How to say "Hello" in Hindi

Meaning

A standard greeting used to acknowledge someone when meeting them.

Usage

The most common and versatile greeting in Hindi, suitable for most situations—casual, formal, or polite. It can be used at any time of day. In more formal or respectful contexts, you may add 'जी' (ji) after it, e.g., 'नमस्ते जी' (namaste ji).

Example sentences

• Hello! How are you?

  नमस्ते! आप कैसे हैं?

• Hello, my friend!

  नमस्ते, मेरे दोस्त!

Related expressions

• नमस्कारnamaskār— A more formal greeting, often used in respectful or professional settings.

  Commonly used in formal speeches or when addressing elders or superiors.

• हैलोhailo— A casual or borrowed greeting from English, used in informal contexts.

  Often used among younger people or in urban areas.