Yes, no and the essentials in Urdu
The small words that carry half of every conversation, and the ones that rescue it. Play the ten Urdu 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 Urdu phrases in this lesson
- ہاںHAAN
- Yes
- نہیںna-HEEN
- No
- ٹھیک ہےTHEEK hay
- Okay
- مجھے سمجھ نہیں آئیmoo-JHAY sa-MAJH na-HEEN AA-ee
- I don't understand
- کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟KYA aap ang-RAY-zee BOL-tay hain
- Do you speak English?
- کیا آپ دوبارہ کہہ سکتے ہیں؟kyaa aap do-BAA-ra keh SAK-tay hain
- Can you repeat that?
- آہستہ، براہ کرمaa-HIS-ta ba-RAA ka-ram
- Slowly, please
- یہ کیا ہے؟yay kyaa hai
- What is this?
- مجھے... کی ضرورت ہےmoo-JHAY kee za-ROO-rat hai
- I need...
- کیا آپ میری مدد کر سکتے ہیں؟kyaa aap MAY-ree MA-dad kar SAK-tay hain
- Can you help me?
A nasal sound, longer and warmer than the English "yes." A quick "haan ji" (yes, sir/madam) is more polite and respectful, especially with elders. "Ji" is a universal softener.
The "n" at the end is nasal. "Nahi" in casual speech. Be aware that in Pakistani culture a flat "no" can feel abrupt, so softening with "shukriya, nahi chahiye" (no thank you, I don't need it) is smoother.
"Theek hai" is the most versatile phrase in Urdu. It means okay, fine, correct, alright, understood. You will hear it dozens of times a day. The "th" here is an aspirated retroflex, not the English "th."
Use this when someone speaks too fast or uses unfamiliar vocabulary. Locals will often slow down, switch to simpler Urdu, or try some English. Following up with "aaraam se boliye" (please speak slowly) helps.
English is an official language of Pakistan and is widely spoken in cities, among educated professionals, and in government. In rural areas, English knowledge drops significantly. "Bolte hain" is masculine plural.