(Disclaimer: this is based on knowledge gained in my whopping 3 weeks of Delhi life/Hindi training)
"Sharpen your elbows." I think this is the best and most useful phrase I have heard in Delhi, perhaps aside from the Hindi phrase "Thik bolo!" (which I will explain later). India is roughly a third of the size of the United States. It is home to well over a billion people (and climbing). Delhi is its capital. Suffice it to say, its crowded here. People cut in lines. Metro doors open and close quickly. Sidewalks are clogged, when they exist at all. Sharpen your elbows, 'nough said.
"Kitne?" (kit-nay) It means, "how much?" Always ask. Everyone. About everything. I sat down next to a snake charmer for a touristy photo shoot only to have him growl in my ear "200 rupee" when I got up. As if the snake hadn't terrified me enough. I repeat. Ask. Everyone. Everywhere.
on that note, I have to get my 200 rupees worth...
As promised, "Thik bolo." (Teek bow-low) This Hindi phrase literally translates to something along the lines of "speak right." It is also my most used phrase in Delhi. Please do not think I am a rude, brash American telling all of the Hindi-speakers to speak right. It is a term used, most often with taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers. (auto-rickshaws are funny little cars that look like this)...
Every. Single. Driver. is looking to (for lack of a better word) screw you. Be warned. A rickshaw ride that should cost 60 rupees will be quoted at 150 by the drivers, and their meter is mysteriously broken! Thik bolo is a stern way of saying, "give me the right price." Still, haggle as MUCH as you can. If they say 200, you say 100. Take at least 50% off everything. If they don't like it, they will drive away, or the meter starts miraculously working. This is a helpful phrase outside of the commuter world too. Shopkeepers will also respond positively to your attempt at Hindi and maybe (maybe) give you a better deal. Regardless, you are going to overpay at first. Try not to get too worked up.
if you do get worked up...
"Bop rey bop!" Okay, I'm not sure how useful this one is, but its just fun to say. It means "oh my god!" Its been pretty effective for me in showing frustration as it is somewhat more expressive than its more docile sister "bop rey!"
and last but not least...
"Saf pani," (sahf pahnee) is probably the most necessary phrase for your health. "Clean water." DO NOT drink water that restaurants bring at the beginning of the meal without checking first. Many who make this assumption fall prey to Delhi Belly, which is MUCH more offensive than its adorable name would connote. Again, be warned.
Armed with these few useful phrases you can now semi-navigate a crowd, semi-convince a rickshaw driver that you know what you are doing (even if you don't), semi-express the overwhelming frustration that will catch up to you, and be semi-sure about the safety of your food. As for the absolutes, I hate to break it to you but for me, is becoming increasingly clear I am in the land of the semi. There are no absolutes.
"Sharpen your elbows." I think this is the best and most useful phrase I have heard in Delhi, perhaps aside from the Hindi phrase "Thik bolo!" (which I will explain later). India is roughly a third of the size of the United States. It is home to well over a billion people (and climbing). Delhi is its capital. Suffice it to say, its crowded here. People cut in lines. Metro doors open and close quickly. Sidewalks are clogged, when they exist at all. Sharpen your elbows, 'nough said.
"Kitne?" (kit-nay) It means, "how much?" Always ask. Everyone. About everything. I sat down next to a snake charmer for a touristy photo shoot only to have him growl in my ear "200 rupee" when I got up. As if the snake hadn't terrified me enough. I repeat. Ask. Everyone. Everywhere.
on that note, I have to get my 200 rupees worth...
As promised, "Thik bolo." (Teek bow-low) This Hindi phrase literally translates to something along the lines of "speak right." It is also my most used phrase in Delhi. Please do not think I am a rude, brash American telling all of the Hindi-speakers to speak right. It is a term used, most often with taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers. (auto-rickshaws are funny little cars that look like this)...
if you do get worked up...
"Bop rey bop!" Okay, I'm not sure how useful this one is, but its just fun to say. It means "oh my god!" Its been pretty effective for me in showing frustration as it is somewhat more expressive than its more docile sister "bop rey!"
and last but not least...
"Saf pani," (sahf pahnee) is probably the most necessary phrase for your health. "Clean water." DO NOT drink water that restaurants bring at the beginning of the meal without checking first. Many who make this assumption fall prey to Delhi Belly, which is MUCH more offensive than its adorable name would connote. Again, be warned.
Armed with these few useful phrases you can now semi-navigate a crowd, semi-convince a rickshaw driver that you know what you are doing (even if you don't), semi-express the overwhelming frustration that will catch up to you, and be semi-sure about the safety of your food. As for the absolutes, I hate to break it to you but for me, is becoming increasingly clear I am in the land of the semi. There are no absolutes.
sharp post McCamey! I love it! How interesting.. I love your tips and sounds like you've picked up some Hindi phrases..awesome! keep posting away love you
ReplyDeleteMore pictures. More postings. What do people there think about what's happening in Egypt? DLynn
ReplyDeleteGreat Question~! Any reaction from those in India about Egypt?
ReplyDelete