect. Younger generations often say Hello or Hi, but traditional greetings remain important in cultural settings.
3. How to Say Hello in Tamil
Greeting: Vanakkam (வணக்கம்)
Meaning: “I bow down to you.”
Usage: Used in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
Vanakkam is a respectful greeting used in homes, temples, and workplaces. Tamilians emphasize gestures, and a slight head bow or folded hands often accompany the greeting.
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4. How to Say Hello in Telugu
Greeting: Namaskaram (నమస్కారం)
Meaning: “I offer my salutations.”
Usage: Used in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Namaskaram is the formal way of saying hello, while the casual Vandanalu (వందనాలు) is used among friends. Telugu speakers value politeness, making greetings an essential part of conversations.
5. How to Say Hello in Marathi
Greeting: Namaskar (नमस्कार)
Meaning: “I offer my greetings.”
Usage: Used in Maharashtra and Goa.
Marathi speakers use Namaskar as a common greeting, both in formal and informal situations. A more casual way of greeting among younger people is “Kasa aahes?” (for males) or “Kashi aahes?” (for females), meaning “How are you?”
6. How to Say Hello in Gujarati
Greeting: Kem Cho? (કેમ છો?)
Meaning: “How are you?”
Usage: Common in Gujarat, often used as a greeting rather than a question.
In Gujarat, people often greet each other with Kem Cho?, expecting the response “Majama” (મજા મા), meaning “I am fine.” The more formal Namaskar is also used in traditional settings.
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7. How to Say Hello in Punjabi
Greeting: Sat Sri Akal (ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ)
Meaning: “God is the eternal truth.”
Usage: Used by Sikhs and Punjabi speakers in Punjab and worldwide.
Punjabis use Sat Sri Akal as a common greeting, especially among Sikhs. It’s often accompanied by folded hands or a handshake. In casual settings, people may say Ki Haal? (ਕੀ ਹਾਲ?), meaning “How are you?”
8. How to Say Hello in Kannada
Greeting: Namaskara (ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ)
Meaning: “I offer my greetings.”
Usage: Used in Karnataka for both formal and informal interactions.
Kannada speakers use Namaskara in daily conversations. A casual alternative is “Hegiddera?”, meaning “How are you?”
9. How to Say Hello in Malayalam
Greeting: Namaskaram (നമസ്കാരം)
Meaning: “I bow to you.”
Usage: Common in Kerala for respectful interactions.
Malayalam speakers use Namaskaram for formal greetings, while casual conversations often start with “Sukhamano?”, meaning “Are you well?”
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10. How to Say Hello in Odia
Greeting: Namaskar (ନମସ୍କାର)
Meaning: “I offer my respects.”
Usage: Used in Odisha for both formal and informal greetings.
Odia speakers also use “Kemiti Acha?”, meaning “How are you?” as an informal greeting.
11. How to Say Hello in Assamese
Greeting: Nomoskar (নমস্কাৰ)
Meaning: “I bow in respect.”
Usage: Common in Assam and among Assamese speakers.
The informal “Kene Aso?”, meaning “How are you?” is widely used among friends.
12. How to Say Hello in Urdu
Greeting: As-salamu Alaikum (السلام علیکم)
Meaning: “Peace be upon you.”
Usage: Common among Urdu speakers in India and worldwide.
The response to As-salamu Alaikum is Wa Alaikum Assalam, meaning “Peace be upon you too.”
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13. How to Say Hello in Konkani
Greeting: Dev Borem Korum (देव बरेम करूं)
Meaning: “May God bless you.”
Usage: Used in Goa and coastal Maharashtra.
A casual greeting in Konkani is “Kaso Asa?”, meaning “How are you?”
14. How to Say Hello in Sindhi
Greeting: Adaab (آداب)
Meaning: “Respectful greetings.”
Usage: Used by Sindhi-speaking communities in India and Pakistan.
The traditional Adaab is often accompanied by a slight bow.
15. How to Say Hello in Manipuri
Greeting: Khurumjari (খুৰুমজৰী)
Meaning: “Hello”
Usage: Used in Manipur and among Meitei speakers.
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It is the most common way to greet someone formally or informally.
Why Learning Regional Greetings Matters
- Builds Connections: Using local greetings shows respect and appreciation for different cultures.
- Enhances Travel Experience: Helps you communicate better while traveling across India.
- Strengthens Business Relations: Understanding cultural nuances is key in professional interactions.
- Encourages Language Learning: Learning greetings is the first step to picking up a new language.
Final Thoughts
India’s linguistic diversity makes greetings unique and meaningful. From Namaste in Hindi to Sat Sri Akal in Punjabi, each greeting carries history, tradition, and warmth. Using the right greeting in the right place can leave a great impression and help you connect better.
Now that you know how to say hello in different Indian languages, which greeting will you use next?
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