नमस्ते
namasteeveryday, Hindi
In the evening people usually say नमस्ते (namaste). The literal "good evening" is शुभ संध्या (śubh saṃdhyā), which sounds formal.
Meaning: greeting used in the evening (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते | namaste | everyday, Hindi |
| शुभ संध्या | śubh saṃdhyā | formal, written |
शुभ संध्या (śubh saṃdhyā) is used in speeches, on radio and in written greetings. In everyday talk नमस्ते (namaste) or a simple हैलो (hailo) is more natural.
Which one should you use?
English has separate greetings for morning, afternoon and evening, but Hindi mostly uses one greeting for all of them.
Did you know?
- The word संध्या (saṃdhyā) also names the prayers traditionally said at dusk.
Examples in context
- शुभ संध्या, दोस्तों।śubh saṃdhyā, dostoṃ.Good evening, friends.
- नमस्ते, आइए बैठिए।namaste, āie baiṭhie.Good evening, please come and sit.
Example conversation
Arjun welcomes his uncle at the door of the house in the evening.
- Arjunनमस्ते, चाचाजी।namaste, cācājī.Good evening, uncle.
- Uncleनमस्ते, अर्जुन। कैसे हो?namaste, arjun. kaise ho?Hello, Arjun. How are you?
- Arjunठीक हूँ। आइए बैठिए।ṭhīk hū̃. āie baiṭhie.I am fine. Please come and sit.
