What does it mean word for word?
The word नमस्कार is a combination of nama (bow/salutation) and kar (to do).
Which one should you use?
In casual settings or among younger generations, the English loanword हॅलो (hello) is frequently used instead of the formal नमस्कार. In rural parts of Maharashtra, the formal greeting Ram Ram is also predominantly used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
नमस्कार is a formal and respectful way to say hello, suitable for elders, strangers or professional settings. In contrast, the English loanword हॅलो is used for informal situations and Kasa kay? serves as an informal way to ask "How are you?"
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as namaskār. It has 3 syllables. The sounds are: [n]ot for /n/, [a]bout for /ə/, [m]ight for /m/, [s]ee for /s/, s[c]an for /k/ and American a[t]om for /ɾ/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Maharashtrian culture, saying नमस्कार to an elder may be accompanied by touching the elder's feet as a sign of deep respect.
- The word नमस्कार is closely related to the word 'Namaste', but in Maharashtra, नमस्कार is the standard formal choice for the local language.
- In highly traditional settings, the greeting Ram Ram is not just a hello but also a way of acknowledging the divine in the other person.
Examples in context
- नमस्कार साहेब!Hello sir!This sentence is useful for practicing the form नमस्कार.Tatoeba #2535728 by sabretou, translation #644712 by Quonpi
- नमस्कार, तुम्ही कसे आहात?namaskār, tumhī kasē āhāt?Hello, how are you?
- सर्वांना नमस्कार.sarvān'nā namaskār.Hello to everyone.
Example conversation
Priya and Amit meet each other at a cafe.
- प्रिया Priyaनमस्कार, अमित!namaskār, amit!Hello, Amit!
- अमित Amitनमस्कार, प्रिया! कशी आहेस?namaskār, priyā! kaśī āhēs?Hello, Priya! How are you?
- प्रिया Priyaमी छान आहे, धन्यवाद.mī chān āhē, dhan'yavād.I am fine, thank you.
- अमित Amitछान वाटले तुला भेटून.chān vāṭalē tulā bhēṭūn.It was good to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries नमस्कार, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
