At first, learning Hindi as an English speaker may seem difficult, but with the correct techniques, it is completely doable. Although Hindi and English have different scripts, structures, and tones, there are a lot of similarities that facilitate communication.
These ten tried-and-true methods for learning Hindi from English are provided by WizMantra’s online Hindi tutors, and they can be used whether you’re getting ready for a trip, a job, or simply want to interact with friends or people who speak Hindi.
1. Don’t worry, just begin with the Devanagari script.
Hindi uses the Devanagari script, which is different from English. Don’t worry about writing flawlessly at first; instead, focus on learning the important letters and their sounds. Concentrate on identifying the spoken sounds of the letters.
💡 Advice: For novice practice, use resources like Google Input Tools or an online Devanagari chart.
2. Look Up Hindi Words That Sound Like English
Hindi contains hundreds of English loanwords, and vice versa. For instance:
“Doctor” → डॉक्टर (Doctor)
“Mobile” → मोबाइल (Mobile)
Confidence is rapidly increased by compiling a small list of these well-known words.
3. Prioritize Daily Vocabulary
Hindi poetry shouldn’t overwhelm you. Start with terms and expressions that are useful:
Salutations: Shukriya (thank you), Namaste (hello)
Family: Bhai (brother) and Maa (mother)
Days of the week, numbers, and simple verbs (eat, sleep, go)
4. For a seamless transition, use transliteration tools
You can type Hindi using English characters thanks to transliteration (for example, “namaste” rather than “नरस्ते”). It’s particularly helpful for beginning English speakers.
Try these tools:
Google Input (Transliteration into Hindi)
Quillpad
Dual-script Hindi learning resources from WizMantra
5. Listen First, Speak Second Develop your Hindi ear before delving into grammar rules:
Watch YouTube videos or listen to Hindi podcasts with English subtitles.
Watch films such as 3 Idiots, Chak De India, and Taare Zameen Par.
Observe the pronunciation and tempo of native speakers.
6. Have Easy Conversations
Every day, begin uttering brief, everyday phrases. Pay attention to:
“Aap kaise ho?” (How are you?)
“Mujhe paani chahiye” means “I need water.”
“Mera naam John hai.” (John is my name.)
Talking aloud helps rewire your brain for a new language, so practice these.
7. Enroll in Live Hindi Speaking Courses
Live communication has a significant impact. Beginner Hindi lessons offered by WizMantra include:
Individual or small-group meetings
Practice translating from English to Hindi
Instantaneous feedback and correction
Check out our course for beginners in Hindi: 👉 Learn Hindi from English
8. Develop a Habit of Using Hindi Flashcards
Use traditional index cards or apps like Quizlet or Anki. Flashcards are useful for:
Retention of vocabulary
Patterns of grammar
Memorization of scripts
9. Don’t be afraid of grammar; learn it in small steps.
Don’t start with grammar books in their entirety. Learn helpful sentence constructions such as:
“Main jaa raha hoon” (I’m leaving)
“Kya aap theek ho?” (Are you alright?)
Rules pertaining to gender, tenses, and verb conjugation will come naturally to you later.
10. Be Reliable, Not Perfect
Learning a language is something you do every day. Momentum is created by even 15 minutes a day. Establish objectives:
Learn five new words every day.
Watch one Hindi video every week.
Attend a class each weekend.
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