Category: Language
Subcategory: Regional Languages (India)
Introduction
Marathi is one of the prominent regional languages of India, spoken by over 83 million people, primarily in the state of Maharashtra. Whether you’re visiting Mumbai, Pune, or exploring the cultural heart of Maharashtra, learning a few essential Marathi words can make your experience more enjoyable and help you connect with locals.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 Marathi words and phrases that everyone should know.
1. नमस्कार (Namaskaar) – Hello / Greetings
Pronunciation: nah-mah-skaar
A polite and respectful way to greet anyone. It can be used formally or casually.
Example:
- नमस्कार! तुम्ही कसे आहात? – Hello! How are you?
2. धन्यवाद (Dhanyavaad) – Thank You
Pronunciation: dhuh-nya-vaad
Use this word to express gratitude in any situation.
Example:
- तुम्ही मदत केल्याबद्दल धन्यवाद – Thank you for your help
3. कृपया (Krupaya) – Please
Pronunciation: kru-pa-yaa
A polite way to request something.
Example:
- कृपया मला पाणी द्या – Please give me water
4. हो / नाही (Ho / Nahi) – Yes / No
Pronunciation: ho / naa-hee
Basic words for affirmative and negative responses.
Example:
- तुम्हाला चहा पाहिजे का? – Do you want tea?
- हो – Yes
- नाही – No
5. माफ करा (Maaf Kara) – Sorry / Excuse Me
Pronunciation: maaf ka-raa
Use this to apologize or politely get someone’s attention.
Example:
- माफ करा, मी उशीर झालो – Sorry, I am late
6. किती? (Kiti?) – How Much?
Pronunciation: ki-tee
Essential when shopping or asking about prices.
Example:
- हे किती आहे? – How much is this?
7. कुठे आहे? (Kuthe Aahe?) – Where Is?
Pronunciation: ku-the aa-he
Useful for directions or locating places.
Example:
- बँक कुठे आहे? – Where is the bank?
8. मला आवडते (Mala Avadte) – I Like
Pronunciation: ma-la aa-vad-te
Express your preferences or things you enjoy.
Example:
- मला मराठी खाद्यपदार्थ आवडतात – I like Marathi food
9. ठीक आहे (Thik Aahe) – Okay / Fine
Pronunciation: theek aa-he
A versatile word to agree or show understanding.
Example:
- ठीक आहे, आपण नंतर भेटू – Okay, we’ll meet later
10. आरोग्य (Aarogya) – Health / Bless You
Pronunciation: aa-rog-ya
Used in contexts related to health, or as a way to say “bless you” after a sneeze.
Example:
- तुमचे आरोग्य चांगले राहो – May your health stay good
Tips for Learning Marathi Words
- Practice Daily: Try using one or two words in conversations each day.
- Listen and Repeat: Watch Marathi movies or songs to improve pronunciation.
- Flashcards: Create flashcards with Marathi words and their meanings.
- Combine Words: Start forming short sentences using multiple words.
Conclusion
Learning these 10 basic Marathi words will help you communicate effectively, connect with locals, and enjoy Maharashtra’s culture even more. Start practicing today, and you’ll feel more confident navigating Marathi-speaking regions.
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