Chapter 2: Building Basic Vocabulary of Marathi:Proven Methods, List of Words, Tips, Tricks and Strategies
- Namaskar/Namaste: (नमस्कार/नमस्ते) - Hello/Hi.
- Kasa Ahes? (कसा आहेस?) - How are you? (informal).
- Kase Ahat? (कसे आहात?) - How are you? (formal).
- Mi thik aahe: (मी ठीक आहे) - I'm fine.
- Tumcha naav kay aahe? (तुमच्या नाव काय आहे?) - What is your name?.
- Mazaa naav [your name] aahe: (माझं नाव [तुमचं नाव] आहे) - My name is [your name].
- Ho: (हो) - Yes.
- Naahi/Nakko: (नाही/नको) - No.
- Dhanyawad: (धन्यवाद) - Thank you.
- Krupa Kara: (कृपा करा) - Please.
- Maaf Karaa: (माफ करा) - Sorry/Excuse me.
- Mi: (मी) - I.
- Tu/Tumhi: (तू/तुम्ही) - You (informal/formal).
- Aamhi: (आम्ही) - We.
- Naav: (नाव) - Name.
- Kay: (काय) - What.
- Kuthe: (कुठे) - Where.
- Kiti: (किती) - How much.
- Thik aahe: (ठीक आहे) - Okay.
- Chaan: (छान) - Good.
- Vait: (वाईट) - Bad.
- Aai: (आई) - Mother.
- Baba: (बाबा) - Father.
- Aaji: (आजी) - Grandmother.
- Ajoba: (आजोबा) - Grandfather.
- Dada: (दादा) - Elder brother.
- Tai: (ताई) - Elder sister.
- Mitra: (मित्र) - Friend.
- Basa: (बसा) - Sit.
- Thamba: (थांबा) - Stop.
- Pudhe Chala: (पुढे चला) - Move forward.
- Jeavan: (जेवण) - Food.
- Jalala: (जेवण झालं) - Had food.
- Start with the basics: Focus on the most common words and phrases.
- Listen and repeat: Listen to Marathi speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation.
- Use flashcards: Create flashcards with Marathi words and their English translations.
- Practice with native speakers: If possible, practice speaking with native Marathi speakers.
- Use language learning apps: There are many apps available that can help you learn Marathi.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language. Just keep practicing and you will improve.
- Immerse yourself: Try to immerse yourself in the Marathi language and culture as much as possible. Watch Marathi movies, listen to Marathi music, and read Marathi books.
2.1 Introduction
Vocabulary forms the bedrock of any language learning journey. Without words, communication is impossible. For beginners in Marathi, acquiring a basic vocabulary is a critical step toward understanding, speaking, and thinking in the language. This chapter provides tried-and-tested methods, core vocabulary lists, and actionable tips and strategies to build and retain Marathi vocabulary efficiently.
2.2 Proven Methods to Build Marathi Vocabulary
1. Thematic Learning
Learning vocabulary by themes—such as numbers, colors, greetings, family, or food—helps learners retain words in meaningful contexts.
Example: Learn all household item names together rather than random words.
2. Flashcards (Physical & Digital)
Use flashcards with the Marathi word on one side and the English meaning on the other. Apps like Anki or Quizlet support Marathi scripts.
मराठी: कुत्रा
English: Dog
3. Picture Association
Associate images with Marathi words to strengthen recall through visual memory.
Image of an apple + “सफरचंद”
4. Repetition with Spaced Practice
Revisit vocabulary at increasing intervals (1 day, 3 days, 1 week) for better long-term retention using the Spaced Repetition System (SRS).
5. Language Immersion
Surround yourself with Marathi through:
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Watching Marathi TV shows or YouTube
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Listening to Marathi songs or audiobooks
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Reading children’s books or short poems in Marathi
6. Word of the Day
Make it a habit to learn and use one new Marathi word each day in conversation or writing.
7. Root Word Techniques
Recognize root words to understand derivations and related terms.
Ex: “शब्द” (word) → “शब्दकोश” (dictionary), “शब्दसंग्रह” (vocabulary)
2.3 Basic Vocabulary List by Category
A. Greetings and Common Phrases
| Marathi | English |
|---|---|
| नमस्कार (namaskār) | Hello / Greetings |
| धन्यवाद (dhanyavād) | Thank you |
| कृपया (krupyā) | Please |
| माफ करा (māf karā) | Sorry |
| हो (ho) | Yes |
| नाही (nāhī) | No |
| कसं आहेस? (kasṁ ahes?) | How are you? |
| बरं आहे (baraṁ āhe) | I am fine |
B. Numbers
| Marathi | English |
|---|---|
| एक (ek) | One |
| दोन (don) | Two |
| तीन (tīn) | Three |
| चार (chār) | Four |
| पाच (pāch) | Five |
C. Colors
| Marathi | English |
|---|---|
| लाल (lāl) | Red |
| निळा (niḷā) | Blue |
| हिरवा (hirvā) | Green |
| पांढरा (pāṇḍhrā) | White |
| काळा (kāḷā) | Black |
D. Days of the Week
| Marathi | English |
|---|---|
| सोमवार (somvār) | Monday |
| मंगळवार (maṅgaḷvār) | Tuesday |
| बुधवार (budhvār) | Wednesday |
| गुरुवार (guruvār) | Thursday |
| शुक्रवार (śukravār) | Friday |
| शनिवार (śanivār) | Saturday |
| रविवार (ravivār) | Sunday |
E. Family & Relations
| Marathi | English |
|---|---|
| आई (āī) | Mother |
| वडील (vaḍīl) | Father |
| भाऊ (bhāū) | Brother |
| बहीण (bahīṇ) | Sister |
| आजी (ājī) | Grandmother |
| आजोबा (ājobā) | Grandfather |
2.4 Tips and Tricks for Vocabulary Retention
✅ Use New Words in Sentences
Don’t just memorize. Use the word in a sentence:
Ex: माझं आवडतं फळ सफरचंद आहे. (My favorite fruit is apple.)
✅ Labeling Your Environment
Stick notes on household items with Marathi names to build subconscious recall.
TV – दूरदर्शन; Mirror – आरसा
✅ Speak with Native Speakers
Regular conversation—even short exchanges—boosts vocabulary use in real-world settings.
✅ Maintain a Vocabulary Journal
Write down new words, meanings, pronunciation, and example sentences.
✅ Create Mnemonics
Make memorable phrases or rhymes that associate the Marathi word with its English equivalent.
2.5 Fun Strategies to Learn More Words
🎲 Word Games
Play games like “guess the object in Marathi,” crossword puzzles, or word matching.
🎵 Songs and Rhymes
Children’s rhymes and songs help you retain rhythm and words in a fun way.
📱 Apps & Tools
Some effective tools for Marathi vocabulary:
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Duolingo (Marathi module)
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HelloTalk (talk to native speakers)
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Anki decks (custom flashcards)
2.6 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Tip to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Memorizing without context | Use in practical sentences |
| Ignoring pronunciation | Practice with audio/video resources |
| Learning only nouns | Include verbs, adjectives, adverbs |
| Translating word-by-word | Focus on meaning and usage instead |
2.7 Recap and Practice Exercise
Quick Recap:
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Start with thematic vocabulary.
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Use spaced repetition and real-life immersion.
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Maintain a consistent practice habit.
Practice Activity: Match the Marathi with English
| Marathi | English |
|---|---|
| सफरचंद | a) Mirror |
| आरसा | b) Apple |
| आई | c) Mother |
| काळा | d) Black |
| नमस्कार | e) Greetings |
Answers: 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d, 5-e
2.8 Conclusion
Learning Marathi vocabulary is both rewarding and empowering. By starting with core themes and using techniques like immersion, repetition, and practical usage, you will steadily expand your vocabulary. Remember—consistency and curiosity are your best allies in mastering Marathi words.
2.9 Suggested Vocabulary Expansion Activities
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Start a Marathi-only diary using 3-5 new words per day.
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Watch a Marathi movie with subtitles—note new vocabulary.
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Try ordering food or asking for directions in Marathi during local visits.
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