नमस्ते
namasteeveryday, Hindi
One word covers both: नमस्ते (namaste) is used when you meet someone and when you leave. नमस्कार (namaskār) does the same in a more formal tone.
Meaning: greeting that also works for parting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते | namaste | everyday, Hindi |
| नमस्कार | namaskār | formal |
You can say नमस्ते (namaste) with palms joined at the chest. To make the goodbye clearer, add फिर मिलेंगे (phir mileṅge), "we will meet again".
Which one should you use?
English uses different words for greeting and leaving, but नमस्ते (namaste) covers both, so context and your gesture show which one you mean.
Did you know?
- Hindi speakers sometimes joke that नमस्ते is the one word that opens and closes every conversation.
Examples in context
- नमस्ते, कैसे हैं आप?namaste, kaise haiṃ āp?Hello, how are you?
- नमस्ते, फिर मिलेंगे।namaste, phir mileṅge.Goodbye, see you again.
Example conversation
Mohan meets his colleague Rekha in the morning and again says goodbye in the evening.
- Mohanनमस्ते, रेखा जी।namaste, rekhā jī.Hello, Rekha.
- Rekhaनमस्ते, मोहन जी।namaste, mohan jī.Hello, Mohan.
- Mohanअच्छा, नमस्ते। कल मिलते हैं।acchā, namaste. kal milte haiṃ.Okay, goodbye. See you tomorrow.
