Urdu for Travelers: Essential Words and Phrases for Your Trip

Urdu makes your trip to Pakistan unforgettable! Say “shukriya” instead of just nodding to connect with locals and show cultural love. Urdupro.info has your back!

Story Time: I tried ordering “chicken” in Islamabad but got chickpeas. Lesson learned: a few Urdu words save the day!

1. Salaam (سلام) – Hello

English: Hello – a friendly greeting.
Urdu: Salaam (سلام, pronounced “salaam”).
Example: “Hello, how are you?” → “سلام، آپ کیسے ہیں؟” (Aap kaise hain?)
Tip: Use for shopkeepers or locals. Hear it on Urdupro.info.

2. Shukriya (شکریہ) – Thank You

English: Thank you – for gratitude.
Urdu: Shukriya (شکریہ, pronounced “shuk-riya”).
Example: “Thank you for the food!” → “کھانے کے لیے شکریہ!” (Khane ke liye shukriya!)
Tip: Smile and say after buying or help. Check Urdupro.info.

3. Kitna? (کتنہ؟) – How Much?

English: How much? – for prices.
Urdu: Kitna? (کتنہ؟, pronounced “kit-na”).
Example: “How much is this shirt?” → “یہ شرٹ کتنہ ہے؟” (Yeh shirt kitna hai?)
Tip: Perfect for markets. Use Urdupro.info’s converter for script.

4. Kahan? (کہاں؟) – Where?

English: Where? – for finding places.
Urdu: Kahan? (کہاں؟, pronounced “ka-haan”).
Example: “Where is the station?” → “اسٹیشن کہاں ہے؟” (Station kahan hai?)
Tip: Use when lost. Check pronunciation on Urdupro.info.

5. Khana (کھانا) – Food

English: Food – for meals.
Urdu: Khana (کھانا, pronounced “kha-na”).
Example: “Is the food spicy?” → “کھانا مصالحہ دار ہے؟” (Khana masala daar hai?)
Tip: Learn “biryani” (بریانی) for restaurants.

6. Madad (مدد) – Help

English: Help – for assistance.
Urdu: Madad (مدد, pronounced “ma-dad”).
Example: “Please help me!” → “براہ کرم میری مدد کریں!” (Barah karam meri madad karein!)
Tip: Use at stations. Practice with Urdupro.info’s quizzes.

7. Theek Hai (ٹھیک ہے) – Okay

English: Okay – for agreeing.
Urdu: Theek Hai (ٹھیک ہے, pronounced “theek-hai”).
Example: “Is this okay?” → “یہ ٹھیک ہے؟” (Yeh theek hai?)
Tip: Super versatile!

8. Jaldi (جلدی) – Hurry

English: Hurry – for rushing.
Urdu: Jaldi (جلدی, pronounced “jal-di”).
Example: “Hurry, the bus is leaving!” → “جلدی کرو، بس جا رہی ہے!” (Jaldi karo, bus ja rahi hai!)
Tip: Great for taxis or trains.

9. Paani (پانی) – Water

English: Water – for hydration.
Urdu: Paani (پانی, pronounced “paa-ni”).
Example: “Can I have water?” → “کیا مجھے پانی مل سکتا ہے؟” (Kya mujhe paani mil sakta hai?)
Tip: Must-know for restaurants.

10. Naam (نام) – Name

English: Name – for introductions.
Urdu: Naam (نام, pronounced “naam”).
Example: “What’s your name?” → “آپ کا نام کیا ہے؟” (Aap ka naam kya hai?)
Tip: Use to make friends!

Urdu Phrase	English Translation	Pronunciation	When to Use
Salaam (سلام)	Hello	Salaam	Greeting people
Shukriya (شکریہ)	Thank you	Shuk-riya	Showing gratitude
Kitna? (کتنہ؟)	How much?	Kit-na	Asking prices in markets
Kahan? (کہاں؟)	Where?	Ka-haan	Finding places
Khana (کھانا)	Food	Kha-na	Ordering meals

• Start Small: Learn “salaam” and “shukriya” first.
• Use urdupro.info: Check words and script with their dictionary or converter.
• Practice Pronunciation: Say “shukriya” (shuk-riya). Use Urdupro.info’s audio.
• Be Brave: Locals love when you try, even if you mess up.
• Mix with English: Say “Salaam, can you help?” for a natural vibe.

Story Time: In Lahore, I said “Kya hai?” instead of “Kitna?” for a shawl. The vendor laughed, but we bonded, and I got a discount!

Urdu connects you to locals, from saying “shukriya” to a waiter to “jaldi” in a rickshaw. It’s like a cultural hug that makes your trip unforgettable!