नमस्ते
namasteeveryday
In India most people searching this mean Hindi, where the standard greeting is नमस्ते (namaste). नमस्कार (namaskār) is a little more formal and प्रणाम (praṇām) shows deep respect.
Meaning: a polite greeting (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते | namaste | everyday |
| नमस्कार | namaskār | formal |
| प्रणाम | praṇām | respectful |
People say these with palms joined in front of the chest. प्रणाम (praṇām) is used with elders, teachers and holy people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
India has many languages and communities, each with its own greeting. Sikhs often say सत श्री अकाल (sat shrī akāl), and many Muslims say आदाब (ādāb) or सलाम (salām).
Did you know?
- Calling a friend's father अंकल (aṅkal) is normal in India, even though he is not a relative.
Examples in context
- नमस्ते, आप कैसे हैं?namaste, āp kaise haiṅ?Hello, how are you?
- सभी को मेरा नमस्कार।sabhī ko merā namaskār.My greetings to everyone.
- गुरुजी को प्रणाम।gurujī ko praṇām.Greetings to the teacher.
Example conversation
Ravi meets his friend's father, Mr. Gupta, for the first time.
- Raviनमस्ते अंकल।namaste aṅkal.Hello, uncle.
- Guptaनमस्ते बेटा, आओ बैठो।namaste beṭā, āo baiṭho.Hello son, come and sit.
- Raviजी, धन्यवाद।jī, dhanyavād.Yes, thank you.
