Exploring Udaipur: Essential Local Language Phrases for Travelers
Published on March 18, 2025 • 4 min read
Udaipur, often referred to as the "City of Lakes," is one of Rajasthan's most enchanting destinations. Known for its majestic palaces, serene lakes, and vibrant markets, Udaipur offers a rich cultural experience for travelers. The city's charm is deeply rooted in its Rajput history and the grandeur of structures like the City Palace and Lake Pichola.
Languages Spoken in Udaipur
Udaipur is primarily a Hindi-speaking region, with Rajasthani (Mewari dialect) being widely spoken by the local population. English is commonly understood in tourist areas, making it easier for travelers to communicate.
Most Common Language: Mewari (Rajasthani Dialect)
The predominant local language in Udaipur is Mewari, a dialect of Rajasthani. While Hindi is the official language, Mewari remains the primary mode of communication among locals, especially in rural areas. Below are essential phrases that will help travelers interact with locals and navigate the city more effectively.
Essential Phrases for Travelers
1. Greetings & Basic Politeness
| # | English | Mewari (Rajasthani) | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hello | राम राम (Ram Ram) | Ram Ram |
| 2 | Good morning | सुप्रभात (Suprabhat) | Suprabhat |
| 3 | Good evening | शुभ संध्या (Shubh Sandhya) | Shubh Sandhya |
| 4 | How are you? | केव हलो? (Kev Halo?) | Kev Halo? |
| 5 | I’m fine, thank you | म ठीक हु, धन्यवाद (M thik hu, dhanyavad) | M thik hu, dhanyavad |
| 6 | Goodbye | राम राम (Ram Ram) | Ram Ram |
3. Asking for Directions
| # | English | Mewari (Rajasthani) | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Where is the market? | बजार कहा है? (Bazar kahan hai?) | Bazar kahan hai? |
| 8 | How do I get to the City Palace? | सिटी पैलेस किधर है? (City Palace kidhar hai?) | City Palace kidhar hai? |
| 9 | Is it far from here? | यो यहाँ सा दूर है? (Yo yahan sa door hai?) | Yo yahan sa door hai? |
| 10 | Can you show me on the map? | नक्शे मा देखायो? (Nakshy ma dekhayo?) | Nakshy ma dekhayo? |
| 11 | Which way should I go? | कोणो रस्तो सांचो है? (Kono rasto sancho hai?) | Kono rasto sancho hai? |
4. Starting a Conversation
| # | English | Mewari (Rajasthani) | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | What’s your name? | थारो नाम का है? (Tharo naam ka hai?) | Tharo naam ka hai? |
| 13 | My name is __. | मेरो नाम __ है। (Mero naam __ hai.) | Mero naam __ hai. |
| 14 | Where are you from? | तमे कहाँ सा आया? (Tame kahan sa aaya?) | Tame kahan sa aaya? |
| 15 | I am from [country] | हूँ [country] सा आयो। (Hu [country] sa aayo.) | Hu [country] sa aayo. |
| 16 | Nice to meet you | थांसे मिलके खुशी होई (Thaase milke khushi hoi) | Thaase milke khushi hoi |
5. Ordering Food & Drinks
| # | English | Mewari (Rajasthani) | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | How much does this cost? | ई कोनी भाव के? (Ee koni bhav ke?) | Ee koni bhav ke? |
| 18 | Can you give me a discount? | थोड़ा भाव कम करजो? (Thoda bhav kam karjo?) | Thoda bhav kam karjo? |
| 19 | I want to buy this | म्हारे ई खरीदनो है (Mhare ee kharidno hai) | Mhare ee kharidno hai |
| 20 | Can I pay with a card? | कार्ड सै पेमेंट कर सकूं? (Card sai payment kar sakun?) | Card sai payment kar sakun? |
| 21 | I would like [dish] | म्हारे [dish] जोईए। (Mhare [dish] joie) | Mhare [dish] joie |
| 22 | The food was delicious! | खाणो बहुत स्वादिष्ट होतो! (Khano bahut swadisht hoto!) | Khano bahut swadisht hoto! |
6. Asking for Transportation
| # | English | Mewari (Rajasthani) | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Where can I find a taxi? | टैक्सी कहाँ मिलसी? (Taxi kahan milsi?) | Taxi kahan milsi? |
| 24 | How much is the fare? | भाड़ो केतलो होसी? (Bhado ketlo hosi?) | Bhado ketlo hosi? |
| 25 | Can you take me to the airport? | तमे मने एयरपोर्ट छोड़सी? (Tame mane airport chhodsi?) | Tame mane airport chhodsi? |
| 26 | Is there a bus to [location]? | क्या [location] सै बस जासी? (Kya [location] sai bus jasi?) | Kya [location] sai bus jasi? |
| 27 | How long will it take? | केतलो टेम लागसी? (Ketlo time lagasi?) | Ketlo time lagasi? |
7. Asking for Help
| # | English | Mewari (Rajasthani) | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Help! | मदद करो! (Madad karo!) | Madad karo! |
| 29 | Call the police | पुलिस ने बोलाओ! (Police ne bolao!) | Police ne bolao! |
| 30 | I need a doctor | म्हारे डॉक्टर जोईए (Mhare doctor joie) | Mhare doctor joie |
| 31 | Where is the nearest hospital? | नजीक री अस्पताल किधर है? (Najik ri aspatal kidhar hai?) | Najik ri aspatal kidhar hai? |
| 32 | My wallet was stolen | मेरो पर्स चोरी हो गयो (Mero purse chori ho gayo) | Mero purse chori ho gayo |
Final Thoughts
Knowing a few phrases in the local language can enhance your experience in Udaipur, helping you connect with locals and immerse yourself in the culture. Whether you're shopping in a bustling bazaar or enjoying a lakeside meal, these phrases will make your trip more enjoyable and rewarding.
Stay tuned for more city-specific travel phrases!
