नमस्कार
namaskār/nə.məs.kaɾ/
The Marathi way to say "namaste" is नमस्कार (namaskār).
नमस्कार is a noun used as a greeting. While the Hindi-influenced word "namaste" is widely understood, नमस्कार is the standard, formal way to greet someone in Marathi.
Meaning: a greeting (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
नमस्कार is the formal way to greet someone in Marathi.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Varhadi sub-dialect of the Vidarbha region, नमस्कार is the common way to greet someone in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: namaskār. The pronunciation is /nə.məs.kaɾ/. Use the following English sound comparisons: [n]ot for /n/, [a]bout for /ə/, [m]ight for /m/, [s]ee for /s/, s[c]an for /k/ and the American a[t]om for /ɾ/.
When do people say it?
The greeting is typically accompanied by a gesture of placing the palms together at chest level with fingers pointing upwards.
Did you know?
- In many Marathi households, instead of saying नमस्कार, elders might simply use the word राम राम to greet one another.
- The gesture used with नमस्कार is called 'anjali mudra' in many Indian traditions, representing the meeting of the left and right sides of the self.
- Though it looks like a greeting, नमस्कार can also be used as a formal way to say 'goodbye' when leaving a gathering.
Examples in context
- नमस्कार, आपलं नाव काय आहे?Hello, what is your name?
- त्यांनी मला नमस्कार केला.Tyanni mala namaskar kela.He greeted me.
- सकाळी सर्वांना नमस्कार.Sakali sarvanna namaskar.Greetings to everyone in the morning.
- तिने मोठ्या प्रेमाने नमस्कार केला.Tine mothya premane namaskar kela.She gave a greeting with great affection.
Example conversation
Aditi and Rohan meet at a community event.
- अदिति Aditiनमस्कार, रोहन!Namaskar, Rohan!Hello, Rohan!
- रोहन Rohanनमस्कार, अदिति! तू कशी आहेस?Namaskar, Aditi! Tu kashi ahes?Hello, Aditi! How are you?
- अदिति Aditiमी ठीक आहे, धन्यवाद.Mi thik ahe, dhanyavad.I am fine, thank you.
- रोहन Rohanमला भेटून आनंद झाला.Mala bhetun anand jhala.It was nice meeting you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry नमस्कार, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
