Indian Words for Friends – Your Quick Guide to Calling Buddies
If you’ve ever wondered how to call a friend in India, you’re not alone. India is full of languages, each with its own friendly nickname. In this guide we’ll list the most used words, explain when to use them, and give you simple examples you can try right away.
Common Hindi Friendship Words
Dost – The go‑to word for “friend” in Hindi. It works for anyone, male or female, and sounds casual. Example: “Hey dost, coming tonight?”
Yaar – Slightly more informal than dost, often used between close pals. It can also mean “buddy” or “mate.” Example: “What’s up, yaar?”
Mitra – A more formal term, taken from Sanskrit. You might hear it in poetry or when someone wants to sound respectful. Example: “Mitra, can you help me with this?”
Saathi – Means “companion” or “partner.” It’s used for friends you travel or work with a lot. Example: “She’s my travel saathi.”
Regional Variations – Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali and More
Punjabi: Yaar is also common, but you’ll hear Joot (pronounced ‘jooth’) for a close friend, especially among younger speakers. Example: “Joot, let’s meet later.”
Tamil: The word Nanban (நண்பன்) means “friend.” For male friends you say “nanban,” and for female friends use “nanbhi.” Example: “Nanban, where are you?”
Bengali: Bondhu (বন্ধু) is the standard word for friend. It works for any gender. You’ll also hear Sathi (সাথী) for a close companion. Example: “Bondhu, let’s grab tea.”
Gujarati: Mitra and Yaar are both used, but many prefer Saheli for a female friend and Bandhu for a male friend. Example: “Saheli, have you seen the new movie?”
These regional words aren’t just labels – they carry a bit of the local culture. Using them can make your conversation feel more natural and show respect for the language.
When you’re chatting, it’s best to match the tone of the person you’re talking to. A close buddy might get a casual “yaar” or “joot,” while a more formal acquaintance might be addressed as “mitra” or “bandhu.” If you’re unsure, “dost” is a safe bet across most Hindi‑speaking areas.
Try mixing these words into your daily messages. Instead of always saying “friend,” say “yaar” when you text a close mate, or “nanban” when you’re chatting with a Tamil friend. It adds a personal touch and makes the conversation feel warmer.
Remember, tone matters as much as the word itself. A friendly smile, a relaxed voice, and a genuine interest will make any Indian word for friend feel just right. So pick a word, practice it, and enjoy the richer connection you’ll get with your Indian friends.
