Indian

The standard way to say “hello” is नमस्ते (namaste). On the phone people say हैलो (hailo), and नमस्कार (namaskār) is more formal.

Go to hell in Hindi is भाड़ में जाओ (bhāṛ meṃ jāo), literally “go into the oven”.

A mango is an आम (aam). The fruit is India’s national fruit and its season in summer is eagerly awaited.

The closest Hindi word for “godfather” is धर्मपिता (dharmapitā), a man who is treated as a father through a spiritual or chosen bond.

In India most people searching this mean Hindi, where “bro” is भाई (bhāī). Say हेलो भाई (helo bhāī) or the more natural कैसे हो भाई (kaise ho bhāī?).

Ice cream is आइसक्रीम (aiskreem), borrowed from English. Many Indians also love कुल्फ़ी (kulfi), a denser traditional frozen dessert.

“I miss you” is मुझे तुम्हारी याद आती है (Mujhe tumhaari yaad aati hai), literally “your memory comes to me”. Use आपकी (aapki) with elders.

Cumin in Hindi is जीरा (jīrā). It is one of the most used spices in Indian kitchens, often written ज़ीरा (zīrā) in the Urdu-influenced spelling.

Lunch is दोपहर का खाना (dopahar ka khaana), literally “afternoon meal”. In cities many people simply say लंच (lunch).

Coriander is धनिया (dhaniya) in Hindi. Fresh leaves are हरा धनिया (hara dhaniya), and the ground spice is धनिया पाउडर (dhaniya paudar).