When traveling or living in Maharashtra, it’s essential to have some basic Marathi vocabulary at your disposal, especially when it comes to shopping. Marathi, being the official language of the state, is widely used in markets, malls, and street shops. Understanding and using some common Marathi phrases can enhance your shopping experience, help you negotiate better prices, and even bond with local sellers. This article covers must-know Marathi words for shopping, complete with practical phrases to use in different shopping scenarios.

Greetings and Basic Etiquette

Before diving into specific shopping vocabulary, let’s start with basic greetings and etiquette. Greeting the shopkeeper can set a friendly tone for your interaction.

– Namaskar (नमस्कार) – Hello
– Aaple swagat aahe (आपले स्वागत आहे) – You’re welcome here
– Kasa kay (कसा काय?) – How are you? (when addressing a male)
– Kashi kay (कशी काय?) – How are you? (when addressing a female)

Asking for the Price

One of the most important phrases to know when shopping is how to ask the price of items. Here are a few ways to inquire:

– He kiti aahe? (हे किती आहे?) – How much is this?
– Te kiti aahet? (ते किती आहेत?) – How much are these?
– Ya vastu chi kimat kiti aahe? (या वस्तूची किंमत किती आहे?) – What is the price of this item?

Negotiating the Price

Bargaining is quite common in Indian markets. Here are some phrases that can help you negotiate a better deal:

– Kaahi sutti milu shakel ka? (काही सुट्टी मिळू शकेल का?) – Can I get some discount?
– Thoda kami karal ka? (थोडं कमी कराल का?) – Can you reduce the price a bit?
– Krupaya kami kara (कृपया कमी करा) – Please reduce the price.

Types of Shops and Markets

Knowing the names of different types of shops can help you find what you’re looking for more easily.

– Dukan (दुकान) – Shop
– Bajar (बाजार) – Market
– Kirana dukan (किराणा दुकान) – Grocery store
– Kapadache dukan (कपडाचे दुकान) – Clothing store

Common Items in Shopping

When shopping, it’s useful to know the names of common items you might want to buy.

– Vastu (वस्तू) – Item
– Kapde (कपडे) – Clothes
– Phal (फळ) – Fruits
– Bhaji (भाजी) – Vegetables
– Doodh (दूध) – Milk

Payment and Money-Related Phrases

Finally, understanding how to discuss prices and payments is crucial.

– Paise (पैसे) – Money
– Bill kiti zala? (बिल किती झालं?) – How much is the bill?
– Cheque ne deu shakto ka? (चेक ने देऊ शकतो का?) – Can I pay by cheque?
– Credit card swikarla jaate ka? (क्रेडिट कार्ड स्वीकारलं जातं का?) – Do you accept credit cards?

Conclusion

Equipped with these basic Marathi phrases, you can navigate any shopping situation with greater ease and confidence. Remember, practice is key to mastering a new language, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases during your shopping trips in Maharashtra. Engaging with locals in their native language can enrich your experience and even earn you some friendly smiles and perhaps better deals.