नमस्कार
namaskār
The English phrase 'hi' can be expressed in Konkani as नमस्कार (namaskār).
नमस्कार is a common and respectful way to say hello or greetings in Konkani.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the English word 'hi' is typically informal, नमस्कार is a formal and polite way to greet someone. In certain Konkani-speaking regions, the Muslim community may use the formal greeting Adab, which is borrowed from Urdu.
How do you pronounce it?
namaskār
Did you know?
- While नमस्कार is widely understood, Konkani speakers in Goa might instead use the Portuguese-influenced 'Bom dia' for 'good morning' or 'Boa tarde' for 'good afternoon' in many social circles.
- The word नमस्कार is actually a compound of two Sanskrit roots, where namas means 'bow' or 'salutation' and kar means 'to do'.
- In many Konkani-speaking households, the greeting is not just a word but a way to acknowledge the divinity in the other person, treating the greeting as a spiritual recognition.
Example conversation
Priya and Rohan meet at a local market.
- प्रिया Priyaनमस्कार, रोहन!Namaskar, Rohan!Hi, Rohan!
- रोहन Rohanनमस्कार, प्रिया! तू कशे आसा?Namaskar, Priya! Tu kashe asa?Hi, Priya! How are you?
- प्रिया Priyaहां, हांव बरो आसां.Ham, hanv boro asaam.Yes, I am doing well.
- रोहन Rohanभलेस, हांव तुका नन्तर मेळतां.Bhaless, hanv tuka nanttar meltam.Great, I will see you later.
