Write TipExplore / New Delhi
The most common words imported from Hindi
Indian language is not as difficult as we think. There are many words that we use frequently without knowing their Indian origin.
1. Karma
The mysterious concept of karma - what goes around comes around - is ruling our lives at a linguistic level too. "Karma" comes from Hindi and it is imported in all languages (it seems that everyone believes in karma or fears it)
2. Jungle
Another common word known by almost everybody on this planet. When you're lost in the jungle, don't worry, you'll know at least 2 words to say to the natives: "karma" and "jungle".
3. Guru
Everyone has the same image of the guru. So why inventing the wheel? Sometime in the history, all the gurus of the world had a congress and decided to keep this word in all languages. Even the French Academy agreed to embrace this word, even if they like to be different.
4. Cushy
Cushy comes from Hindi khush (pleasant). Imagine a comfortable Indian room, with plenty of pillows on the floor, diffuse light, relaxing music and oriental scents. This is cushy!
5. Bandanna
Bandanna is a large silk handkerchief or neckerchief usually figured and brightly coloured. It is a very old word with Indo-European roots. This is why there are so many ways to fold a bandanna!
6. Avatar
The most common word used in social networks has also a hindi root.
In Hinduism, avatar is the manifestation of a deity, notably Vishnu, in human, superhuman, or animal form.The word spread in the European world too, but with an abstract meaning of archetype, personification. the Avatar film is a reference for the concept.
How to greet in Hindi
One of my colleagues from India told me how to greet in Hindi. "Namaste" is the literal pronunciation for saying "hello", no matter what time it is. In a colloquial conversation, you can also say "Ram Ram", which is the equivalent term for "hi".
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