Urdu is more than just a language—it’s a window into poetry, family traditions, and a rich cultural heritage. For parents raising children outside of South Asia, teaching Urdu can feel like a powerful way to stay connected to roots. But where do you begin?
Don’t worry—you don’t need to be fluent or a language teacher to get started. In this guide, we’ll show you how to introduce basic Urdu words and phrases to your kids in fun, simple, and meaningful ways. Whether you're starting from scratch or your child already understands a little, these tips will help you build a strong foundation.
And if you want to take things further, IndoLingo’s one-on-one Urdu lessons for kids offer personalized instruction from expert tutors—so your child can learn to speak Urdu confidently, from anywhere in the world.
For many families, teaching Urdu isn’t just about language—it’s about passing down culture, values, and family connection. Learning even a few words can help kids:
And the earlier you start, the easier it is. Young children have a natural ability to absorb new languages—especially when learning is made fun and engaging.
When teaching Urdu to kids, begin with the words they hear most often. Use objects and routines from daily life so they can see and use the words in context.
| English | Urdu (Roman Script) |
|---|---|
| Mother | Ammi |
| Father | Abbu |
| Water | Paani |
| Milk | Doodh |
| Yes / No | Haan / Nahin |
| Dog / Cat | Kutta / Billi |
| One, Two, Three | Ek, Do, Teen |
Say these words aloud during your routines—"Yeh lo paani" (Here’s some water), "Billi kahan hai?" (Where is the cat?)—and encourage your child to repeat after you.
Once your child knows some basic words, introduce everyday phrases they can use to express themselves in simple sentences.
Use role play or practice these in everyday situations. For example, after dinner, say "Kya kehte hain?” (What do we say?), prompting your child to respond with "Shukriya.”
Kids learn best through play. Integrating songs, rhymes, and stories makes Urdu fun and memorable.
Here are a few ideas:
When kids associate Urdu with play and music, they build a positive emotional connection that lasts.
You don’t need to be fluent in Urdu to start teaching your child. Just use the words you remember—and don’t be afraid to learn alongside them. You might even say:
"Main bhi seekh rahi hoon. Chalo, saath mein seekhte hain!” (I’m learning too. Let’s learn together!)
This models a growth mindset and shows your child that language learning is a journey, not a test.
To make Urdu stick, try to use it in natural ways throughout the day. A few easy ideas:
When Urdu is part of the environment—not just a "class”—your child will begin to understand and speak it more naturally.
If you want to go beyond vocabulary and help your child speak full sentences, read Urdu script, or carry on conversations, then a professional tutor can make all the difference.
At IndoLingo, our Urdu tutors for kids are trained to work with children of all ages—using games, visuals, storytelling, and conversation to make lessons enjoyable and effective.
Benefits of learning Urdu with IndoLingo:
Fatima’s mom – Chicago: "We speak some Urdu at home, but IndoLingo gave my daughter the structure and practice she needed. Now she speaks to her dadi with so much confidence.”
Ali (age 9) – London: "I learned how to say full sentences in Urdu with my tutor. It’s fun! We play games and I get to ask questions in Urdu too.”
Neha’s dad – Toronto: "The classes fit perfectly into our schedule. And the fact that it’s one-on-one really helped my shy daughter open up and speak more.”
Teaching your kids Urdu doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be consistent and joyful. Start with basic words and phrases. Make it part of playtime. Use what you know, and let curiosity lead the way.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our Urdu tutors and book a free trial lesson today. Whether you’re preserving a legacy or building new skills, let’s help your child grow up connected—one beautiful word at a time.
