Visiting Odisha? Here are some useful phrases in Odia language

Visiting Odisha? Here are some useful phrases in the Odia language

Whenever you visit a new state, the first problem that you encounter is the language barrier. Trying to survive in a foreign land without knowing the local language is difficult. It is therefore imperative to memorize or keep a small note of the common phrases in the native language of the place you are visiting. The same holds true for Odisha tourists also. The land of temples and tribes, Odisha is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Odia is the official language spoken by the majority of the population. If you are planning to visit Odisha for whatever reason, and are concerned about not knowing the Odia language, then don’t worry! Here we come up with some useful phrases that will help you get along well with the locals.

Welcome!

Odia translation -  Swāgata

 

Hello! (General greeting)

Odia translation -  Namaskāra (both formal and informal)

 

What’s your name?

Odia translation - Āpananka nāma (naa) kana? (formal)

                             Tumar nāma (naa) kana? (informal)

 

My name is Richa

Odia translation - Mora nāma Richa or mo naa Richa

 

How are you?

Odia translation – Āpana kipari achanti? (formal)

                             Kemiti achanti? (informal)

 

Where are you from?

Odia translation - Āpana keuṭāru āsichanti?

 

I am from Odisha

Odia translation – Mu Odisha ru aashichi

 

Pleased to meet you!

Odia translation - Āpananku bhēti bhala lāgilā

 

Where is this place?

Odia translation - ehi sthāna keunthi achi?

 

I don’t know

Odia translation – Mu jāni nāhi?

 

Do you speak English or Hindi?

Odia translation – Āpana English au Hindi kuhanti ki?

 

Do you speak Odia?

Odia translation – Āpana Odia kuhanti ki?

 

Yes, a little! (Reply to ‘do you speak Odia?’)

Odia translation – Ha! Tikke tikke!

 

How much is this?

Odia translation – Eita kete tanka?

 

Did you have your lunch?

Odia translation – Khāila ki?

 

Thank you!

Odia translation – Dhanyabād

Finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, the Odia people are down-to-earth. With humble and open arms, the state welcomes any guest as its own. Humane, kind, and helpful - you may not speak the same language but you are sure to feel at home.

Cover image: Sand Art by Sudarshan Patnaik. The art depicts the chakra of the Sun Temple at Konark, the face of an Odissi dancer and that of an Odia tribal lady.