Language/Telugu/Vocabulary/Greetings-and-Introductions
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As a Telugu language teacher for over 20 years, I am excited to share with you the basics of Telugu greetings and introductions. In this lesson, you will learn how to greet people properly, introduce yourself, and engage in basic conversations with native Telugu speakers.
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Family & Counting and Numbers.
Importance of Greetings and Introductions[edit | edit source]
In Telugu culture, greetings and introductions are highly valued. They show respect, hospitality, and warmth towards others. Learning the proper way to greet someone can go a long way in building a positive relationship.
Whether you are traveling to Telangana or Andhra Pradesh, knowing some basic Telugu greetings and pleasantries can help you connect with the locals and make the most out of your experience.
Common Telugu Greetings[edit | edit source]
Here are some of the most common Telugu greetings that you can use in different settings:
Namaskaram[edit | edit source]
"Namaskaram" is the most common way to say "hello" in Telugu. The word is derived from the Sanskrit language and is widely used in South India.
When greeting someone formally, such as an elder or someone in a position of authority, it is appropriate to add "sir" or "madam" after "namaskaram."
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| నమస్కారం | namaskāram | Hello |
| నమస్కారం సార్ | namaskāram sār | Hello, sir/madam |
హాయ్ (Hai)[edit | edit source]
"Hai" is a more informal greeting and is equivalent to "hi" in English. This greeting is commonly used among friends and peers.
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| హాయ్ | hai | Hi |
నమస్తే (Namaste)[edit | edit source]
"Namaste" is another common greeting that is used in Telugu, especially in more formal settings. The word is derived from the Sanskrit language and is widely used in India.
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| నమస్తే | namastē | Hello/Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening |
Telugu Introductions[edit | edit source]
Introducing yourself in Telugu is an excellent way to start a conversation and break the ice. Here are the essential phrases that you can use:
నేను (Nenu)[edit | edit source]
"Nenu" means "I" in Telugu. You can use this word to introduce yourself.
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| నేను కుమార్ | nenu kumār | I am Kumar. |
| నేను అక్షయ్ | nenu akṣay | I am Akshay. |
మీరు (Meeru) / మీవాడు (Meeruvaadu)[edit | edit source]
"Meeru" is the Telugu equivalent of "you" in English. When introducing yourself formally, it is appropriate to add "thaanu" at the end, which means "myself."
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| మీరు ఎవరో | meeru evaro | Who are you? |
| నేను సత్యనారాయణ | nenu satyanārāyaṇa | I am Satyanarayana. |
మీ పేరు ఏమిటి? (Mee peru emiti?)[edit | edit source]
"Mee peru emiti?" means "What is your name?"
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| మీ పేరు ఏమిటి? | mee peru emiti? | What is your name? |
| నా పేరు సుధీర్ | nā peru sudhīr | My name is Sudhir. |
Basic Telugu Conversations[edit | edit source]
Learning the basics of Telugu conversations will help you engage with locals and make new friends. Let's take a look at some common Telugu phrases to start a conversation:
ఎలా ఉన్నారు? (Ela unnaru?)[edit | edit source]
"Ela unnaru?" is a phrase used to greet someone and ask how they are doing.
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ఎలా ఉన్నారు? | Ela unnaru? | How are you? |
| నేను బాగుంది | Nenu bāgundi. | I'm doing well. |
| మీరు ఏమైనా మంచిగా ఉన్నారుగా? | Meeru emainā manchigā unnārugā? | Are you doing well? |
| కొంచెం కాలం పాటించినా | Konchem kālam pāṭincinā. | I've been good for a while. |
అందుకు ఎక్కువ నేర్చుకో (Andhuku ekkuvu nerchuko)[edit | edit source]
"Andhuku ekkuvu nerchuko" means "Please speak more."
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| అందుకు ఎక్కువ నేర్చుకో | Andhuku ekkuvu nerchuko | Please speak more. |
| నాకు తెలుసు తక్కువగా ఉంది | Nāku telusu takkuvagā undi. | I know very little. |
మీకు ఎందుకు నచ్చింది? (Meeku endhuku nacchindi?)[edit | edit source]
"Meeku endhuku nacchindi?" means "Why do you like it?"
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| మీకు ఎందుకు నచ్చింది? | Meeku endhuku nacchindi? | Why do you like it? |
| నాకు అది పసంద్ అవుతుంది | Nāku adi pasand avutundi. | I like it because it is enjoyable. |
మీరు ఎక్కడ నుండి వచ్చారు? (Meeru ekkada nundhi vacharu?)[edit | edit source]
"Meeru ekkada nundhi vacharu?" means "Where are you from?"
| Telugu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| మీరు ఎక్కడ నుండి వచ్చారు? | Meeru ekkada nundhi vacharu? | Where are you from? |
| నేను హైదరాబాద్ నుండి వచ్చాను | Nenu Haidarabad nundhi vachchaanu | I am from Hyderabad. |
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Learning the basics of Telugu greetings, introductions, and conversations is an excellent way to start your journey towards fluency in Telugu. As you start to use these phrases, don't be afraid to make mistakes or to ask for help.
Try to incorporate these phrases into your daily life, whether you're traveling to Telangana or Andhra Pradesh or simply chatting with Telugu-speaking friends. With practice and patience, you will become more comfortable with the language and improve your communication skills.
Excellent job on conquering this lesson! Consider delving into these related pages: Body Parts & Travel and Transportation.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Entertainment and Media
- Numbers and Counting
- Foods and Drinks
- Days of the Week and Months
- Numbers and Colors
- Sports and Exercise
- Colors and Shapes
- Food
- Days of the week dinamulu దినములు
Sources[edit | edit source]
| ◀️ Vowel Signs — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Numbers and Colors ▶️ |