We haven't learned much of the local language (Hindi) since our arrival in India. But we have picked up on a few key phrases that have been useful...
Top 10 Indian Phrases we have learned:
10. OK, OK - always said twice, never once (or in Hindi, 'acha, acha')
9. Click - a verb, as in "Have you clicked the photo yet?"
8. Walla - a man with a specific job title, as in "You can get roses from the flower-walla on the corner."
7. Chalo - "let's go" in Hindi, this one comes in handy more often than you'd think
6. Auto - autorickshaw, a 3-wheeled covered riding-lawnmower-like mode of transportation, cheaper than a taxi
5. Good name - as in your proper name, not the nickname that your family knows you by, some Indian children aren't given a "good name" until many months after they are born and are called by their pet names at home always (such as Appu: means lion, but has no relation to the child's good name).
4. Namaste - a greeting, hello or goodbye, literally: the best in me salutes the best in you
3. Sir/Madam - used as a proper noun, as in "What would 'madam' like to drink?"
2. Masala Chai - tasty tea with masala spices and sweetened milk, served by the 'chai-walla' of course
1. As you like (with bob of head) - whatever you like madam (really means: I don't agree, but if you say so, I'll just pretend to agree...)
Top 10 Indian Phrases we have learned:
10. OK, OK - always said twice, never once (or in Hindi, 'acha, acha')
9. Click - a verb, as in "Have you clicked the photo yet?"
8. Walla - a man with a specific job title, as in "You can get roses from the flower-walla on the corner."
7. Chalo - "let's go" in Hindi, this one comes in handy more often than you'd think
6. Auto - autorickshaw, a 3-wheeled covered riding-lawnmower-like mode of transportation, cheaper than a taxi
5. Good name - as in your proper name, not the nickname that your family knows you by, some Indian children aren't given a "good name" until many months after they are born and are called by their pet names at home always (such as Appu: means lion, but has no relation to the child's good name).
4. Namaste - a greeting, hello or goodbye, literally: the best in me salutes the best in you
3. Sir/Madam - used as a proper noun, as in "What would 'madam' like to drink?"
2. Masala Chai - tasty tea with masala spices and sweetened milk, served by the 'chai-walla' of course
1. As you like (with bob of head) - whatever you like madam (really means: I don't agree, but if you say so, I'll just pretend to agree...)
