नमस्ते

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 Hindi 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Interjection 1.4 Usage notes 1.5 References 2 Sanskrit 2.1 Interjection

[edit] Hindi

[edit] Etymology

From Sanskrit नमस् (námas), “‘bow, obeisance, reverential salutation’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /nəməste/

[edit] Interjection

नमस्ते (namaste)

1. A greeting used for most purposes including hello, good morning/afternoon, and goodbye

[edit] Usage notes

नमस्ते is a secular greeting but it can also be seen by some as a Hindu greeting. Sikh speakers in formal situations may prefer to use सत श्री अकाल (sat shrī akāl) when greeting other Sikhs, and Muslim speakers may prefer सलाम अलैकुम (salām alaikum) when greeting other Muslims. It is often considered gracious to greet someone in their religion's greeting.

In modern Hindi urban usage, the English hi and hello are also common.

[edit] References

• McGregor, R.S, ed. The Oxford Hindi-English Dictionary, Oxford university press. 1993

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[edit] Sanskrit

[edit] Interjection

नमस्ते (namaste)

1. hello