नमस्ते
namaste/nɐ.mɐs.tɐi̯/
Hello in Sanskrit is expressed as नमस्ते (namaste). Wiktionary also lists नमस्कार (namaskāra) and नमो नमः (namo namaḥ).
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Sanskrit | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते | namaste | /nɐ.mɐs.tɐi̯/ (Vedic) /n̪ɐ.mɐs̪.t̪eː/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
|
| नमस्कार | namaskāra | /nɐ.mɐs.kɑː.ɾɐ/ (Vedic) /n̪ɐ.mɐs̪.kɑː.ɾɐ/ (Classical Sanskrit) |
|
| नमो नमः | namo namaḥ | formal |
These terms are used as interjections to provide a greeting. Other greetings include सुप्रभातम् (suprabhātam) for 'good morning' and शुभसन्ध्या (śubhasandhyā) for 'good evening'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word नमस्ते is a combination of namaḥ (salutation/bow) and te (to you). The word नमस्कार is a compound of namaḥ (salutation) and kāra (doing/making).
Which one should you use?
The form नमो नमः is a more repetitive way to offer salutations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
नमो नमः is a formal way to offer greetings. नमस्ते is also considered a formal way to say hello.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of नमस्ते is /nɐ.mɐs.tɐi̯/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- Literally नमस्ते means 'a bow to you'. The popular reading 'the divine in me bows to the divine in you' is a modern interpretation.
- Depending on the social hierarchy, a greeting may be accompanied by 'Pranama', where one touches the feet of an elder. This is a physical extension of the respect conveyed by नमस्कार.
- When saying नमस्ते, it is customary to perform the 'Anjali Mudra' by pressing the palms together at the heart center.
Examples in context
- नमस्ते।namaste.Hello.
- हे मित्र, नमस्ते!he mitra, namaste!Hello, friend!
- सर्वेभ्यः नमस्ते।sarvebhyaḥ namaste.Hello to everyone.
Example conversation
Two students meet at a school.
- ईशा Ishaनमस्ते, इशान!namaste, iśāna!Hello, Ishan!
- इशान Ishanनमस्ते, ईशा।namaste, īśā.Hello, Isha.
- ईशा Ishaकथम् अस्ति भवान्?katham asti bhavān?How are you?
- इशान Ishanअहं कुशली अस्मि।ahaṃ kuśalī asmi.I am well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries नमस्ते, नमस्कार, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
