How to Say Hello in India – Easy Ways to Greet Everyone

Traveling to India or chatting with an Indian friend? Knowing the right hello can break the ice instantly. India has over 20 major languages, but a few greetings cover most situations. Below you’ll find the most common greetings, when to use them, and a quick pronunciation cheat sheet.

National Greeting: "Namaste"

"Namaste" (nah-MAH-stay) is the go‑to greeting in Hindi‑speaking areas and works nationwide. It’s a respectful hand‑press with palms together, slightly bowing the head. Use it for strangers, elders, or formal settings. Even if you don’t speak Hindi, saying "Namaste" shows you respect the culture.

Regional Hellos You Should Know

South India:

• Tamil – "Vanakkam" (vah-NAK-kum). Perfect for Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Telugu – "Namaskaram" (nah-MAH-ska-ram). Common in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh.
• Kannada – "Namaskara" (nah-MAHS-ka-ra). Used in Bengaluru.
• Malayalam – "Namaskaram" (same as Telugu, slight accent). Heard in Kerala.

West India:

• Marathi – "Namaskar" (nah-MA-skar). Typical in Mumbai and Pune.
• Gujarati – "Namaste" or "Jai Shri Krishna" among close friends.

East India:

• Bengali – "Nomoskar" (noh-MOHS-kar). Friendly in Kolkata.
• Oriya – "Namaskar" (same as Marathi). Common in Bhubaneswar.

North India:

• Punjabi – "Sat Sri Akal" (saat sree ah‑KAHL) among Sikhs, otherwise "Namaste" works.
• Urdu speakers often say "As-salaam Alaikum" (as‑sah‑LAHM ah‑LAY‑kum), which means peace be upon you.

Most people will understand the Hindi "Namaste" even if you use a regional word. If you’re unsure, smile, make eye contact, and follow the person’s lead.

When greeting someone younger or a peer, you can drop the formal bow and just say the word with a friendly tone. In informal settings, many Indians also use English – a simple "Hi" or "Hello" is perfectly acceptable, especially in cities.

Remember to match the greeting with the situation. For business meetings, stick to "Namaste" or the regional equivalent with a slight bow. At a wedding or festival, you might hear "Shubh Mubarak" (good wishes) after the hello.Practice a few phrases aloud before you travel. Repeating them a couple of times helps you get the rhythm right and avoids awkward pauses. If you mess up, don’t worry – Indians appreciate the effort and will often correct you kindly.

Finally, keep body language in mind. A warm smile and a relaxed posture make any greeting feel natural. Combine the right word with genuine friendliness and you’ll instantly connect with locals across India.