खम्मा घणी
khamma ghani
Hello in Marwari is खम्मा घणी (khamma ghani).
खम्मा घणी is a traditional greeting used to say hello. In Marwari-speaking regions, other formal greetings include Namaste or Pranam, the latter of which translates to 'I bow to you'.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase खम्मा घणी literally translates to 'many apologies' or 'many salutations'. The word khamma refers to forgiveness or well-being, and ghani means many or much.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
खम्मा घणी is a respectful and traditional greeting used to show high regard. Other formal options for greeting someone include Namaste and Pranam.
Is it said differently in some regions?
This greeting is deeply rooted in Rajasthani culture and is commonly used in the Marwari-speaking regions of India.
How do you pronounce it?
khamma ghani
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with खम्मा घणी, the standard polite response is घणी खम्मा.
Did you know?
- The greeting is deeply linked to the Rajput honor code, where asking for 'forgiveness' through a greeting was a sign of extreme humility.
- Historically, खम्मा घणी was used primarily in royal courts, making it a 'high' register of speech that later moved into general social use.
- Unlike English 'hello', खम्मा घणी is rarely used when answering the telephone, where speakers prefer the more universal नमस्ते or हेलो.
Examples in context
- खम्मा घणी, सा।khamma ghani, sa.Hello, sir.
- खम्मा घणी, हुकम।khamma ghani, hukam.Greetings, my lord.
- आपणे सगळां ने खम्मा घणी।aapne sagla ne khamma ghani.Hello to you all.
Example conversation
Sunita and Dinesh meet at a family gathering.
- सुनीता Sunitaखम्मा घणी, दिनेश भाई!Khamma Ghani, Dinesh bhai!Hello, brother Dinesh!
- दिनेश Dineshखम्मा घणी, सुनीता!Khamma Ghani, Sunita!Hello, Sunita!
- सुनीता Sunitaआप बहुत समय बाद मिले।Aap bahut samay baad mile.We are meeting after a long time.
- दिनेश Dineshहाँ, बहुत दिन हो गए।Haan, bahut din ho gaye.Yes, it has been many days.
