Mumbai is a diverse city where people speak a blend of languages, mainly Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, and English.
Familiarising yourself with a few words in these languages can help you navigate conversations and connect with locals more easily.
Below is a handy guide to some common phrases in these four languages, which are widely spoken in Mumbai.
Common Phrases in English, Marathi, Hindi, and Gujarati
English
• Thank you: Thank you
• Please: Please
• Hello: Hello
• Goodbye: Goodbye
• Excuse me: Excuse me
• How are you?: How are you?
• Yes: Yes
• No: No
• Water: Water
• Food: Food
• Friend: Friend
Marathi (Official Language of Maharashtra)
• Thank you: Dhanyavaad
• Please: Kripaya
• Hello: Namaskar
• Goodbye: Nirupan ghyava
• Excuse me: Maaf kara
• How are you?: Tumhi kase aahat?
• Yes: Ho
• No: Nahi
• Water: Paani
• Food: Jevan
• Friend: Mitra
Hindi (Widely Spoken National Language)
• Thank you: Shukriya or Dhanyavaad
• Please: Kripaya
• Hello: Namaste
• Goodbye: Alvida
• Excuse me: Maaf kijiyega
• How are you?: Aap kaise hain?
• Yes: Haan
• No: Nahi
• Water: Paani
• Food: Bhojan
• Friend: Dost
Gujarati (Language of the Large Gujarati Community)
• Thank you: Aabhar
• Please: Meherbani karine
• Hello: Kem cho?
• Goodbye: Aavjo
• Excuse me: Maaf karjo
• How are you?: Kem cho?
• Yes: Haan
• No: Na
• Water: Paani
• Food: Khavanu
• Friend: Mitra
Additional Tips for Conversing in Mumbai
1. Be Polite – A smile and a respectful tone can go a long way, especially if you’re not fluent in the local language.
2. Blend Languages – Mumbaikars often switch between languages, so feel free to mix in English with Marathi, Hindi, or Gujarati.
3. Use Simple Phrases – Even a small effort to use local phrases will be appreciated by the people you meet.
Mastering these common words and phrases will make a positive impression, helping you enjoy Mumbai’s multicultural atmosphere and connect with its people.
