It is very important for a language to constantly evolve, and to survive it often borrows a word from other languages. Hindi too is no exception. Here we come up with a few words that are an integral part of our daily conversation in Hindi but are loanwords (Words borrowed from other languages) …
- Chai (tea) – Chai and Parle-G have been staples for many Indians when it comes to breakfast, right? They all must be amazed to see this word on the list! But Chai is not a Hindi origin word. It was derived from ‘cha’, the Chinese word for tea.
- Akhbaar (newspaper) – Aaj ki Taaza Khabar anyone? Reading Newspapers is a morning ritual in almost every Indian household. It is known as ‘Akhbaar’ in Hindi. But very few people know that it is not a Hindi word either. It has its origin in the Arabic language.
- Almari (wardrobe) – Let's admit! We all have that one special museum-worthy Almari in our house! Almari or Almyra is also a loanword borrowed from the Portuguese word ‘Almario
- Taarikh (date) – Remember, Sunny Paaji’s (Punjabi word for brother) famous dialogue ‘taarikh pe taarikh’ which achieved legendary status in Hindi Cinema? But what if you get to know that taarikh is not a Hindi word? Yes!! It has its origin in the Arabic language and is widely used in Persian, Urdu, and Turkic languages.
- Hafta (week) – Hafta is the Persian word for the week and is widely used in Hindi.
- Rickshaa (rickshaw) – It is the most popular and economic mode of transport in India. But, this too, originates from the Japanese word ‘JINRIKISHA’ (jin-human, Riki-power, sha-vehicle) means human-powered vehicle.
- Taaza (fresh) – From Taaza Brooke bond to Amul Taaza, How often do we use this adjective from dawn to dusk. It is derived from the word ‘Taze’, the Persian word for fresh.
So now when you know this, don’t keep it with yourself. Share with your friends, flaunt your knowledge and steal the limelight!!!
