So here’s the thing—I grew up hearing Marathi at home, mostly from my parents and sometimes during video calls with Aajee and Aazobaa. But it wasn’t until I actually landed in India that I realized… oh wow, this is a whole different game.
At first, everyone seemed to talk so fast! Even when they spoke English, it was way more deliberate. Every word was clear, but also slower and more pronounced. I quickly learned: speak slowly. People take time to understand you, and you need a second to get used to their accent too. Especially because in Marathi, the last syllable of every word is really emphasized. You’ll hear it.
Also, don’t be surprised if people seem awkward talking to you. It’s not just you feeling a little out of place—they’re not sure what to say either. But don’t worry, I figured out some super easy ways to get through those moments without feeling too lost.
When You Meet Extended Family or Neighbours
Sometimes you’ll meet people who don’t already know you. That’s when you’ll hear: “Toozhaa naav kaay aahey?”
Just say: “Mazhaa naav [Your Name] aahey.”
When They Ask About School
And this is where it gets a bit funny. They’ll ask: “Kitveet aahes?”
Now, if you say: “I’m in 9th grade,” they might look a little confused. Why? Because in India, they say “standard,” not “grade.”
So, it’s better to say: “Mee ___ standard madhey aahey.”
If you’re in university or beyond, say: “Mee College madhey aahey” or: “Mee Engineering/ Medicine/ Law/ Arts karto aahey” (for boys) or “kartey aahey” (for girls).
When They Say “You’ve Grown So Much!”
Ah yes. That formal line you’ll definitely hear: “Kittee motthaa zhala aahes” (for boys) or “Kittee motthee zhaalee aaheys” (for girls)
It’s just something people say—no need to reply in full. You can just smile. If you really want to say something, say: “Aapan khoop varsh-uh bheytlo-ch naahee.”
When You’re Not Sure What to Say
This is my favourite list. Sometimes conversations are too quick or you just need to say something—this will help:
- Ho kaa? – Really!?
- Kharach? – Seriously?
- Ho – Yes
- Bar-uh – Okay
- Nako – Don’t want
- Nahee – No
- Maheet Naahee – I don’t know
- Kaay Maheet – Who knows / May be / Not sure
- Baghuyaat – Let’s see
When You Want Something
It’s super easy. Just say: “… hav-uh aahey.”
- “Paani hav-uh aahey” – I want water
When It’s Time to Leave
You can:
- Bow down for a Namaskaar, or join your hands in to a Namaste (yup, that’s a Hindi word, but still okay)
- Say: Bhetuyaat – Let’s meet again
- Or: Yaa Amerikela / London la – Come visit us! (It’s just a courtesy line)
Final Thoughts from Someone Just Like You
Honestly, it’s okay to feel awkward. People around you are probably unsure too. But with a smile, a few of these phrases, and by speaking slowly, you’ll feel right at home in no time.
So, if you’re heading to India and wondering how to survive those family get-togethers, this little Marathi cheat sheet is all you need.
Bhetuyaat!