Hello!

Welcome to Marathi Word of the Day!

Learn new Marathi word, its meaning, and how you can use it in everyday conversations.

Word of the day:

Today's word is Namaste (नमस्ते), a respectful and traditional greeting used in Marathi as well as many other Indian languages. Pronounced na-ma-ste, it’s a polite way to say hello, goodbye, or to show respect. This versatile word connects deeply with Indian culture and spirituality, making it an essential greeting in both formal and informal situations.

Word breakdown: 

नमस्ते
Pronunciation: (na-ma-ste)
Meaning: Hello, Greetings, or Salutations

Where to use it:

You can use Namaste when greeting or bidding farewell to someone. It’s especially appropriate when showing respect to elders, in formal situations, or during traditional ceremonies. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or starting a formal speech, Namaste conveys warmth and respect.

5 Usage sentences: 

• नमस्ते! आपण कसे आहात?
  (Namaste! Aapan kase aahat?) – Namaste! How are you?

• तिने सर्वांना नमस्ते केले.
  (Tine sarvanna namaste kele.) – She greeted everyone with Namaste.

• मी रोज माझ्या आजी-आजोबांना नमस्ते करतो.
  (Mi roj majhya aaji-ajobanna namaste karto.) – I greet my grandparents with Namaste every day.

• त्यांना नमस्ते करून मी बाहेर पडलो.
  (Tyanna namaste karun mi baaher padlo.) – I said Namaste and left.

• शिक्षकांना नमस्ते केल्याशिवाय तुम्ही आत येऊ शकत नाही.
  (Shikshakanna namaste kelya-shivay tumhi aat yeu shakat nahi.) – You cannot enter without saying Namaste to the teacher.

Did you know?

Namaste is more than just a greeting in Indian culture—it is a symbol of deep respect. The word is derived from Sanskrit, where "Nama" means bow and "Te" means to you, signifying “I bow to you.” Accompanied by joining both hands together near the chest, Namaste is also considered a spiritual gesture of acknowledging the divine in others.

Tip of the day:

When you greet someone with Namaste, bring your palms together in front of your chest with a slight bow. This gesture not only shows respect but also conveys a warm welcome. Try using it when meeting elders or in more formal settings to add a traditional touch.

For a more formal or heartfelt greeting, you can say:

• Namaskar (नमस्कार) – A slightly more formal version of Namaste used in traditional settings.
  This is often used during speeches or ceremonies to address a larger audience.

Your practice challenge:

Try using Namaste when greeting someone today, whether it's your family, friends, or colleagues.

Practice the accompanying gesture and observe how this simple word can convey respect and warmth in your interactions.

With love,
Nikhil