Greetings
How to say hello in Hindi
There is no single "hello" in Hindi. There is the safe one, the warm one, the casual one, and the one you use when you meet your partner's grandmother. Here is what to say and when.
The safe default
नमस्ते
namaste
Hello (universal, respectful). Palms together is optional but appreciated with elders.
नमस्कार
namaskaar
Hello (a touch more formal than namaste). Common in North India.
Casual, friend to friend
हैलो
hello
Hi. Yes, borrowed from English. Widely used.
और, क्या हाल है?
aur, kya haal hai?
Hey, how's it going? (informal).
कैसे हो?
kaise ho?
How are you? (to a male friend, informal).
With family, especially in-laws
नमस्ते जी
namaste ji
Hello (adding जी adds warmth and respect). Perfect for parents, aunts, uncles.
प्रणाम
pranaam
A deeply respectful greeting for elders, often paired with touching their feet.
Pronunciation notes
namaste is three syllables: na-mas-te, not nah-mah-stay. Keep the vowels short.
kya haal hai: the aa in haal is a long, open vowel. Don't rush past it.
The h in हैलो is real. English speakers often drop it and say "aylo".
What NOT to say
Skip "Namaste, brother!" to your girlfriend's dad. Skip "hi" to grandparents on a first meeting. The safest first line at any family event: namaste, aap-se milkar bahut khushi hui (hello, so happy to meet you).