नमस्कार
namaskar
The English word "hello" is नमस्कार (namaskar) in Konkani.
नमस्कार is used as a standard greeting meaning "Hello".
Meaning: greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of namas (bow or obeisance) and kar (to do), literally meaning "to do a bow".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
नमस्कार is the standard formal way to greet someone. For a more informal way to engage with friends and acquaintances, you might use the phrase कसा आसा? (How are you?).
How do you pronounce it?
namaskar
Did you know?
- In traditional Konkani households, नमस्कार is often accompanied by touching the feet of elders as a sign of deep respect.
- The concept behind नमस्कार involves an internal acknowledgment of the divinity in another person, making it more than just a social 'hello'.
- While नमस्कार is used across the Konkan coast, the pronunciation and script can change between Goa and Karnataka, where it may be written in the Kannada script instead of Devanagari.
Examples in context
- नमस्कार, तुमी कशे आसात?namaskar, tumi kashe asat?Hello, how are you?
- नमस्कार, हांव आयलो.namaskar, hav aylo.Hello, I have arrived.
- सगल्यांक नमस्कार.sagalyaank namaskar.Hello to everyone.
Example conversation
Nisha and Sandeep meet at a market.
- निशा Nishaनमस्कार, संदीप!Namaskar, Sandeep!Hello, Sandeep!
- संदीप Sandeepनमस्कार, निशा!Namaskar, Nisha!Hello, Nisha!
- निशा Nishaतूं खंय वता?Tun khayn vata?Where are you going?
- संदीप Sandeepहांव घरा वतां.Hanv ghara vatan.I am going home.
