नमस्कार
namaskār/nə.məs.kaɾ/
The English phrase "hi" can be translated into Marathi as नमस्कार (namaskār).
नमस्कार is used to say hello or to offer greetings. It is the standard way to show respect to anyone older than you. In Marathi, this form is used to express reverence.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
In casual, urban Marathi settings among friends, the English word "hi" is often transliterated and used as हाय. On the other hand, नमस्कार is a formal greeting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
नमस्कार is a formal and polite greeting suitable for elders, strangers or professional settings. हाय is a common, casual and informal way to say hi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced namaskār (3 syllables). The sounds are as follows: /n/ as in [n]ot, /ə/ as in [a]bout, /m/ as in [m]ight, /s/ as in [s]ee, /k/ as in s[c]an and /ɾ/ as in American a[t]om.
When do people say it?
To show deep respect to someone, you might use Pranam, while नमस्कार is used to express reverence.
Did you know?
- In many Marathi households, instead of just saying 'hi', people often follow the greeting by asking जेवलात का? which means 'Did you eat?'
- In some traditional Marathi households, a younger person might not say नमस्कार verbally but instead touch the feet of an elder to greet them.
- The Sanskrit root of नमस्कार means 'to bend' or 'to bow', which is why the gesture of bowing is so closely linked to the word.
Examples in context
- नमस्कार, कसे आहात?namaskār, kase āhāt?Hi, how are you?
- त्यांना फक्त नमस्कार म्हणा.tyānnā phakta namaskār mhaṇā.Just say hi to them.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- निलेश Nileshनमस्कार, प्रिया!Namaskar, Priya!Hi, Priya!
- प्रिया Priyaनमस्कार, निलेश!Namaskar, Nilesh!Hi, Nilesh!
- निलेश Nileshतू कशी आहेस?Tu kashi ahes?How are you?
- प्रिया Priyaमी ठीक आहे.Mi thik ahe.I am fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry नमस्कार, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries नमस्कार, CC BY-SA 4.0.
