Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| महोदया | mahodyā | /mə.ɦoː.d̪əj.ɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine |
| साहिबा | sāhibā | feminine | |
| श्रीमती | śrīmtī | /ʃɾiː.mə.t̪iː/ (Hindi, Standard) | feminine |
| बानू | bānū | feminine |
These terms are used as polite ways to address a woman.
Which one should you use?
While महोदया is a direct address similar to 'Madam', श्रीमती is a title used before a name, like 'Mrs. [Name]'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
महोदया is the most formal and standard way to address a woman in official or professional correspondence. You can increase the level of respect even further by using Aadarneeya Mahodaya, which means 'Dear Madam' or 'Respected Madam'. साहिबा is a more poetic or old-fashioned formal way to address a woman, often used in literature or historical contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Rajasthan, the term Maaji is used to address an elderly lady, which can be translated as 'Grandmother' or 'Respected Lady'.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
mahodyā
Did you know?
- The term साहिबा is derived from the Arabic word for 'companion' or 'owner' and reflects the Persian influence on the Urdu and Hindi languages during the Mughal era.
- In many Indian households, the term जी (ji) is added to the end of names or titles to create a level of respect equivalent to 'madam' without using a formal noun.
- Although श्रीमती is the equivalent of 'Mrs.', it is fundamentally based on the word श्री (Shri), which refers to beauty, wealth and the goddess Lakshmi.
Examples in context
- महोदया, कृपया यहाँ बैठिए।mahodaya, kripya yahan baithiye.Madam, please sit here.
- महोदया, आपका पत्र मिल गया है।mahodaya, aapka patra mil gaya hai.Madam, your letter has been received.
Example conversation
Vikas is talking to his boss, Priya, in an office.
- प्रिया Priyaविकास, यह रिपोर्ट पूरी हो गई?Vikas, yeh report poori ho gayi?Vikas, is this report finished?
- विकास Vikasजी महोदया, मैं अभी भेजता हूँ।Ji mahodaya, main abhi bhejta hoon.Yes madam, I am sending it now.
- प्रिया Priyaठीक है, मुझे तुरंत चाहिए।Theek hai, mujhe turant chahiye.Alright, I need it immediately.
- विकास Vikasजी महोदया, बस दो मिनट दीजिए।Ji mahodaya, bas do minute dijiye.Yes madam, please give me two minutes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “madam” translations and entries महोदया, श्रीमती, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
