నమస్కారం
namaskāram
The Telugu word for greetings is నమస్కారం (namaskāram).
నమస్కారం is a formal way of saying "hello". It can be used both when arriving at a location and when departing, functioning much like the English words "greetings" or "hello" in formal contexts.
Meaning: formal way of saying "hello" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from Sanskrit: namas means bow or salutation, and kāram refers to the act or making.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
నమస్కారం is the standard formal greeting. It is suitable for use with elders, teachers or in professional settings.
How do you pronounce it?
namaskāram
Did you know?
- In very traditional or religious contexts, you may hear the variation నమస్కారములు (namaskāramulu), which is the plural form used to show an even higher degree of respect.
- In many parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, if you are greeting someone much older, you might supplement your greeting by touching their feet, a practice known as 'Padanamaskaram'.
- The concept behind నమస్కారం reflects a philosophy of bowing to the divine spark within the other person rather than just a social convention.
Examples in context
- అందరికీ నమస్కారం.andarikī namaskāram.Greetings to everyone.
- నమస్కారం, ఎలా ఉన్నారు?namaskāram, elā unnāru?Greetings, how are you?
Example conversation
Kiran and Lakshmi meet at a formal function.
- కిరణ్ Kiranనమస్కారం, లక్ష్మి గారు.namaskāram, lakṣmi gāru.Greetings, Ms. Lakshmi.
- లక్ష్మి Lakshmiనమస్కారం, కిరణ్ గారు.namaskāram, kiraṇ gāru.Greetings, Mr. Kiran.
- కిరణ్ Kiranమీరు బాగున్నారా?mīru bāgunnārā?Are you doing well?
- లక్ష్మి Lakshmiఅవును, నేను బాగున్నాను.avunu, nēnu bāgunnānu.Yes, I am well.
