This week we're going to talk about a few phrases that might help you navigate the Indian Hoods and show off your cultural awareness. In the spirit of becoming more Orient-educated, this article is here to give you some helpful greetings and to provide a few important and useful phrases for use in the Indian hoods, homes and with your Indian friends. The national language of India is Hindi, which is what we will be dealing with here. That being said, it should be noted that there are around 27 other languages that are spoken in India. With those others, I'm afraid, you're on your own! *s* Here are "10 Things to Say When You're in India" that will have you touring the town and greeting your neighbors (who speak Hindi, anyway) in no time.

Here are a few general phrases for the opening of your conversation (which are sound spellings and not actual Hindii characters, obviously...):

• Namaste
  This means: Hi or Hello
• Aapse milkar khushii huyii
  This means: Nice to meet you
• Aapakaa bahut bahut dhanyavaad
  This means: Thank you very much

Here are some phrases to help you end yout visit on a polite note:

• Shubh raatri!
  This means: Good night
• Alvida!
  This means: Goodbye!
  
• Bathroom kahan hai?
  This means: Where is the bathroom?
  (Just in case you need to go before hitting the road)

And, in the spirit of the holidays, here are a couple of phrases to wish your friends Season's Greetings:

• Christmas kee badhaaeeyaan!
  This means: Merry Christmas!
• Naaey saal kee shubhaechaen!
  This means: Happy New Year!

Also in the spirit of the Holiday Season - but more on the bargaining end - here are a few important phrases that Indian shoppers can't live without:

• Ye kitne ka hai?
  This means: How much is this?
• Ye bahut mehenga hai!
  This means: This is too expensive!
• Bhaav kam karo
  This means: Make this price less

(Which is one I can see myself using a LOT in the Edo shopping area this Holiday Season!)

And here's a friendly one that will put you into the good graces of all your Indian friends:

• Janmadina mubaarak ho!
  This means: Happy Birthday!

So there you are! 10 (or 12!) Things to Say When You're in India that will contribute to your scholarly appeal and will be appreciated by any Indian person on the block -- as they probably don't know what to say either! *w* Good luck, and happy visiting!

Resources:
Applied Language
IndiaOye
Vega Society