You will frequently be the centre of attention as a foreign visitor to Pakistan, and people may approach you to strike up a conversation. Especially if you react to them in some basic Urdu sentences like the ones listed below, this meeting gives you the potential to win the locals' hearts and perhaps forge lasting friendships.
Greetings and Introductions
1: Asalaam-walaikum or Salam – May peace be with you/Hello
In Pakistan, where the majority of the population is Muslim, this greeting is used the most frequently. Although the conventional greeting also works in most urban areas, non-Muslims also use the word. Since Persian from Iran, Sanskrit from India, and Arabic were combined to create Urdu, it shares numerous vocabulary with these languages. But even the most remote Muslims will know the word "salam," which is related to the word "Islam." When you encounter Hindus, you can be more respectful by giving them a Namaste.
2: Aapka naam kia hai? – What is your name?
In Pakistan, saying this remark is a quick method to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Alternatively, you might just say "Apka naam?" (Your name is?). They will then ask for your name in exactly the same way.
3: Mera naam ____ hai. – My name is ____.
When someone asks you your name, this phrase would be the proper reply.
4: Aap kaise (for male)/ kaisi (for female) hou? – How are you?
You can enquire about someone's wellbeing by posing this query. Everybody asks each other this question when they first meet in Pakistan, whether it is the next day or years later. The word "you" in this sentence is formally used here with the term "Aap," but if you know the individual well, you can use the more informal word "Tum." Simply saying "Kaise (male)/Kaisi (female) hou" in a casual situation among friends is acceptable.
5: Mai Bilqul Theek. – I am fine.
This phrase is a non-gendered term where Mai means I; bilqul means totally or completely, and theek means alright or fine.
6: Main ___ se ayi hu. – I am from _____ (country).
People in Pakistan will be incredibly interested in you and want to know where you are from. 'Ap kahan se hu?', which translates to 'where are you from?', is a question that is frequently asked, thus you should know how to respond. You will say this in response. People will be quite welcoming to you once they learn that you are from a different nation. This sentence can also be used to introduce yourself to a stranger.
Essentials
7: Shukeriya – Thank you
This term is straightforward and concise, and it can be employed in all social situations throughout the nation's broad cultural terrain. Locals from towns where only a local dialect is spoken will be familiar with this word.
8: Han/Nahi – Yes/No
As simple as it can get.
9: Theek Hai – Okay
Pakistanis frequently end their sentences with this word, which is used frequently in Pakistan. For instance, "Hmm Theek hai." 'Theek' or 'Han theek hai' are both acceptable.
10: Muje _____ jana hai. – I want to go to______ (place).
By using this expression, you can ask someone for instructions and they will provide them in return.
11: Aapko English ati hai? – Do you know English?
Ask if they speak English before you spend all your energy trying to interact with them in Urdu in challenging circumstances. Due to the nation's colonial background, many urban residents and white-collar workers are quite fluent in English. Due to the tourism in that region, you will also be able to converse with some people, such as guest house proprietors, even in remote towns and villages.
12: Maaf kijeah – Pardon me/Excuse me/Sorry
Use this phrase if you need to ask someone to repeat yourself, if you need to be excused from a formal meeting, or if your phone should not have rung during a time of prayer.
13: Khuda Hafiz – Goodbye
Although the original translation of this phrase is "May God be your protector," it is more frequently used as a farewell greeting in Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, and India. As a result, it resembles saying goodbye. The word "Khuda Hafiz" is a mix of the Arabic word "Hifz," which means protection, and the Persian word "Khoda," which means God.
14: Shabba Khair – May the night pass well/Good Night
While khair translates to good, shab in Urdu means darkness. Along with "Khuda Hafiz," people in Pakistan usually use this term to bid someone farewell at night, albeit mostly in formal contexts.
15: Ap se mil ker khushi huwi. – I am pleased to meet you.
This expression can be used to say that it was nice to meet a new friend, colleague, or complete stranger.
16: Meri madad Karien. – Help me.
However, unlike in English, where one can simply yell "Help," you cannot use the word "Madad" by itself in Urdu. As a result, it is translated into English as "assist."
17: Iss ki Keemat kitni hai? – How much is this?
Many neighbourhood stores don't list the cost of their goods, whether they be fabrics, jewellery, or everyday items. This query will undoubtedly be helpful.
18: Bhot mazaydar – Very tasty
You can use the word mazaydar, which means tasty, or you can add the preposition bhot to emphasise how good something is when you eat it or drink it. 'Khana kesa laga?' or 'How did you find the food?' is a question you could get asked by the person who prepared the meal when you are eating in their home. Therefore, you can respond, "Bhot mazaydar."
Impressing Locals
19: Ek karak Chai hojaey. – Let’s have a cup of strong Chai (Milk Tea).
In Pakistan, no one will ever refuse a cup of tea. Pakistanis like chai, so if you show an interest in their national brew, they'll adore you. The natives enjoy drinking chai at various hours of the day, sometimes for good reason and sometimes for no reason at all.
20: Zaberdast – Excellent!
Zaberdast is a powerful complement that can be used to describe anything, including cuisine, service, your health, an occasion, or time spent in a foreign nation. Even though it's one of the longer terms, it's bursting with zeal and zest.
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