Greetings and Basics in Marathi
Learn a few high-frequency words first. These unlock polite conversations and make every interaction smoother for beginners. Focus on greeting, thanking, and introducing yourself.
Pronounce vowels clearly and keep sentences short. In Marathi, people appreciate respectful tone and simple, direct phrases.
- Hello — Namaskar (नमस्कार, namaskār)
- Thank you — Dhanyavaad (धन्यवाद, dhanyavād)
- Yes / No — Ho (हो) / Nahi (नाही)
- Please — Krupaya (कृपया, krupayā)
- Sorry/Excuse me — Maaf kara (माफ करा, māf karā)
- My name is ... — Majhā nāv ... āhe (माझं नाव ... आहे)
- What is your name? — Tumchē nāv kāy? (तुमचं नाव काय?)
Numbers and Days
Numbers help at markets, in transport, and when sharing phone numbers. Start with 1–5, then expand. Say them out loud and write them to reinforce memory.
Days of the week are super practical for planning. Practice by saying your schedule out loud: Today, tomorrow, and meetings through the week.
- 1 — Ek (एक)
- 2 — Don (दोन)
- 3 — Tīn (तीन)
- 4 — Chār (चार)
- 5 — Pāch (पाच)
- Monday — Somvār (सोमवार)
- Tuesday — Mangalvār (मंगळवार)
- Wednesday — Budhvār (बुधवार)
- Thursday — Guruvār (गुरुवार)
- Friday — Shukravār (शुक्रवार)
- Saturday — Shanivār (शनिवार)
- Sunday — Ravivār (रविवार)
Useful Beginner Phrases for Daily Life
These short phrases cover shopping, directions, and clarity checks. Keep them handy on a small card or a free PDF note you can open on your phone.
Speak slowly, smile, and listen for familiar words. You’ll pick up patterns through repetition.
- How much is this? — He kiti? (हे किती?)
- Where is the bus/railway station? — Bus/railway station kuthē āhe? (बस/रेल्वे स्टेशन कुठे आहे?)
- I don’t understand — Malā samajat nāhi (मला समजत नाही)
- Please speak slowly — Krupaya hāḷū bolā (कृपया हळू बोला)
- I want water/tea — Malā pānī/chāhā pāhije (मला पाणी/चहा पाहिजे)
- Thank you very much — Khūp dhanyavaad (खूप धन्यवाद)
Pronunciation and Script Tips
Marathi uses Devanagari (same script family as Hindi). You can learn through transliteration at first, but begin recognizing letters early to boost accuracy.
Focus on vowel length and tongue position. Record yourself and compare to native audio to refine your sounds.
- Vowel length matters: a vs ā; i vs ī; u vs ū (ā like in father).
- Retroflex sounds ṭ, ḍ, ṇ: curl tongue slightly back (not like English t/d/n).
- Aspirated pairs (p/ph, t/th, k/kh): a small puff of air in the second sound.
- Start reading: learn two letters a day; write 3 words using each to build muscle memory.
7-Day Mini Study Plan + Resources (Free PDF)
Move from words to real use with a short, focused plan. Print a free PDF checklist (or make your own in a notes app) and tick tasks as you go. Consistency beats long sessions.
Pair this with a beginner book for structure. Many learners work through dialogues, then expand with real-life listening.
- Day 1: Learn greetings and polite words. Record yourself saying Namaskar, Dhanyavaad, Krupaya.
- Day 2: Numbers 1–5 and prices. Role-play buying fruit and asking He kiti?
- Day 3: Days of the week. Say your weekly schedule out loud, from Somvār through Ravivār.
- Day 4: Direction phrases. Practice Kuthē āhe? with maps and common place names.
- Day 5: Pronunciation focus. Drill long vowels and retroflex sounds with short word lists.
- Day 6: Script starter. Learn 5–7 Devanagari letters; read and write 10 simple words.
- Day 7: Review and test. Download or create a free PDF quiz; add 10 new words. Browse a beginner book (sample chapters) to keep momentum.
FAQ
- How long does it take to learn basic Marathi?
- With 15–20 minutes daily, many beginners reach A1 basics in 2–4 weeks: greetings, numbers, days, and simple questions. Keep practicing through short speaking drills.
- Is Marathi hard for English speakers?
- The script is new, but grammar is logical and everyday phrases are straightforward. If you learn through patterns and focus on pronunciation early, it gets easier fast.
- Where can I download a free beginner PDF or book?
- Look for open resources like university language pages, Wikibooks, and public libraries or the Internet Archive for sample chapters. Many courses share free PDF word lists and worksheets. Search for “Marathi beginner PDF download” and check licensing.
- Should I learn the script or use transliteration?
- Do both. Start speaking with transliteration, but begin the Devanagari script in week one. Reading signs and names becomes far easier once you know the letters.
- Which Marathi should I learn first?
- Start with standard Marathi used around Pune/Mumbai and in news media. It’s understood widely and is ideal for a beginner book and course materials.
- How do I type in Marathi on phone or PC?
- Enable a Marathi keyboard in system settings or use transliteration tools (type in English, output in Devanagari). Practice by texting days, numbers, and short phrases.