The literal meaning maybe “good”, but “achcha” is also used to express “I see”, “okay”, or “really”?
Examples:
A: “You need to collaborate with musicians in the city.”
B: “Achcha.”
A: “I’m going to New Orleans for a bachelor party.”
B: “Achcha?”
This is the Hindi slang used in most situations, usually with a head nod.
Example:
“Thik hain, I”ll go see your friend.”
Whether at a lunch table or on a cab ride, “bas” is used when someone needs to communicate “that will be all.”
Examples:
“Bas, I’m very full.” / “Bas sir, let me get off here.”
The meaning of this term changes with intonation. When used in a higher tone, it expresses surprise. In a lower tone, it conveys exasperation. Said neutrally, it’s used to get attention.
Examples:
“Arre, I got the girl!” / “Arre, now what will you do?” / “Arre, brother!”
The direct translation is dizziness, but this term is mostly used in contexts other than health such as a problematic social situation.
Examples:
“In what chakkar have I got myself into?” / “That girl and boy are having a chakkar.”
This term is especially popular among college students who use it in the context of ideas.
Example:
“His fundas are very different from the rest of the group.”
Almost never used in its literal translation, “ghanta” expresses the sarcastic sentiment behind “yeah, right.”
Example:
A: “So, you must be scoring an A on your finals?”
B: “Ghanta!”
“Jugaad” is a popular term used in response to someone looking for a solution.
Example:
A: “I need to find more wood for the house, but I’m running low on cash.”
B: “Don’t worry, we will do some jugaad.”
This is used when the listener has no interest in what the other person or group is chatting about, the slang “bak bak” is used to describe the interaction.
Example:
“Those boys and girls are doing too much bak bak at that table. Let’s head to another bar.”
“Mast” is commonly used when someone is asked how something is, such as a service or food.
Example:
“This food you made is so mast!”
This slang term is pretty self-explanatory.
Example:
“He is talking bakwaas.”/ “That’s bakwaas!”
Used generally in extraordinary situations, this term is similar to the sentiment “Oh my God!”
Example:
A: “In the market, the onions are now 1000 rupees per kg.”
B: “Baap re baap! Are you serious?”
“Ji” is used as a suffix to show respect towards others. Sometimes, it’s used sarcastically depending on the intonation.
Example:
“Hello, Aunty Ji.”/ “Okay, ji? Is it fine now, ji?”
This expression is the equivalent of “that will do.” Folks use it to respond in agreement.
Example:
A: “Shall I give this to-go?”
B: “Haan (yes), chalega.”
1. Achcha yaar, let’s plan that vacation for next summer. Thik hain?
2. He was just doing bakwaas; his fundas are ridiculous. Don’t get into his chakkar.
3. Arre Baap re baap! Today’s traffic was ridiculous. Bas, I’ve decided that I’ll walk from tomorrow.
4. Achcha, Uncle Ji. What about this one? Chalega? If you ask me, it looks mast on you. 