How to Speak Hindi Comfortably with Indian In-Laws
- Namastey Hindi
- Dec 8
- 3 min read
Meeting your Indian in-laws can feel exciting… and a little nerve-wracking too! But don’t worry, you don’t need perfect grammar or fancy words to connect with them.
With a few simple Hindi phrases, cultural tips, and a friendly attitude, you can have real, meaningful conversations . Think of this as your little guide to chatting with your in-laws like a pro… and having fun while doing it!
1. Start with a Friendly Greeting
A warm hello goes a long way. Simple greetings like:
Namaste : a respectful and friendly hello
Aap kaise hain? : How are you?
(aap: you , kaise: how)
Pair your greeting with a smile and a gentle nod :) it’s a small gesture that instantly makes you feel polite.
2. Use Simple Everyday Phrases
You don’t need long sentences to start with. These little phrases work wonders:
English | Hindi | Pronunciation |
Thank you | Dhanyavaad | dhan-ya-vaad |
Sorry / Excuse me | Maaf kijiye | maaf ki-ji-ye |
I don’t understand | Mujhe samajh nahi aaya | mu-jhe sa-majh na-heen aa-ya |
Can you repeat that? | Kya aap repeat kar sakte hain? | kya aap repeat kar sa-kte hain? |
One blunder that I have noticed is that Hindi Learners stress about perfection. Don’t stress about perfect pronunciation or perfect Hindi, your effort counts more than perfection. If you keep thinking about perfection, you won't be able to allow yourself to speak.
3. Show Respect with Your Words when you speak Hindi with Indian in-laws
I love this about Hindi Language that it has certain nuances which show how respectfully or politely you are speaking. A few simple adjustments make a big difference:
Use Aap for “you” instead of casual tu / tum.
Add Ji at the end of sentences: “Aap kaise hain, ji?” ( how are you )
Politeness goes a long way and makes conversations much smoother
4. Ask About Family & Interests while talking in Hindi with Indian in-laws & relatives
We love sharing stories about our family and friends. Friendly questions like:
Ghar mein sab kaise hain ? – How is everyone in home ?
Aapko kya pasand hai? – What do you like?
Aapke bachche kaise hain? – How are your children?
Asking questions in the middle of small talk conversations is helpful, it goes a long way in showing your
interest when you meet a new relative.
5. Build Confidence Step by Step
Here’s how to feel more comfortable:
Practice daily, even 5 minutes helps
Use Roman letters if Hindi script feels intimidating
Embrace mistakes, it's okay. Your effort counts
Remember, every conversation is a step forward.
Speaking Hindi with your in-laws doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with friendly greetings, simple phrases, and a respectful attitude. With a little practice, conversations will flow naturally, and you’ll enjoy them too!
If you’d like a step-by-step guide with phrases, examples, and role plays, check out my “Speaking Hindi with Indian In-Laws” course. It’s practical, fun, and designed to make you confident , just like having a friendly coach by your side.
Its self paced course so you can learn hindi anytime, anywhere.
By Ekta Rawat
Hi, I’m Ekta , the creator of Namastey Hindi. I help people learn real-life practical Hindi so they can connect more confidently with their Indian partners, in-laws, and relatives or friends.
I hold an MA in Hindi, but more importantly, I love making the language feel simple, friendly, and stress-free. Over the years, I’ve taught learners from all over the world who felt nervous about family conversations, and watching them speak even a few lines of Hindi with a big smile is my favourite part of this journey.
I keep Hindi practical and full of heart.If you ever want personalised guidance, I’d love to help you
Comments