Meeting new people can be an exciting experience, whether it’s for making friends, expanding your professional network, or simply getting to know someone in a different culture. When it comes to learning a new language, knowing some basic phrases can make these interactions smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re interested in learning Urdu, you’re in for a treat. Urdu is a beautiful and poetic language spoken by millions in Pakistan and India. Here are some common Urdu phrases that will help you navigate those first meetings with new people.
Greeting and Introducing Yourself
One of the first things you’ll need to do when meeting someone new is to greet them. In Urdu, greetings can be quite formal and respectful.
Assalam-o-Alaikum (السلام عليكم): This is the most common greeting in Urdu, which means “Peace be upon you.” The appropriate response to this greeting is Wa Alaikum Assalam (وعلیکم السلام), meaning “And peace be upon you too.”
Merā nām [your name] hai (میرا نام [آپ کا نام] ہے): This means “My name is [your name].” It’s a straightforward way to introduce yourself.
Aap se milkar khushi hui (آپ سے مل کر خوشی ہوئی): This translates to “Nice to meet you.” It’s a polite way to express that you’re pleased to make someone’s acquaintance.
Aap ka naam kya hai? (آپ کا نام کیا ہے؟): This means “What is your name?” It’s a basic yet essential question for getting to know someone.
Polite Conversations
Once introductions are done, you might want to engage in some polite conversation to break the ice.
Aap kaise hain? (آپ کیسے ہیں؟) for men or Aap kaisi hain? (آپ کیسی ہیں؟) for women: This means “How are you?” It’s a common way to ask someone about their well-being.
Main theek hoon (میں ٹھیک ہوں): This means “I am fine.” It’s a simple response if someone asks how you are doing.
Aap kya karte hain? (آپ کیا کرتے ہیں؟) for men or Aap kya karti hain? (آپ کیا کرتی ہیں؟) for women: This means “What do you do?” It’s a way to ask about someone’s occupation or activities.
Aap kahaan se hain? (آپ کہاں سے ہیں؟): This translates to “Where are you from?” It’s a good way to learn about someone’s background.
Shukriya (شکریہ): This means “Thank you.” It’s always good to know how to express gratitude.
Meherbani (مہربانی): This means “Kindness” but is often used to say “Please.” For example, Meherbani se (مہربانی سے) means “Kindly.”
Expressing Likes and Dislikes
As you get to know someone, you might want to talk about your likes and dislikes.
Mujhe yeh pasand hai (مجھے یہ پسند ہے): This means “I like this.” It’s useful when you want to express your approval of something.
Mujhe yeh pasand nahi hai (مجھے یہ پسند نہیں ہے): This means “I don’t like this.” Equally important, this phrase helps you express your disapproval.
Aapko kya pasand hai? (آپ کو کیا پسند ہے؟): This means “What do you like?” It’s a good way to find common interests.
Mujhe khana pasand hai (مجھے کھانا پسند ہے): This means “I like food.” You can replace khana (کھانا) with anything else you like, such as music (موسیقی), reading (پڑھنا), etc.
Making Plans
Sometimes, meeting someone new might lead to making plans for future interactions.
Kya aap kal milna chahenge? (کیا آپ کل ملنا چاہیں گے؟): This means “Would you like to meet tomorrow?” It’s a way to suggest a future meeting.
Hum kab milenge? (ہم کب ملیں گے؟): This translates to “When will we meet?” It’s useful for scheduling a meeting.
Aap ka phone number kya hai? (آپ کا فون نمبر کیا ہے؟): This means “What is your phone number?” It’s a straightforward way to exchange contact information.
Aapko konsa waqt theek lagega? (آپ کو کونسا وقت ٹھیک لگے گا؟): This means “What time would suit you?” It’s a polite way to arrange a convenient meeting time.
Common Courtesy Phrases
Being courteous goes a long way in making a good impression.
Maaf kijiye (معاف کیجیے): This means “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry.” It’s useful in various situations.
Barah-e-karam (براہِ کرم): This means “Please.” It’s another polite way to ask for something.
Shukriya (شکریہ): This means “Thank you.” Always a good phrase to know.
Aapka shukriya (آپ کا شکریہ): This means “Thank you very much.” It’s a way to express deeper gratitude.
Koi baat nahi (کوئی بات نہیں): This means “No problem” or “You’re welcome.” It’s a good response when someone thanks you.
Understanding and Clarification
Sometimes, you might not understand something and will need clarification.
Yeh kya hai? (یہ کیا ہے؟): This means “What is this?” It’s useful for asking about unfamiliar objects or concepts.
Aap kya keh rahe hain? (آپ کیا کہہ رہے ہیں؟): This means “What are you saying?” It’s helpful when you need someone to repeat themselves.
Kripya dheere boliye (کیا آپ آہستہ بول سکتے ہیں؟): This translates to “Please speak slowly.” Useful if you’re having trouble keeping up with the conversation.
Mujhe samajh nahi aaya (مجھے سمجھ نہیں آیا): This means “I didn’t understand.” It’s a straightforward way to ask for clarification.
Dobara kahiye (دوبارہ کہیے): This means “Say it again.” It’s useful when you need someone to repeat what they just said.
Goodbyes and Parting Phrases
Knowing how to end a conversation or say goodbye is just as important as knowing how to start one.
Khuda Hafiz (خدا حافظ): This means “Goodbye” and is a common way to part ways in Urdu.
Phir milenge (پھر ملیں گے): This means “We will meet again.” It’s a nice way to say you hope to see the person again.
Alvida (الوداع): This is another way to say “Goodbye,” though it’s more formal and less commonly used.
Subha bakhair (صبح بخیر): This means “Good morning.” It’s a good way to greet someone in the morning as you part ways.
Shab bakhair (شب بخیر): This means “Good night.” It’s a nice way to end an evening conversation.
Practicing Your Urdu
Learning these phrases is a great start, but practice is key to becoming comfortable with any new language. Here are a few tips to help you practice your Urdu:
Use language exchange apps: Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk can connect you with native Urdu speakers who are learning English. You can help each other practice.
Watch Urdu movies and TV shows: This can help you get used to the flow and pronunciation of the language.
Practice with friends: If you have friends who speak Urdu, try to practice these phrases with them. They can provide valuable feedback and corrections.
Join a language class: Formal instruction can provide a structured learning environment and access to native speakers who can help you improve.
Use flashcards: Flashcards can help you memorize these phrases. Apps like Anki or Quizlet can be particularly useful.
In conclusion, learning these common Urdu phrases can greatly enhance your ability to connect with new people. Whether you’re traveling, working, or simply trying to expand your cultural horizons, these phrases will serve as a solid foundation for your Urdu language skills. So go ahead, practice these phrases, and enjoy the rich and beautiful experience of speaking Urdu!
