10 useful must know Hindustani words

Hindustani, also known as Hindi-Urdu, is a standardized register of the Hindustani language. It is a pluricentric language, with Hindi being the variety spoken mainly in India, and Urdu being the variety spoken mainly in Pakistan.

Hindustani has its roots in the Indo-Aryan languages, with influences from Persian, Arabic, and Turkic languages. It evolved as a lingua franca in the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal era. Today, it is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world.

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Hindustani script

Hindustani is written in the Devanagari script in India and the Perso-Arabic script in Pakistan. It has a rich literary tradition, with notable works in poetry, prose, and drama, contributed by prominent poets and writers from both India and Pakistan.

The vocabulary of Hindustani is a blend of Sanskrit and Persian-Arabic words. However, due to their shared history and cross-cultural interactions, Hindustani also incorporates words from other regional languages of India.

Words worth

While there are some differences in vocabulary and script, they are largely mutually intelligible and share a common grammatical structure. Here are some must-know Hindustani words that can be useful while visiting various states in the heartland of India:

1. Namaste: This is a common greeting in India, often accompanied by a slight bow with folded hands. It is used to say hello or goodbye and as a sign of respect.

2. Shukriya: This word means “thank you” in Hindustani. It’s nice to express gratitude and appreciation to the locals or anyone who assists you during your visit.

3. Khana: Translated as “food,” this word can be handy when you’re ordering in a restaurant or asking about local cuisine.

4. Pani: This word means “water.” It’s helpful when you’re asking for a glass of water or looking for a water source.

5. Kitna (pronounced kit-nah): If you need to ask “how much” for shopping or general pricing inquiries, this word will come in handy.

6. Aap kaise ho?: This phrase is used to ask “how are you?” when engaging in friendly conversations. It shows interest and politeness towards the person you’re speaking with.

7. Chalo: “Chalo” means “let’s go” or “come on.” It can be used to initiate movement or encourage others to join you.

8. Bazaar: This word means “market.” If you’re looking for a local market to explore or shop, using the word “bazaar” will help locals understand your intent.

9. Sahi hai: This phrase translates to “it’s good” or “that’s correct.” You can use it to express agreement or satisfaction.

10. Dhanyavad: This is another word for “thank you,” specifically in Hindi. It can be used in combination with “shukriya” or on its own.

Diaspora

Hindustani is not only spoken by native speakers in India and Pakistan but also by diaspora communities around the world. It serves as a unifying language for diverse communities in the Indian subcontinent and is widely used in business, media, education, and entertainment.

Overall, Hindustani is a vibrant and significant language, representing the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Indian subcontinent.

Remember, Hindustani is a term that encompasses both Hindi and Urdu languages. These words should help you navigate basic interactions and convey your needs while visiting India.

States

Hindustani, or Hindi-Urdu, is widely spoken in several states across India. Here are some states where Hindustani is commonly spoken:

1. Uttar Pradesh: As the most populous state in India, Uttar Pradesh is a major hub for Hindustani speakers. Hindi, which is similar to Hindustani, is the official language of the state.

2. Bihar: Hindustani, closely related to Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi, is widely spoken in Bihar. Hindi is the official language of the state.

3. Rajasthan: Hindi, which is similar to Hindustani, is the official language of Rajasthan. It is spoken by a significant portion of the population.

4. Madhya Pradesh: Hindi, which shares similarities with the language, is the official language of Madhya Pradesh and is widely spoken across the state.

5. Haryana: Haryana predominantly speaks Haryanvi, which is a dialect of the language. Hindi is the official language of the state.

6. Delhi: The national capital territory, Delhi, has a diverse population, with people from various linguistic backgrounds. The language, in its various forms, is widely spoken by the residents of Delhi.

7. Jharkhand: The language, specifically its dialects such as Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Maithili, is spoken in certain parts of Jharkhand.

It is important to note that while the language is widely spoken in these states, there are also other regional languages and dialects that coexist alongside it. Additionally, English is commonly understood and spoken in many urban and cosmopolitan areas across India.