Indian Expressions That Will Help You Build Relationships & Connections

– Indian Expressions That Help –

Indians are also known for their unique non-verbal gestures. Indian expressions are colourful, varied, and altogether delightful. Most have their roots in the Hindi language, which is spoken by some of the Indians and those are just the verbal expressions.

Indian Expressions That Will Help You Build Relationships

You probably know that placing your palms together at the chest goes with the greeting “Namaste.” Or the famous head nod that’s almost a wobble, meaning anything from “yes” or “no” to “good” or “understood”.

According to a common Indian proverb, “Every two miles the water changes, every four miles the speech.” “Indian Expressions That Help”

With records showing that there are 122 major and 1,599 minor languages spoken in India, slang words vary not only from state to state but from city to city.

But here are some of the popular Hindi slang terms and phrases, one of India’s most widely spoken languages – that could help you with assimilation while travelling in the country.

There are over a million international students from India around the world, which means you are bound to bump into a few on your own study abroad journey.

Learning these basic Indian expressions will help you better understand your new friends; it shows them you want to get to know their language and culture.

Luckily, Indians love to share and naturally warm up to those who show a genuine interest. After all, isn’t meeting new people half the fun of the university experience?

Indian Expressions That Builds Connections

Equipping yourself with basic knowledge of different people, you are preparing yourself for more fruitful interactions with them.

With that in mind, here are some useful Indian expressions to know as a student abroad:

1. Yaar

Not to be confused with Pyaar (love), yaar is probably one of the most popular Indian expressions you’ll hear in everyday conversation.

It’s Hindi slang for “friend”, which is useful for keeping the mood light and friendly. Use it anyway, from “Hey, yaar!” all the way to “How was your presentation, yaar?”

2. Mera Naam

Useful for introductions, this is how you say “My name is…” in Hindi. It’s a sure way to delight the Indian students and teachers you meet; tell them your name and ask for theirs. “Mera Naam Paul. Aapaka Naam kya hai?”

3. Achaa

There are many ways to express agreement in Hindi, but this word for “good” tops the list. It can also mean “I see”, “really?” or “okay”.

It can even convey joy, depending on how and when you say it. Possible uses include “Achaa, this paper is good to go” or “You got this textbook on discount? Achaa!” Alternatively, use “thik hain” to communicate agreement.

4. Mast

When something is “mast”, it is way better than just “achcha” — it’s awesome. This term can be used to describe a great meal you just had downtown or the latest Marvel movie. It is commonly used as a response when someone asks your opinion on something specific.

5. Kaise

Hindi for “how”, you’ll hear this word a lot in the quick back-and-forth of your Indian friends. There’s also “kyon,” which means “why”. Check-in with a quick “Kaise hain?” if you’d like to ask how your friend is doing.

6. Bas

This is a simple, brief way to say “that’s it” or “that’s all”. “Bas, we’re done with exams” would be a sign of cheer and relief while “Bas, I’m leaving the team” could spell bad news for your group assignment. The power of this term lies in its sharp finality.

7. Arre

It’s the Hindi “hey” and it is just as versatile. Like many other Indian terms, the meaning of this term changes depending on one’s tone.

According to Matador Network: When used in a higher tone, it expresses surprise. In a lower tone, it conveys exasperation. Said neutrally, it’s used to get attention.

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8. Ji

Respecting elders and teachers are an essential part of Indian culture, as you will discover with the suffix “ji”. It is added at the end of names (Aunty Ji) or sentences (“Will that be all, ji?”), and may even be used sarcastically among friends.

9. Chalega

Literally, it means “will walk” or “will go”. Yet the application of this term is wide; you could even use it with one of the many other Indian expressions above.

For example, to reply to the question “Shall we have dinner before the group meeting?” you could say “Haan, (yes) chalega.”

It even stands by itself as a question. If someone asks you “Chalega?” it probably means they are seeking your agreement or approval about the matter being discussed. They’re essentially asking “Will this work?”

10. Baap re Baap!

Think of this as the Hindi equivalent to “Oh my God” — suitably relaying surprise or disbelief. It literally translates to “Oh father, father!”. “Baap re Baap! How could we miss this deadline?” is something we hope you never have to say or hear.

11. Jhakaas

Another Marathi word that found its way into everyday lingo is jhakaas. Here’s a major hint of what it means. In the Hindi-dubbed version of The Mask (1994), the character’s catchphrase “smokin’!” was replaced by jhakaas. If you still haven’t got it, it means “fantastic”.

12. Fattu

All of us have that one friend who’s a little bit of a wimp, especially when it comes to breaking the rules every once in a while. That person right there is a fattu for you.

13. Bindaas

We also have that one friend who’s the coolest one in the group, who’s unbelievably chilled out at all times and always fun to be around.

That person rightfully earns the bindaas title. But the term is also used to describe anything that’s great. For instance, “Breaking Bad is a bindaas TV show.”

14. Jugaad

The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word jugaad as “a flexible approach to problem-solving that uses limited resources in an innovative way”.

In India, jugaad is a way of life. Indians can get out of any tricky situation and have solutions to problems of every nature, all thanks to jugaad.

15. Ghanta

While the literal translation of ghanta is “bell”, it has become a common slang term in India. It expresses disbelief and is close compared to the phrase “yeah, right!”

It can also be used when calling out someone’s lies. So, when used in that context, ghanta can also mean “nonsense” or “rubbish”.

16. Oye

Oye is comparable to “hey”. But among close pals, oye is interchangeable with your friends’ names. So, if someone calls you oye instead of your name, you know there’s a close bond between the two of you.

It is also a word used to grab the attention of someone who is younger than you. “Indian Expressions That Help”

17. Vella

Vella is a word mostly used in Delhi and parts of North India. It indicates a person who is lazy or useless at most things. A close equivalent in English would be the word “loser”.

18. Pataka

An attractive girl is referred to as a pataka, a word whose literal translation is fireworks. Some women consider the word as being somewhat offensive.

But it’s fine to use it in jest or among close friends who know you’re complimenting the person rather than catcalling.

19. Pakau

Pakau is a slang term used to refer to a very annoying person. In some contexts, it is also used to define a person who can be extremely boring.

20. Deun kya?

This phrase literally translates to “shall I give?” and is a threat to beat someone up. So, in its extended form, it could be “shall I give you a sound thrashing?”

While it sounds like an intimidating phrase, it is also used among friends for amicable banter. “Indian Expressions That Help”

21. Dhinchak

Anything that’s too flashy can be classified as dhinchak. It’s similar in meaning to “bling”, but dhinchak applies to a lot of other things and isn’t limited to jewellery. A dhinchak person, for instance, is someone who tries to show a lot of swag.

22. Waat Lag Gayi

If you’re in some serious trouble, then the situation would be quite apt to use this phrase, which means “we’re screwed”.

The phrase originated in Marathi, one of the regional languages, and initially became widespread in Mumbai. It became even more popular after it was used in the 2003 movie Munna bhai M.B.B.S.

Some Indian English Phrases That Helps

English is a major lingua franca, but that doesn’t mean native speakers of other languages around the world don’t put their own spin on English.

Generally, if English has been introduced into a community (through colonization, missionary work, what have you), that community will find completely unique ways to use and reinterpret it, to make it “local.”

India is a top contender for using English in the most creative ways. “Indian Expressions That Help”

We love these Indian English expressions so much; we have one question for the country: Can we use them, too?

Do The Needful

Let’s say a mother in India has repeatedly asked her teenage son to pick up his smelly socks, clean his room, and do his homework.

The son knows what he needs to do and Mom is losing her voice. What does she say instead? “Son, do the needful.”

In India, do the needful is a succinct way to summarize a series of tasks that is already known, without having to list them over and over and risk losing one’s mind.

Instead of telling your boyfriend a-million-and-one times to put the toilet seat down: “Do the needful.” “Indian Expressions That Help”

Timepass

If people “pass the time” doing something, it’s only logical for that to be called a timepass, right? That’s exactly what people in India think, and we agree.

Only, they qualify timepass to mean anything that is frivolous or superficial. Spending time reading War and Peace is not a timepass; that’s heroic. Binging Real Housewives of Anywhere is a big-time timepass.

Mugging

Mugging is a slang term young people in India use to describe intense memorization of academic material. “Indian Expressions That Help”

So, instead of saying cram where you try to stuff as many facts into your head as possible—you have a word, mugging.

With a couple of figurative possibilities: attacking the material for all its worth, or (more likely) feeling like a frantic victim after your brain is ripped out of your skull.

Maybe some students in India even claim to the authorities (aka teachers) after they’ve (been) mugged (robbed of a brain) that they can’t take the test. We’re starting to get it ….

My Teacher is Sitting On My Head

The mugging of the criminal or academic variety is never fun. In Indian schools, teachers who put students in the position of mugging for exams are definitely contributing to their pupils’ stress levels.

In addition to saying “My teacher is stressing me out,” Indian students have the brilliant expression: My teacher is sitting on my head.

This is a direct translation of the colloquial Hindi/Hinglish saying, “Mera teacher mere sir pe Betha hai.” “Indian Expressions That Help”

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My Friend is Eating My Brain

Another perfect expression translated from Hindi is my friend is eating my brain (“Mera friend mera dimag kha raha hai”). “Indian Expressions That Help”

If you’re trying to mug (cram) for exams so your teacher won’t sit on your head (stress you out) about a failing grade, the last thing you want is for your friend to eat your brain.

That would happen if you were in the presence of a friend who talked nonstop and was driving you directly to Crazytown.  

Do One Thing

In India, if a person struggling to study is unfortunate enough to have a friend eat their brain, they wouldn’t hesitate to say, “Do one thing: shut up.”

Another direct Hindi translation (from “ek kaam kar”), do one thing is used in a variety of contexts when the speaker wants someone to take their advice.

Rest is Fine

Another helpful summarized is the phrase rest is fine, which basically means “I would tell you everything that I’ve been doing, thinking, and feeling the last [however long it’s been since I’ve seen you].

But we all know life’s too short to go into all that, however, since you asked, I’m doing well and so is everybody else you might be wondering about.” ‘Nuff said.

Rowdy Sheeter

To Western ears, a rowdy sheeter could be a really exuberant bed-linen salesperson or a crazy party where everyone sheets the house instead of TPs it….

But, in India, a rowdy sheeter is a term used in local papers to describe someone accustomed to run-ins with the law. “Indian Expressions That Help”

Fortnightly

Not the video game…a vestige of British rule, fortnightly is a splendid word to make “two weeks” sound like the most exquisite period of time.

If Dr. Oz’s 2-Week Rapid Weight Loss plan is impossible to complete—two weeks?!—, replace the offending time period with fortnightly, and suddenly, two weeks isn’t long enough.

Worried about what your soon-to-be ex-boss will say when you quit? Give her your fortnightly notice and her reference will outshine the sun.

Kindly Adjust

Whenever you find yourself packed like a sardine in the elevator, on the subway, or in the club—take a page from India (population 1.3 billion) and tell everyone around you to kindly adjust.

In other words, “Listen, there’s no getting around the fact that there’s no getting around me because we’re all crammed in here together so kindly adjust your mental and physical attitude accordingly.”

Prepone

Don’t knock this so-called ungrammatical cousin of postpone until you’ve tried it! Really, when it comes down to it, adding prepone to your lexicon means you’ll probably get a lot more done!

In India, prepone means exactly what you think it means: moving something on the schedule forward instead of pushing it back.

So, if your parents are coming in a day earlier than planned, they’re preponing. When you’re fed up with telling people on the crammed subway to “kindly adjust,” by all means prepone that Maui vacation!

God Promise

If you’re interrogating someone about some misdeed and at once he says, “God promise, I didn’t do it,” you have no choice but to believe that person.

But even one better than that is “Mother promise”. “Indian Expressions That Help”

If you “Mother promise” to keep a secret and then go on to break it, then no force on earth can save you from burning in hell! In India, this really is the mother of all promises.

What Is Your Good Name?

Of course, we know that your parents didn’t give you two different names, one of which was a bad name. When we ask you for your “good name”, all we’re doing is being super polite.

This is how we start a conversation. Also, we use it because it’s a literal translation from Hindi. We’re just too lazy to make the necessary tweak.

Just Like That

This phrase is very useful in evading a number of questions. It denotes indifference and can come close to meaning “for no reason at all”. “Why did you skip work?” “Just like that.”

• “Why did you steal my lunch?” “Just like that.”
• “Why do you support Trump?” “Just like that.”

If you’re using this phrase, make sure your body language is right. Just imitate the shrug emoji and you’ve nailed it!

Don’t Eat My Head!

This is another word-for-word translation from Hindi that is readily used when speaking in English as well. “Indian Expressions That Help”

It’s a hyperbole showing how the other person’s constant nagging feels like your head is being chomped on. It’s probably close to the British English of “doing my head in”.

Auntie and Uncle

In India, everybody who looks older than you is either an Auntie or an Uncle. It doesn’t matter whether you know the person or you don’t, addressing them as Auntie or Uncle is a given.

Side, Please

“Side, please” is the Indian version of “Excuse me”, but it doesn’t apply in all the situations that the latter does. “Indian Expressions That Help”

For example, “Excuse me, could you please tell me where the nearest bar is?” cannot be replaced with the Indian phrase.

On the other hand, if you’re asking the person in front to move aside so that you can pass through and get a beer first, then go ahead and say, “Side, please” and see how efficiently it works.

Adjust, Please?

All the seats on the train are already taken, but then in comes a regular Indian and asks everybody to, “Adjust, please”.

This basically means “Hey, scoot along a bit so that I can squeeze one of my butt cheeks in.” “Indian Expressions That Help”

Nothing is Coming

This one can be used on two different occasions both not very pleasant. One to indicate that you can’t hear any sound and could possibly have gone deaf.

Second, to suggest that your mind has blanked out. For instance, “I should’ve studied for the exam. Now nothing is coming in my head.”

Check if Neighbour’s House Has Power

Whenever there’s a power cut in India, one of the first things that all parents tell their kids to do is to check if the neighbour has been affected too.

It’s almost a reflex action. If the house next door is in the dark as well, we tend to breathe a sigh of relief. If not, it’s instant panic. “Indian Expressions That Help”

I’m An Eggetarian

People in India can be divided into three different groups: vegetarians, non-vegetarian (yes, we do eat meat!) and eggetarians.

The first two are quite straightforward, but the third is pretty much a suspect case. This section of the population claim they’re not vegetarians because they eat eggs and avoid dairy products, but they’re not non-vegetarians because they avoid meat.

Guests Are God

“Atithi Devo Bhava” is a Sanskrit phrase that means “a guest is equal to God” is not just something that we say but something that we believe in wholeheartedly.

If you ever get invited to an Indian home as a guest, consider yourself very lucky. “Indian Expressions That Help”

Like That Only

This phrase is sort of similar to “Just like that” but it’s spoken with a lot more smugness. Why are us Indians the way we are? “Like that only. Any problem?”

How To Ask For Help Using Indian Language

In India, there are lots of different ways to ask for help. So, you are finally in India. And things are not going very well.

You’ve somehow managed to land yourself in a soup. You’ve either lost your way, your wallet or your luggage. You are possibly on the verge of losing your mind too. In other words, you need help.

Chances are, with over 100 million native English speakers, the person standing next to you will be able to help you easily enough. “Indian Expressions That Help”

But if for some reason that doesn’t happen, you can try one of these below to bail yourself out. Just remember, India has over 22 official languages and this is not taking into account the numerous dialects spoken within states.

Essentially there’s no one-way of doing this, even in the same state. Also, lots of people are multilingual and these languages are not restricted to being spoken in just the states that they come from.

1. Hindi

Meri maddad keejiye (Please help me)- After English, Hindi is your best bet, especially in North India. The keyword here is ‘maddad’ which means help.

Some states where Hindi is the predominant language are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, the capital city of Delhi, and surrounding NCR (National Capital Region).

Hindi really is spoken all over India and it’s extremely hard to categorize or assign it to a couple of states or cities. That said, you are more likely to find help with it in the top to mid-half of the country (known as the Hindi-speaking belt) as opposed to the south.

2. Punjabi

Mainu maddad chaidi ae (I need help)-Punjabi is the native language of Punjab in North India. This should be your choice if you find yourself in the cities of Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, or any other area in Punjab.

Delhi too has a strong Punjabi influence and after English or Hindi, it’s likely to get you the best response here.

In the lower regions of Himachal Pradesh, especially in areas around the state border (which it shares with Punjab), Punjabi along with Pahari and other dialects is spoken by a reasonable number of people. So if out there, give it a shot if you have to.

3. Gujarati

Mane tamari madad joyie che (I need your help)- Again, ‘madad’ is the all-important word since it means help. Similar sounding words are common in states close to each other.

Gujarat lies in India’s west, bordered by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan has a strong Hindi influence even though Rajasthani is the official language and the people in Madhya Pradesh are native Hindi speakers.

This has led to some words slipping through into Gujarat. Locations for use: Ahmedabad- the largest city, Gandhinagar- the capital, or anywhere else in the state.

There is a huge Gujarati population in Mumbai too, and it can be handy out there. Mumbai, however, is extremely multilingual and cosmopolitan. You’ll have a lot more options before you have to resort to Gujarati.

4. Marathi

Mala madat pahije (I need help): Marathi from Maharashtra goes a long way in Mumbai, the state capital. Mumbai is home to people from all over the country and possibly every Indian language is spoken here, but the use of Marathi in everyday life is pretty conspicuous.

When in Mumbai, the order you’d want to pick after English is Marathi, Hindi, and, if that doesn’t work (which is highly unlikely), then resort to Gujarati.

When traveling within the state, it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a few common Marathi phrases just to make life a little bit easier, since it’s the standard language, once one is out of Mumbai.

5. Bengali

Aami ke baachao (Please help me)- Use this when in Kolkata or any other part of West Bengal. ‘Aami’ in Bengali means ‘me’ but the critical word here is ‘baachao’ which stands for help.

‘Baachao’ in Hindi (spelt ‘bachao’) actually means ‘save’. That’s probably one amongst the very few common sounding words between the two languages.

Unlike other states you are better off using Bengali in West Bengal as your first option (as opposed to English) as it is the more widely spoken language in all quarters. It’s going to get you a better response and quicker help for sure.

6. Tamil

Enakku udhavi seivienkala (Can you help me?)- Tamil comes from Tamil Nadu in the south. That’s also where the highest concentration of speakers is. Here, the word ‘udhavi’ means help.

As a rule of thumb, when in South India, you have a much greater chance of success at communication if you use the native language of the state (i.e.,Tamil in Tamil Nadu) other than English.

Chances of finding Hindi or any other north Indian language speakers are comparatively slim as the ratio is very low. If in Chennai, which is the largest city and the capital, you might have better luck with other languages but other than that, Tamil is the way to go.

7. Telugu

Naaku sahayam kavali (I need help)- Like Tamil, Telugu is spoken mostly in South India and is native to Andhra Pradesh.

There’s nothing to say that you wouldn’t find a Telugu speaker in North India, but there wouldn’t be as many, just like you wouldn’t find that many northerners in south.

Possible location for use: Hyderabad and all around Andhra. Hyderabad also has a strong Urdu influence. In fact, apart from Telugu, it’s actually Urdu that is the most widely spoken language.

In Telugu ‘sahayam’ stands for help and that’s what you should aim at remembering, if at all. “Indian Expressions That Help”

8. Kannad

Nimm’ HELP bEkAgide (I need your help)- this one is self-explanatory. Kannad or Kannada is the official language of Karnataka, again in South India.

The first word ‘Nimm’ is spoken with more emphasis towards the end. Bangalore (now called Bengaluru), the state capital, is multicultural and multilingual, on the lines of all other metro cities in India.

You shouldn’t have much trouble finding help in English but if you don’t, Kannad, Tamil, or Telugu are your best options.

9. Malayalam

Enikku ningalude sahaayam venum (I need your help)- Essentially, you’d be using this in Kerala. Like all other southern states, two languages dominate Kerala, the native Malayalam and English.

Other than that you’d find the other three, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannad in parts. It’s extremely unlikely that there’d be anyone speaking Hindi or any other language, really.

Like Telugu, ‘sahaayam’ stands for help. If you have trouble getting the whole phrase right (pronunciation can be an issue), just stick to that.

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10. Kashmiri

Mai kar madath (Please help me)- Kashmiri comes from Kashmir at the north tip of India. The only time you’d really use this is of you are in the state itself.

The chances of finding a Kashmiri speaker anywhere else (at least in the first instance) are not very high. For that, you have nine other options to choose from.

But if you do find one, it might be fun just to talk to them in their own language. The smile you get in return will be worth the effort.

Surprising Expressions In Indian English

Did you know there are more users of English in India than in the United Kingdom, Australia, United States, New Zealand and South Africa combined?

Not only that, but the colourful Hindi-to-English translations, and use of what would be considered archaic vocabulary elsewhere, mean that Indian English is like no other variety on earth. Here are a few examples:

‘I am Doing My Graduation in London’

We often think of our graduation as the ceremony where you dress up in a gown and cap to collect your degree certificate after three years of early-morning lectures and late-night studying.

Not in India. Here, your graduation isn’t about that one special day, but refers to the full undergraduate course. “Indian Expressions That Help”

‘I did my graduation at the University of London’ is the equivalent of saying ‘I studied for my degree at the University of London’.

‘I Passed Out of College’

When someone passes out, your first response may be to loosen their collar and get a cold towel. Fear not, in India, passing out has little to do with fainting or falling unconscious.

It actually links to number one on the list. ‘I passed out’ from this college or that university is the Indian-English way of saying ‘I graduated’.

‘My Neighbour is Foreign-Returned’

Studying abroad is a popular option for Indian students. Being ‘foreign returned, i.e., returning to India after living in another country is seen as a good way to improve one’s chances of landing a job.

It is also an asset in the matrimonial adverts you find in Indian newspapers every Sunday. “Indian Expressions That Help”

‘My Daughter is Convent-Educated’

A further expression is found in matrimonial ads. To be ‘convent-educated’ is another way of saying that you studied in a school where the medium of instruction was English.

The expression dates back to a time when teaching in India was often delivered by members of the clergy. “Indian Expressions That Help”

‘I Belong to Delhi’

Ask the question ‘Where are you from?’ in the UK, and you will get a response such as ‘I’m from London’ or ‘I’m from Manchester’.

In India, you are more likely to hear allegiance to a city: ‘I belong to Delhi’ or ‘I belong to Mumbai’. “Indian Expressions That Help”

‘Where’s The Nearest Departmental Store?’

When Bollywood actors visit the UK, shopping is often at the top of their list of things to do. Department stores like Selfridges and Harrods are especially popular.

If a Hindi film star ever stops you in the street and asks for directions to the nearest ‘departmental store’, you now know where to direct them.

‘My Teacher is Sitting on My Head’

‘Tell your teacher to get down’ might sound like the correct response. The expression, however, is a direct translation of the Hindi statement ‘Mera teacher mere sir pe betha hai’ – a colloquial way of complaining ‘My teacher is stressing me out’.

‘My Friend is Eating My Brain’

Don’t worry, you won’t need to pass the salt. A similar Hindi-to-English translation to number seven, ‘My friend is eating my brain’ (‘Mera friend mera dimag kha raha hai’) is a somewhat informal way of saying that your friend won’t stop talking.

‘Monkey Cap’

We often think of India as being extremely hot, but in the north of the country, the winters can get surprisingly chilly. “Indian Expressions That Help”

Head to five-degree Delhi in December and you will see lots of people in ‘monkey caps’ – a descriptive Indian-English name for the good old balaclava.

‘Why This Kolaveri Di?’

Which foreign language pop song has had 98,439,949 views on YouTube (last time I checked)? Gangnam Style by Korean pop star Psy may seem like the obvious answer, but you would be wrong.

It’s actually the Tamil film track Why This Kolaveri Di?, which went viral in 2011. With Tamil and English, or ‘Tanglish’ lyrics, actor-singer Dhanush provides vocals on this down-tempo, acoustic folk tune.

For such a sweetly sung song, the title actually translates as ‘Why This Murderous Rage, Girl?’. “Indian Expressions That Help”

Indian Slang Words That Help Spice Up Communication

Below  are easy to use words in Indian lingua that will help your day to day communication and win you more friends.

Yaar (Friend): In just about every conversation, “yaar” is a recurring slang term that’s used in casual social interactions between friends and sometimes even strangers who may be shopkeepers or autorickshaw drivers.

Achcha (Good): The literal meaning maybe “good”, but “achcha” is also used to express “I see”, “okay”, or “really”?

Thik Hain (Okay): This is the Hindi slang used in most situations, usually with a head nod. “Indian Expressions That Help”

Bas (That’s it): Whether at a lunch table or on a cab ride, “bas” is used when someone needs to communicate “that will be all.” “Indian Expressions That Help”

Arre (Hey): The meaning of this term changes with intonation. When used in a higher tone, it expresses surprise. In a lower tone, it conveys exasperation. Said neutrally, it’s used to get attention.

Chakkar (Dizziness): The direct translation is dizziness, but this term is mostly used in contexts other than health, such as a problematic social situation.

Funda (Fundamentals): This term is especially popular among college students who use it in the context of ideas. “Indian Expressions That Help”

More Slangs Words

Ghanta: Bell (Yeah right): Almost never used in its literal translation, “ghanta” expresses the sarcastic sentiment behind “yeah, right.”

Jugaad (Hack): “Jugaad” is a popular term used in response to someone looking for a solution.

Bak Bak (Chattering): This is used when the listener has no interest in what the other person or group is chatting about. The slang “bak bak” is used to describe the interaction.

Mast: Awesome: “Mast” is commonly used when someone is asked how something is, such as a service or food.

Bakwaas (Nonsense): This slang term is pretty self-explanatory.

Baap re Baap! (Oh father, father!):  Used generally in extraordinary situations, this term is similar to the sentiment “Oh my God!”

Ji: “Ji” is used as a suffix to show respect towards others. Sometimes, it’s used sarcastically depending on the intonation.

Chalega [Will Walk (That will do)]: This expression is the equivalent of “that will do.” Folks use it to respond in agreement.

Some of the things that we say in India may not make any sense to an outsider, but these are also what make us so uniquely Indian.

A few of them are literal translations from our native languages and others just something that our creative minds invented.

How do you see this! Share with us in the comment section. However, we believe this post has been helpful to you. Please share this article with friends and relations using the share button below.

CSN Team.