Whenever I travel to India with my husband and kids, they learn new Hindi words every single day. They pick up greetings, food names, and bits of conversation just by being out and about. But something that always surprises us? There are phrases they will hear in India - phrases that technically are English, but don’t quite mean the same thing they would back in the United States.
So we’ve gathered our favorite English phrases from our travels in India. Think of this as your mini dictionary for Indian English!
- Cold Drink (noun)
A cold soda, such as Coke, Limca, or Thums Up.
- Tension (noun)
Stress.
Example: “I am feeling lots of tension today.”
- Being Pricey (adjective)
Being difficult, demanding, or hard to please.
- Reached (verb)
To have arrived somewhere.
Example: “Have you reached yet?”
- Function (noun)
An event, such as a wedding, party, or school program.
Example: “I have a school function to go to.”
- Shifted (verb)
Moved from one place to another.
- Expired (verb)
Died.
Example: “He expired last year.”
- Clear Cut (adjective)
Extremely clear or unambiguous.
- Baked Dish (noun)
Any savory baked item, such as macaroni and cheese or a casserole.
- Looking “Smart” (adjective phrase)
Dressed very well or neatly.
- Pass Out (verb)
To graduate from high school or college.
- Do the Needful (phrase)
To do what is necessary.
- Having “Sugar” (phrase)
Having Diabetes.
- Nightsuit (noun)
Pajamas.
- Healthy (adjective)
Gaining weight; being heavier than before.
Example: “He has become healthy.”
- Time Pass (noun/phrase)
Something done to pass the time; casual entertainment.
- Swimming Costume (noun)
Swimsuit or bathing suit.
- Prepone (verb)
To move something earlier; the opposite of postpone.
- Loose Motions (noun)
Diarrhea.
If you’re planning a trip to India soon, there’s no better time to prepare your family with some Hindi exposure.
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