Essential Hindi phrases to learn before your first trip to India
Hindi being the most common language in India is widely spoken in all the states, except Kerala and Tamil Nada. Though most Indians know English, knowing a few words/phrases before your first trip to India will make it handy while wandering around the local markets or chit-chatting with the native people. One thing to remark is that Hindi is a phonetic language which means words are written as they are pronounced, making it fairly easier for English speakers. While speaking Hindi there are many English words that could be used as they are i.e. Hospital, Police station, Airport, Railway/Bus station, Toilet, etc. So if you are stuck on a Hindi word then use its English equivalent.
Below given words and phrases will make your first trip to India a smoother and memorable one. Try speaking them the way they are written.
Greetings

Hello: Namaste
Good Evening: Shubh Sandhya
Good Night: Shubh Ratri
Welcome: Aaiye/ Padhariye
See you later: Phir Milenge
Goodbye: Alvida
Nice to meet you: Aap se milkar khushi hui
Being Courteous
Thank you: Shukriya / Dhanyawaad
You’re welcome / My pleasure: Mera saubhagya hai
Please excuse me [while calling someone]: Kripiya suniye
I am sorry: Mujhe maaf kijiyega
Asking for Help
I need help: Mujhe madad chahiye
Can you help me?: Kya aap meri madad karenge?
I need taxi/auto: Mujhe taxi/auto chahiye
I want to go to the airport/railway station: Mujhe airport/railway station jana hai
Where is the toilet?: Shauchalya/Toilet kidhar hai?
I need water: Mujhe pani chahiye
Do you speak English?: Kya aap angrezi/English bolte hain
When Shopping

How much?: Kitna hua?
Give a better price/Lower the price: Kuch daam kam kijiye
Please give some discount: Kripiya kuch discount kijiye
Bill please: Kripiya Bill dijiye
General Terms/Phrases
Yes / yeah: Haan ji [‘ji’ is to add some respect]
No / Nope: Nahin / Na
Ok / Fine: Thik hai
Good: Accha [It’s good : Yeh accha hai]
What’s new?: Kyaa chal rahaa hai?
How are you?: Aap kaise hai?
How’s it going?: Kaisa haal hai?
I am fine: Main thik hu
What is your name?: Aap ka naam kya hai?
Please stop: Kripiya rukiye
Please go away: Kripiya dur rahiye
I don’t know: Mujhe nahi malum
I am going: Mein jaa raha hoon
Who are you?: Aap kaun hai?
I understood: Mein samajh gaya/gayi [male/female]
Also read: Watch these Bollywood before your first trip to India