নমস্কাৰ
nômôskar
In Assamese, the English phrase 'hi' is expressed as নমস্কাৰ (nômôskar).
নমস্কাৰ is used to mean 'hi' or 'hello'. It is a polite greeting used when meeting elders, teachers or strangers to show politeness.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from Sanskrit, where it signifies a salutation or a bow.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the English word 'hi' is often informal, the Assamese নমস্কাৰ is a formal and respectful greeting. It is the most widely used formal greeting in Assamese and is appropriate for almost all social contexts. For a different type of formal greeting that specifically shows respect to elders or esteemed individuals, you might use Pranam. For casual situations with people you know well, you can use the informal phrase Ki khobor?, which means 'What's up?' or 'How are you?'
How do you pronounce it?
nômôskar
Did you know?
- While নমস্কাৰ is a general greeting, the alternative Pranam is often accompanied by touching the feet of an elder. This physical act is a profound sign of humility and respect in Assamese culture.
- The use of নমস্কাৰ is religiously neutral and can be used by people of many different faiths in Assam, despite its Sanskrit roots.
- The phrase নমস্কাৰ can also function as a way to say 'goodbye' or 'farewell' in certain polite social departures.
Examples in context
- নমস্কাৰ।Hi.This sentence is useful for practicing the greeting নমস্কাৰ.Tatoeba #8620344 by Mohsin_Ali, translation #538123 by CM
- নমস্কাৰ, বহুত দিনৰ পাছত লগ পালোঁ।nomoskar, bohut dinor pasot log palu.Hi, it's been a long time.
Example conversation
Nishita and Pritam meet at a cafe.
- নিশিতা Nishitaনমস্কাৰ, প্রীতম!Nomoskar, Pritam!Hi, Pritam!
- প্রীতম Pritamনমস্কাৰ, নিশিতা।Nomoskar, Nishita.Hi, Nishita.
- নিশিতা Nishitaআপুনি কি কৰি আছে?Apuni ki kori ase?What are you doing?
- প্রীতম Pritamমই কফি খালোঁ।Moi coffee khalu.I drank coffee.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
