Learning Marathi, one of the major languages spoken in the Indian state of Maharashtra, can be a deeply rewarding experience. Reaching a B2 level, which corresponds to an upper-intermediate proficiency, means you can communicate with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. At this stage, it’s crucial to expand your vocabulary to include more sophisticated and nuanced words and phrases that will enable you to express yourself more precisely and understand more complex texts and conversations.
In this article, we will delve into a selection of Marathi words and phrases that are essential for a B2 level learner. These words span various categories, including everyday expressions, idiomatic phrases, and specialized vocabulary. By the end of this article, you will have a richer vocabulary that will help you navigate different contexts and situations more effectively.
Everyday Expressions
1. **आवड (Aavad)** – This word means “like” or “preference.” For example, “मला सिनेमा आवडतो” (Mala cinema aavadto) translates to “I like movies.”
2. **समस्या (Samasya)** – This means “problem.” For instance, “माझ्याकडे एक समस्या आहे” (Majhyakade ek samasya aahe) means “I have a problem.”
3. **साधारणपणे (Saadhaarana pane)** – This translates to “generally.” For example, “साधारणपणे लोक सकाळी उठतात” (Saadhaarana pane lok sakali uthatat) means “Generally, people wake up in the morning.”
4. **कदाचित (Kadaachit)** – This means “maybe” or “perhaps.” For example, “कदाचित तो येईल” (Kadaachit to yeil) means “Maybe he will come.”
5. **मला वाटते (Mala vaatte)** – This phrase means “I think.” For example, “मला वाटते की आपल्याला जावे लागेल” (Mala vaatte ki aplyala jaave lagel) means “I think we will have to go.”
Idiomatic Phrases
1. **डाव्या हाताचा खेळ (Daavya haataacha khel)** – This idiom literally translates to “game of the left hand,” meaning something very easy. “हे तर माझ्यासाठी डाव्या हाताचा खेळ आहे” (He tar majhyasathi daavya haataacha khel aahe) means “This is very easy for me.”
2. **नाचता येईना अंगण वाकडे (Naachta yeina angan vaakde)** – This means blaming external factors for one’s own shortcomings. Literally, it translates to “Can’t dance, so blaming the courtyard.” “तो नेहमी नाचता येईना अंगण वाकडे करतो” (To nehmi naachta yeina angan vaakde karto) means “He always blames external factors for his own shortcomings.”
3. **पाणी पाणी होणे (Pani pani hone)** – This idiom means to be extremely embarrassed. Literally, “to become water water.” “तिची चूक पकडल्यावर ती पाणी पाणी झाली” (Tichi chook pakadlyavar ti pani pani jhaali) means “She was extremely embarrassed when her mistake was caught.”
4. **सर्वात पुढे (Sarvaat pudhe)** – This means “at the forefront.” For example, “त्याने प्रत्येक स्पर्धेत सर्वात पुढे राहून विजय मिळवला” (Tyane pratyek spardhet sarvaat pudhe rahun vijay milavla) means “He won by being at the forefront in every competition.”
5. **डोक्यावरून पाणी जाणे (Dokyavaroon pani jaane)** – This idiom means something has gone out of control or beyond one’s capacity. Literally, “water going over the head.” “त्याचे काम डोक्यावरून पाणी गेले आहे” (Tyache kaam dokyavaroon pani gele aahe) means “His work has gone out of control.”
Specialized Vocabulary
Business and Economics
1. **व्यवसाय (Vyavasaya)** – This means “business.” “त्याचा व्यवसाय खूप चांगला चालतो” (Tyacha vyavasaya khup changla chalto) means “His business is doing very well.”
2. **गुंतवणूक (Guntavnook)** – This means “investment.” “त्याने नवीन कंपनीत गुंतवणूक केली आहे” (Tyane naveen companyt guntavnook keli aahe) means “He has invested in a new company.”
3. **नफा (Nafa)** – This means “profit.” “या वर्षी कंपनीने खूप नफा कमावला आहे” (Ya varshi companyne khup nafa kamavla aahe) means “The company has made a lot of profit this year.”
4. **तोटा (Tota)** – This means “loss.” “त्याला त्याच्या व्यवसायात मोठा तोटा झाला आहे” (Tyala tyacha vyavasayat motha tota jhala aahe) means “He has incurred a big loss in his business.”
5. **आर्थिक (Aarthik)** – This means “financial.” “आर्थिक समस्या सोडवण्यासाठी त्याने बँकेकडून कर्ज घेतले” (Aarthik samasya sodavnyasathi tyane bankekadun karj ghetle) means “He took a loan from the bank to solve his financial problems.”
Education and Learning
1. **शिक्षण (Shikshan)** – This means “education.” “शिक्षण प्रत्येकासाठी महत्त्वाचे आहे” (Shikshan pratyekasathi mahattvache aahe) means “Education is important for everyone.”
2. **परीक्षा (Pariksha)** – This means “exam.” “तिला तिच्या परीक्षेत चांगले गुण मिळाले” (Tila tichya parikshet changle gun milale) means “She got good marks in her exam.”
3. **वर्ग (Varg)** – This means “class” or “grade.” “तो पाचव्या वर्गात शिकतो” (To paachvya vargat shikto) means “He studies in the fifth grade.”
4. **शिक्षक (Shikshak)** – This means “teacher.” “आमच्या शाळेत खूप चांगले शिक्षक आहेत” (Aamchya shalet khup changle shikshak aahet) means “There are very good teachers in our school.”
5. **विद्यार्थी (Vidyaarthi)** – This means “student.” “तिचा मुलगा खूप हुशार विद्यार्थी आहे” (Ticha mulga khup hushar vidyaarthi aahe) means “Her son is a very smart student.”
Health and Medicine
1. **आरोग्य (Aarogya)** – This means “health.” “तुमचे आरोग्य चांगले ठेवणे महत्त्वाचे आहे” (Tumche aarogya changle thevne mahattvache aahe) means “It is important to keep your health good.”
2. **रोग (Rog)** – This means “disease.” “त्याला गंभीर रोग आहे” (Tyala gambhir rog aahe) means “He has a serious disease.”
3. **उपचार (Upachaar)** – This means “treatment.” “त्याचा उपचार चालू आहे” (Tyacha upachaar chalu aahe) means “His treatment is ongoing.”
4. **डॉक्टर (Doctor)** – This means “doctor.” “तिने डॉक्टरांची भेट घेतली” (Tine doctoranchi bhet ghetli) means “She visited the doctor.”
5. **औषध (Aushadh)** – This means “medicine.” “तिने औषध घेतले” (Tine aushadh ghetle) means “She took the medicine.”
Advanced Verbs
1. **विचार करणे (Vichar karne)** – This means “to consider” or “to think.” “त्याने प्रस्ताव विचार केला आहे” (Tyane prastaav vichar kela aahe) means “He has considered the proposal.”
2. **स्वीकार करणे (Sweekar karne)** – This means “to accept.” “तिने आमंत्रण स्वीकार केले” (Tine aamantran sweekar kele) means “She accepted the invitation.”
3. **विकसित करणे (Viksit karne)** – This means “to develop.” “त्यांनी नवीन तंत्रज्ञान विकसित केले आहे” (Tyanni naveen tantradnyan viksit kele aahe) means “They have developed new technology.”
4. **विचारणे (Vicharane)** – This means “to ask.” “त्याने मला एक प्रश्न विचारला” (Tyane mala ek prashna vicharla) means “He asked me a question.”
5. **नकार देणे (Nakar dene)** – This means “to refuse.” “त्याने आमंत्रण नकार दिले” (Tyane aamantran nakar dile) means “He refused the invitation.”
Advanced Adjectives
1. **गंभीर (Gambhir)** – This means “serious.” “त्याची तब्येत गंभीर आहे” (Tyachi tabyet gambhir aahe) means “His health is serious.”
2. **प्रसिद्ध (Prasiddh)** – This means “famous.” “तिचे नाव खूप प्रसिद्ध आहे” (Tiche naav khup prasiddh aahe) means “Her name is very famous.”
3. **आश्चर्यचकित (Aashcharyachakit)** – This means “surprised.” “तो तिच्या उत्तराने आश्चर्यचकित झाला” (To tichya uttare aashcharyachakit jhala) means “He was surprised by her answer.”
4. **विशाल (Vishal)** – This means “huge” or “vast.” “त्याचे घर विशाल आहे” (Tyache ghar vishal aahe) means “His house is vast.”
5. **सखोल (Sakhol)** – This means “deep” or “profound.” “त्याचा अभ्यास खूप सखोल आहे” (Tyacha abhyas khup sakhol aahe) means “His study is very profound.”
Expressions for Social Interactions
1. **माझ्या मते (Majhya mate)** – This means “in my opinion.” “माझ्या मते हा निर्णय योग्य आहे” (Majhya mate ha nirnay yogya aahe) means “In my opinion, this decision is right.”
2. **तुमच्या मते (Tumchya mate)** – This means “according to you.” “तुमच्या मते काय योग्य आहे?” (Tumchya mate kay yogya aahe?) means “According to you, what is right?”
3. **कृपया (Krupaaya)** – This means “please.” “कृपया मला सांगा” (Krupaaya mala sanga) means “Please tell me.”
4. **धन्यवाद (Dhanyavaad)** – This means “thank you.” “तुमचे आभार मानतो, धन्यवाद” (Tumche aabhaar maanto, dhanyavaad) means “Thank you, I am grateful.”
5. **माझी माफी मागा (Majhi maafi maaga)** – This means “apologize to me.” “त्याने माझी माफी मागितली” (Tyane majhi maafi maagitali) means “He apologized to me.”
Understanding Cultural Nuances
Language learning is not just about memorizing words and grammar rules; it’s also about understanding the cultural context in which the language is used. Marathi is rich in cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and traditional phrases that reflect the ethos of Maharashtra. When you understand these cultural elements, your communication becomes more meaningful and authentic.
For instance, festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali are significant in Maharashtra, and knowing phrases related to these can help you engage more deeply with Marathi speakers. Words like “उत्सव” (Utsav – festival), “प्रसाद” (Prasad – offering), and “मूर्ती” (Murti – idol) are commonly used during such occasions.
Moreover, understanding the hierarchical nature of Marathi society can help you use the appropriate levels of formality and respect in your conversations. For example, using “आपण” (Aapan – formal you) instead of “तु” (Tu – informal you) when speaking with elders or in formal settings.
Conclusion
Reaching a B2 level in Marathi is a commendable achievement. It opens up new avenues for communication, cultural understanding, and personal growth. The words and phrases listed in this article are designed to help you navigate various contexts more effectively and express yourself more fluently. As you continue to practice and immerse yourself in the language, you’ll find that your proficiency will only grow stronger.
Remember, language learning is a journey, not a destination. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to engage with native speakers whenever possible. Good luck on your Marathi learning journey!