Common Maithili Words in Mithila, Bihar – Learn & Share! 🇮🇳
Maithili is the proud language of Mithila region, encompassing parts of Bihar and Nepal. It’s rich in culture and tradition, and knowing some basic Maithili words can make your visit warm and welcoming.
🙏 Greetings & Basics
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Pranam (प्रणाम) – Hello / Respectful Greeting
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Ke haal cha? (के हाल छ?) – How are you?
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Bhala chhi (भल छि) – I am fine
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Haan (हाँ) – Yes
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Na (ना) – No
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Dhanyavaad (धन्यवाद) – Thank you
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Kripaya (कृपया) – Please
🍽️ Everyday Words
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Kha (खा) – Eat
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Paani (पानी) – Water
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Thik chha (ठीक छ) – It’s okay / Fine
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Keti (केती) – How much?
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Ghar (घर) – Home
🛍️ Market & Shopping
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Mol (मोल) – Price
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Sasta (सस्ता) – Cheap
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Thoda (थोड़ा) – Little / Some
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Barka (बरका) – Big
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Chhota (छोटा) – Small
🚶 Directions & Travel
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Dain (दाईन) – Right
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Bain (बाईं) – Left
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Aag (आग) – Forward
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Pichhu (पिछु) – Backward
🙋 Useful Pronouns
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Ham (हम) – I / We (inclusive)
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Tohar (तोहर) – Your
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Se (से) – He/She/That
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Hamra (हमरा) – To me / Mine
Learning these Maithili basics will enrich your cultural experience and help you interact warmly with locals during your Mithila visit.
Common Maithili Words and Phrases for Beginners
Maithili (मैथिली) is one of the oldest and most beautiful languages spoken in India and Nepal. It is the primary language of the Mithila region, covering northern Bihar and parts of Nepal's Madhesh Province. Learning a few everyday Maithili words can help you communicate with native speakers and better understand the rich culture of Mithila.
Basic Greetings
| English | Maithili |
|---|---|
| Hello | प्रणाम |
| Welcome | स्वागत अछि |
| Good Morning | सुप्रभात |
| Good Evening | शुभ संध्या |
| Good Night | शुभ रात्रि |
| Thank You | धन्यवाद |
| Please | कृपया |
| Sorry | माफ करू |
| Yes | हँ |
| No | नहि |
Introducing Yourself
| English | Maithili |
| What is your name? | अहाँक नाम की अछि? |
| My name is... | हमर नाम ... अछि। |
| How are you? | अहाँ केहन छी? |
| I am fine. | हम नीक छी। |
| Nice to meet you. | अहाँ सँ भेटि कऽ खुशी भेल। |
Family Words
| English | Maithili |
| Mother | माय |
| Father | बाबू |
| Brother | भाय |
| Sister | बहिन |
| Son | बेटा |
| Daughter | बेटी |
| Family | परिवार |
Numbers (1–10)
| Number | Maithili |
| 1 | एक |
| 2 | दुइ |
| 3 | तीन |
| 4 | चारि |
| 5 | पाँच |
| 6 | छै |
| 7 | सात |
| 8 | आठ |
| 9 | नौ |
| 10 | दस |
Time and Days
| English | Maithili |
| Today | आइ |
| Tomorrow | काल्हि |
| Yesterday | काल्हि (context determines yesterday/tomorrow) |
| Morning | बिहान |
| Afternoon | दुपहर |
| Evening | साँझ |
| Night | राति |
Food and Drinks
| English | Maithili |
| Water | पानि |
| Food | भोजन |
| Rice | भात |
| Bread (Roti) | रोटी |
| Milk | दूध |
| Tea | चाय |
| Fruit | फल |
| Vegetable | तरकारी |
Common Verbs
| English | Maithili |
| Come | आउ |
| Go | जाउ |
| Sit | बैसू |
| Stand | ठाढ़ होउ |
| Eat | खाउ |
| Drink | पिउ |
| Speak | बाजू |
| Listen | सुनू |
| Read | पढ़ू |
| Write | लिखू |
Useful Everyday Questions
- अहाँ केहन छी? — How are you?
- अहाँ कतय जा रहल छी? — Where are you going?
- ई की अछि? — What is this?
- कतय अछि? — Where is it?
- कतेक? — How much?
- समय कतेक भेल? — What time is it?
- कृपया फेर कहू। — Please say that again.
- हम मैथिली सीखि रहल छी। — I am learning Maithili.
- हम नहि बुझलहुँ। — I did not understand.
Useful Travel Words
| English | Maithili |
| Road | सड़क |
| Bus | बस |
| Train | रेलगाड़ी |
| Taxi | टैक्सी |
| Car | गाड़ी |
| Station | स्टेशन |
| Airport | हवाई अड्डा |
| Hotel | होटल |
| Ticket | टिकट |
Everyday Expressions
- बहुत धन्यवाद। — Thank you very much.
- कोनो बात नहि। — No problem.
- कृपया मदद करू। — Please help me.
- फेर भेट होएत। — See you again.
- शुभ यात्रा। — Have a safe journey.
- भगवान अहाँक भला करथि। — God bless you.
Tips for Learning Maithili
- Practice speaking with native speakers whenever possible.
- Learn 5–10 new words every day.
- Watch Maithili videos and listen to Maithili songs.
- Read simple Maithili stories and newspapers.
- Use new words in daily conversations to improve fluency.
Learning Maithili is a wonderful way to connect with the culture and traditions of Mithila. Even a small vocabulary can make conversations warmer and more meaningful. Keep practicing a little every day, and your confidence will grow steadily.
