Simple words are the basic ones. The ones you hear all the time. Like Kem cho? (that means How are you?). Or Majama (means I’m fine). Or Dhanyavaad (that’s Thank you).
They’re short. They’re friendly. Easy to remember too. You can connect with people fast. No need to worry about grammar.
Basic Greetings
Meeting people? You need greetings first. Here’s what to say:
| Gujarati Word | Meaning | Example |
| Namaste / Namaskar | Hello | Namaste! Kem cho? (Hello! How are you?) |
| Kem cho? | How are you? | Kem cho bhai? (How are you, brother?) |
| Majama | I’m fine | Majama, tame kem cho? (I’m fine, how are you?) |
| Aavjo | Goodbye | Aavjo! Have a nice day! |
| Shubh prabhat | Good morning | Shubh prabhat, maa! (Good morning, mom!) |
| Shubh ratri | Good night | Shubh ratri, beta. (Good night, son.) |
| Dhanyavaad | Thank you | Dhanyavaad tamara madad mate. (Thank you for your help.) |
| Krupaya | Please | Krupaya door bandh karo. (Please close the door.) |
Everyone uses these words. If you mess up? People still love that you tried!
Daily-Use Gujarati Words
Here’s stuff you’ll use every single day:
| Gujarati Word | Meaning | Example |
| Paani | Water | Mane paani aapo. (Give me some water.) |
| Roti | Bread | Roti taiyaar che. (The bread is ready.) |
| Chai | Tea | Tamne chai joiye? (Do you want tea?) |
| Bhai | Brother | Bhai, tame kya jao cho? (Brother, where are you going?) |
| Ben | Sister | Ben, kem cho? (Sister, how are you?) |
| Maa | Mother | Maa gharma che. (Mother is at home.) |
| Pita | Father | Mara pita doctor che. (My father is a doctor.) |
| Dosto | Friend | Maro dosto Ahmedabad ma rahe che. (My friend lives in Ahmedabad.) |
| Khana | Food | Khana taiyaar che. (The food is ready.) |
| Ghar | Home | Mare ghar jaavu che. (I want to go home.) |
You’ll hear these everywhere. At home. At shops. On the street. Basic stuff, you know?
Read More: Take Past Tense
Numbers in Gujarati
Numbers are super handy. Like when you shop. Or travel.
| Number | Gujarati Word | How to Say It |
| 1 | Ek | eyk |
| 2 | Be | bay |
| 3 | Tran | traan |
| 4 | Char | chaar |
| 5 | Paanch | paanch |
| 6 | Chha | chha |
| 7 | Saat | saat |
| 8 | Aath | aath |
| 9 | Nau | now |
| 10 | Das | duss |
Mix these with other words. Like:
- Be rupiya aapo. (Give me two rupees.)
- Tran vaar kaho. (Say it three times.)
See? Easy!
Common Gujarati Words for Emotions
Feelings in Gujarati are simple. But warm. Really warm.
| Gujarati Word | Meaning | Example |
| Anand | Happiness | Mane khub anand thayo. (I felt very happy.) |
| Dukh | Sadness | Mane dukh thayu. (I felt sad.) |
| Prem | Love | Prem badha mate che. (Love is for everyone.) |
| Krodh | Anger | Te krodh ma aavyo. (He got angry.) |
| Bhay | Fear | Mane bhay lage che. (I feel scared.) |
| Shanti | Peace | A jagya ma shanti che. (There is peace in this place.) |
You hear these in songs. In movies. When people talk about feelings.
Food Words You Should Know
Food is huge in Gujarat. Learn these words:
| Gujarati Word | Meaning | Example |
| Dhokla | A soft steamed snack | Mane dhokla bahu game che. (I really like dhokla.) |
| Thepla | Flatbread with spices | Thepla Gujarati breakfast che. (Thepla is a Gujarati breakfast.) |
| Fafda | Crunchy snack | Fafda ane jalebi perfect combo che. (Fafda and jalebi are a perfect combo.) |
| Kadhi | Yogurt curry (it’s like soup) | Kadhi khub tasty che. (Kadhi is very tasty.) |
| Shaak | Veggie curry | Aaj nu shaak su che? (What’s the vegetable today?) |
| Rotli | Flatbread | Rotli ane dal perfect che. (Rotli and lentils go well.) |
| Chhas | Buttermilk | Chhas peene thandak male che. (Drinking buttermilk cools you down.) |
Try these foods.
Words for Everyday Situations
Quick phrases you’ll hear:
| Phrase | Meaning | Use |
| Su che? | What’s up? | Just say hi |
| Na | No | Na, mane nathi joie. (No, I don’t want it.) |
| Haan | Yes | Haan, mane joie. (Yes, I want it.) |
| Chalo | Let’s go | Chalo, nikaliye. (Let’s go.) |
| Ruko | Stop | Thodo ruko! (Wait a bit!) |
| Aapo | Give | Mane ek glass paani aapo. (Give me a glass of water.) |
| Khaao | Eat | Tamne khana joiye? (Do you want to eat?) |
| Piyo | Drink | Chhas piyo! (Drink buttermilk!) |
Learn these. You’ll get what people say. And reply back too!
Polite Words
Gujaratis are nice. Super nice. Being polite matters.
| Gujarati Word | Meaning | Example |
| Krupaya | Please | Krupaya andar aavo. (Please come in.) |
| Dhanyavaad | Thank you | Dhanyavaad tamara madad mate. (Thanks for your help.) |
| Maaf karjo | Sorry / Excuse me | Maaf karjo, mane nathi khabar. (Sorry, I didn’t know.) |
| Swagat che | Welcome | Tamaaru swagat che. (You are welcome.) |
| Aabhar | Thanks (like deep thanks) | Aabhar tamaro. (Thanks to you.) |
Use these anywhere. With anyone. Works great!
Useful Words for Travel
Going to Gujarat? These help you move around:
| Gujarati Word | Meaning | Example |
| Station | Train station | Station kya che? (Where is the station?) |
| Bus stand | Bus stop | Bus stand kya che? |
| Bazaar | Market | Bazaar ma su male che? (What’s available in the market?) |
| Hotel | Place to eat or stay | Hotel kya che? (Where is the hotel?) |
| Pothi | Book | Pothi laavjo. (Bring the book.) |
| Ticket | Ticket | Ticket levaanu che. (I have to buy a ticket.) |
Works in any city. Ahmedabad, Surat, wherever!
Common Gujarati Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Jaavu | To go | Mare school jaavu che. (I have to go to school.) |
| Aavvu | To come | Tame kal aavsho? (Will you come tomorrow?) |
| Khaavu | To eat | Mane mango khaavo che. (I want to eat mango.) |
| Pivvu | To drink | Paani pivvu che. (I need to drink water.) |
| Karvu | To do | Hu kaam karu chu. (I am doing work.) |
| Bolvu | To speak | Te Gujarati bolay che. (He speaks Gujarati.) |
| Suvvu | To sleep | Mane suvvu che. (I want to sleep.) |
Common Gujarati Questions
| Question | Meaning |
| Tamaru naam su che? | What is your name? |
| Tame kya thi cho? | Where are you from? |
| Tame shu karo cho? | What do you do? |
| Tame kem cho? | How are you? |
| Tame khaana lidhu? | Have you eaten? |
| Tame Gujarati bolo cho? | Do you speak Gujarati? |
Great for starting talks or practicing with friends!
Quick Practice Section
Try this! Fill in the blanks:
- ______ (Hello) – Namaste
- ______ (Water) – Paani
- ______ (How are you?) – Kem cho
- ______ (I am fine) – Majama
- ______ (Thank you) – Dhanyavaad
- ______ (Goodbye) – Aavjo
- ______ (Please) – Krupaya
- ______ (Food) – Khana
- ______ (Brother) – Bhai
- ______ (Sister) – Ben
Say them out loud. Helps you remember better!
Learning Gujarati words? It’s the best way to connect with people. You don’t need to be perfect. Just say the words. People will smile. Big smiles!
Start small. Learn hi and bye first. Then family words. Then food. Then numbers. Use them when you talk. You’ll see Gujarati isn’t just words. It’s the heart of the place. The warmth of the people.
So next time you meet someone from Gujarat? Don’t just say “Hi”. Say “Namaste! Kem cho?”