How to Teach Your Kids Basic Hindi Words and Phrases

Whether you speak Hindi fluently or just want your child to stay connected to their roots, teaching basic Hindi words and phrases at home is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and it offers children a unique connection to culture, family, and global opportunity.

But how do you actually begin teaching your kids Hindi—especially if they’re young or haven’t been exposed to the language before? Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a teacher or a language expert to get started. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, playful strategies for introducing Hindi vocabulary and phrases to your kids at home.

And if you want to take the next step, we’ll also show you how IndoLingo’s online Hindi classes for kids can support your efforts with personalized, one-on-one instruction.

1. Start with the Most Useful Everyday Words

Begin with simple Hindi words your child can use and recognize in daily life. Start small—just 5 to 10 words per week—and build from there.

Here are great starter categories:

• Greetings: नमस्ते (Namaste), शुभ रात्रि (Good night)
• Family: मम्मी (Mom), पापा (Dad), दादी (Grandma)
• Colors: लाल (Red), पीला (Yellow), नीला (Blue)
• Animals: कुत्ता (Dog), बिल्ली (Cat), हाथी (Elephant)
• Numbers: एक (1), दो (2), तीन (3)

Make sure to say the words aloud often, use them in sentences, and associate them with visual objects around the house.

2. Use Flashcards and Visual Aids

Kids are visual learners, so tools like flashcards, posters, and picture books are incredibly effective. You can buy Hindi flashcards online or make your own with index cards and markers.

Ideas for visual learning:

• Create a "Hindi wall” in your child’s room with pictures and vocabulary words
• Label household objects in Hindi (e.g., दरवाज़ा for door, कुर्सी for chair)
• Use color-coded word charts to introduce new categories like food, animals, or weather

Try reviewing flashcards for just 5–10 minutes a day—it’s short, fun, and builds consistent memory recall.

3. Introduce Short and Simple Hindi Phrases

Once your child is comfortable with basic words, start introducing simple Hindi phrases that they can use in everyday conversation.

Common beginner-friendly phrases include:

• मेरा नाम ____ है (My name is ___)
• मैं ठीक हूँ (I am fine)
• आप कैसे हैं? (How are you?)
• मुझे पानी चाहिए (I want water)
• मुझे हिंदी पसंद है (I like Hindi)

Practice these through repetition, role-playing, or with stuffed animals and dolls. Encourage your child to use them when speaking with you or relatives who understand Hindi.

4. Use Hindi During Daily Routines

Children absorb language best through context and repetition. Use Hindi naturally during your day-to-day activities. Even a few repeated words and phrases can make a big difference over time.

Examples:

• At mealtime: "रोटी लो” (Take the roti), "पानी पियो” (Drink water)
• During play: "गेंद फेंको” (Throw the ball), "चलो खेलते हैं” (Let’s play)
• At bedtime: "गुड नाइट कहो” (Say good night), "सोने का समय है” (Time to sleep)

This kind of immersive exposure builds familiarity and comfort, especially when language is paired with routines your child already knows.

5. Sing Hindi Songs and Rhymes

Music is one of the best ways to teach children a new language. Hindi songs help kids internalize sounds, vocabulary, and sentence patterns without realizing they’re learning.

Try:

• Classic Hindi children’s rhymes like "नानी तेरी मोरनी” or "लकड़ी की काठी”
• Alphabet songs that include the Hindi वर्णमाला (alphabet)
• Sing-along videos on YouTube that combine Hindi and English

You can even invent your own rhymes using words your child has learned that week. Singing together makes learning joyful and memorable.

6. Watch Kid-Friendly Hindi Videos and Cartoons

Introduce your child to Hindi-language videos, cartoons, and animated stories. The visuals and context help children follow along even if they don’t understand every word.

Tips for screen time in Hindi:

• Start with familiar stories dubbed in Hindi (like "Peppa Pig” or "Chhota Bheem”)
• Use subtitles to connect the written words with spoken language
• Watch together and pause to explain key vocabulary

These passive exposure sessions supplement your direct teaching and keep Hindi part of their fun screen time.

7. Encourage Speaking Without Pressure

Some kids are shy about speaking a new language. That’s totally normal. What’s important is to create a low-pressure, supportive environment where they feel safe to try.

Use these encouragement strategies:

• Celebrate every word or phrase they attempt
• Avoid correcting too much—model correct usage instead
• Ask questions in Hindi and accept answers in English (at first)
• Use reward systems like stickers or stars for trying new words

The goal is to build confidence. Over time, your child will start to initiate more Hindi speech on their own.

8. Practice With Family and Community

Involve grandparents, relatives, and family friends who speak Hindi. This makes learning feel more authentic and builds real-world purpose for the language.

Ways to encourage real use:

• Have your child introduce themselves in Hindi during a video call
• Ask grandparents to teach new words or tell a short story in Hindi
• Attend Indian cultural events or festivals where Hindi is spoken

These interactions reinforce that Hindi is more than a subject—it’s a living language that connects them to family and culture.

9. Use Apps and Games to Reinforce Learning

Interactive apps, games, and quizzes are great for keeping your child engaged while reinforcing vocabulary and sentence structure.

Some useful Hindi resources:

• Hindi language apps for kids like "Hindi Kids Flashcards” or "Language Curry”
• Printable crossword puzzles or word searches with Hindi words
• Matching games or memory cards with pictures and Hindi labels

These tools are great for review sessions or short bursts of practice between lessons.

10. Add Structured Learning With a Professional Tutor

While home practice is powerful, many parents find that their child learns faster and more effectively with a structured, professional approach. That’s where IndoLingo comes in.

Our one-on-one Hindi classes for kids are:

• Fun and interactive, with games, stories, and conversation
• Tailored to your child’s age, skill level, and learning style
• Taught by professional, expert-speaking tutors who specialize in working with children
• Flexible to fit your family’s schedule with online convenience

You can even book a free trial lesson to see how your child responds before committing to a plan.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Be Consistent, and Have Fun

Teaching your kids Hindi doesn’t need to be overwhelming or stressful. Start with a few basic Hindi words and phrases, build a routine with games and songs, and create opportunities for real-life usage. Every word they learn brings them closer to their cultural roots and gives them the confidence to speak proudly.

Want to support your child’s Hindi learning journey? Explore IndoLingo's expert Hindi tutors and book a free trial lesson today. Together, we’ll help your child connect, grow, and thrive through language.