If you’re new to English or learning how to communicate effectively, the word “hello” is one of the most important and frequently used greetings.
It’s a simple way to start a conversation, grab someone’s attention, or politely acknowledge someone’s presence.
Sometimes learners get confused about when to use “hello” versus other greetings like “hi” or “hey.”
Remember, “hello” is formal enough for most situations but still friendly, making it perfect for both casual and professional settings.
Mastering this word helps you confidently begin interactions and build good communication habits.
Why Learn “Hello” in Different Indian Languages?
People search for this phrase because they want to:
✔ Connect with locals while traveling in different Indian states.
✔ Show respect to friends, colleagues, or neighbors who speak regional languages.
✔ Learn Indian languages for personal or professional growth.
✔ Preserve indigenous languages by promoting their usage.
No matter your reason, this list will help you greet people warmly across India!
How to Say “Hello” in Indian Languages
🗣️ Major & Official Languages
- Hindi – नमस्ते (Namaste) / नमस्कार (Namaskar)
- Bengali – নমস্কার (Nomoshkar) / হ্যালো (Hello)
- Telugu – నమస్కారం (Namaskāram) / హలో (Hello)
- Marathi – नमस्कार (Namaskār) / हॅलो (Hello)
- Tamil – வணக்கம் (Vaṇakkam) / ஹலோ (Hello)
- Gujarati – નમસ્તે (Namaste) / હેલો (Hello)
- Kannada – ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (Namaskāra) / ಹಲೋ (Hello)
- Malayalam – നമസ്കാരം (Namaskāram) / ഹലോ (Hello)
- Odia (Oriya) – ନମସ୍କାର (Namaskār)
- Punjabi – ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ (Sat Srī Akāl) / ਹੈਲੋ (Hello)
- Assamese – নমস্কাৰ (Nomoskar)
- Maithili – प्रणाम (Praṇām)
- Santali – ᱡᱷᱚᱞᱚᱠ (Jholak)
- Kashmiri – اسلام علیکم (Asalaam Alaikum) / नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Nepali – नमस्ते (Namaste)
🌍 Regional & Tribal Languages
- Bodo – मोजां हाय (Mojang Hai)
- Dogri – जय देवा (Jay Devā) / नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Konkani – नमस्कार (Namaskār) / देव बारें करून (Dev Bārem Karūn)
- Sindhi – सत साहिब (Sat Sāhib)
- Manipuri (Meitei) – ꯈꯨꯔꯨꯝꯖꯔꯤ (Khurumjari)
- Khasi – Kumno
- Garo – Mangchina
- Mizo – Chibai
- Tulu – ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (Namaskāra)
- Kodava – ಯೆನ್ ಪಾಲೆ (Yen Pāle)
- Beary (Byari) – സലാം (Salām)
- Saurashtra – નમસ્તે (Namaste)
- Kurukh – जोहार (Johār)
- Ho – जोहार (Johār)
- Gondi – जोहार (Johār)
- Bhili – राम राम (Rām Rām)
- Khandeshi – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Toda – எழுந்திரு (Ezhundhiru)
- Koya – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Malto – जोहार (Johār)
📜 Classical & Historical Languages
- Sanskrit – नमस्ते (Namaste) / नमो नमः (Namo Namaḥ)
- Pali – नमो (Namo)
- Ardhamagadhi Prakrit – नमो (Namo)
🔄 Minority & Endangered Languages
- Ladakhi – जुल्ले (Jullay)
- Sherpa – ताशी देलेक (Tashi Delek)
- Lepcha – ᪈᪀᪁ (Khozyo)
- Nishi (Nyishi) – न्यीचो (Nyicho)
- Adi – ताडोक (Tadok)
- Apatani – नगु (Ngu)
- Angami – तेदिम (Tedim)
- Ao Naga – ओरा (Ora)
- Mishing (Miri) – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Rabha – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Deori – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Tiwa (Lalung) – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Karbi (Mikir) – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Bishnupriya Manipuri – নমস্কাৰ (Nomoskar)
- Kokborok – खोमो (Khomo)
- Hmar – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Paite – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Thadou (Kuki) – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Zeme Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Rongmei Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Tangkhul Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Mao Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Poumai Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Maram Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Anal Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Chakhesang Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Chang Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Khiamniungan Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Yimkhiung Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Phom Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Konyak Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
- Wancho Naga – नमस्कार (Namaskār)
How to Use These Greetings
- Hindi (North India): “Namaste” (with folded hands) is the most common.
- Tamil (South India): “Vanakkam” is polite and widely used.
- Tribal greetings: “Johar” (in Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh) is a friendly way to say hello.
Final Thought
India’s linguistic diversity is incredible, and a simple “hello” can open doors to new friendships and cultural exchanges.
No matter which Indian language you speak, a warm greeting always brings people closer! 🇮🇳💛
Did we miss any language? Let us know in the comments! 😊
