Yes, no and the essentials in Marathi
The small words that carry half of every conversation, and the ones that rescue it. Play the ten Marathi words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Marathi phrases in this lesson
- होHO
- Yes
- नाहीNAA-hee
- No
- ठीक आहेTHEEK AA-he
- Okay
- मला समजत नाहीma-LAA sa-ma-JAT NAA-hee
- I don't understand
- तुम्हाला इंग्रजी येते का?tum-HAA-laa ING-ra-jee YE-te KAA
- Do you speak English?
- पुन्हा सांगाPUN-haa SAAN-gaa
- Can you repeat that?
- हळू बोलाha-LOO BO-laa
- Slowly, please
- हे काय आहे?HE KAAY AA-he
- What is this?
- मला ...ची गरज आहेma-LAA ...-chee ga-RAJ AA-he
- I need...
- तुम्ही मला मदत कराल का?tum-HEE ma-LAA ma-DAT ka-RAAL kaa
- Can you help me?
The everyday yes in Marathi. Short, clear, universally understood. You may also hear "haan" (from Hindi) in Mumbai's mixed-language environment.
The standard no. Can be softened with a gentle tone or paired with "sorry" to refuse politely. Saying it firmly is perfectly acceptable in Marathi culture.
Literally "it is fine/right." Used constantly for agreement, acknowledgment, and wrapping up conversations. Also heard as just "theek" in quick exchanges.
Say this if someone speaks too fast or uses dialect. Maharashtrians will usually slow down and try Hindi or English if needed, especially in cities.
English is widely spoken in Mumbai's business and educated circles. Outside cities, Marathi or Hindi will serve you better.
Literally "say it again".
Literally "speak slowly".