Essential Odia Phrases for Your First Conversation
Start speaking Odia with these must-know phrases for greetings, introductions, and everyday situations — complete with Odia script and pronunciation.
Odia (also spelled Odiya) is the official language of Odisha, spoken by over 35 million people. Whether you are visiting the temples of Bhubaneswar, the beaches of Puri, or working with colleagues from Odisha, these essential phrases will help you start real conversations from day one.
Greetings and Polite Expressions
Every good conversation starts with a greeting. Odia speakers deeply appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language.
| Odia Script | Romanized | English |
|---|---|---|
| ନମସ୍କାର | Namaskaar | Hello / Greetings |
| କେମିତି ଅଛନ୍ତି? | Kemiti achanti? | How are you? (formal) |
| କେମିତି ଅଛ? | Kemiti acha? | How are you? (informal) |
| ମୁଁ ଭଲ ଅଛି | Mun bhala achhi | I am fine |
| ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ | Dhanyabaad | Thank you |
| ଦୟାକରି | Dayaakari | Please |
| କ୍ଷମା କରନ୍ତୁ | Kshyamaa karantu | Excuse me / Forgive me |
Note: The formal "Kemiti achanti?" is used with elders, strangers, and in professional settings. Use the informal "Kemiti acha?" only with close friends and people younger than you.
Introducing Yourself
Once you have exchanged greetings, these phrases help you share who you are.
| Odia Script | Romanized | English |
|---|---|---|
| ମୋ ନାମ ___ | Mo naama ___ | My name is ___ |
| ଆପଣ କଣ ନାମ? | Aapana kana naama? | What is your name? |
| ମୁଁ ___ ରୁ ଆସିଛି | Mun ___ ru aasichhi | I am from ___ |
| ମୋତେ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଶିଖୁଛି | Mote Odia shikhuchhi | I am learning Odia |
That last phrase — "Mote Odia shikhuchhi" — is a conversation opener that will earn you immediate warmth and encouragement from any Odia speaker.
Numbers for Everyday Use
You will need numbers for shopping, bargaining, and understanding prices.
| Odia Script | Romanized | English |
|---|---|---|
| ଏକ | Eka | One |
| ଦୁଇ | Dui | Two |
| ତିନି | Tini | Three |
| ଚାରି | Chaari | Four |
| ପାଞ୍ଚ | Paancha | Five |
| ଦଶ | Dasha | Ten |
| ଶହ | Shaha | Hundred |
Food and Dining
Odia cuisine is known for its subtle flavors and temple food traditions. These phrases help at restaurants and street food stalls.
| Odia Script | Romanized | English |
|---|---|---|
| ଏହା କଣ? | Ehaa kana? | What is this? |
| ଖାଇବାକୁ କଣ ଅଛି? | Khaaibaku kana achhi? | What is there to eat? |
| ପାଣି ଦିଅନ୍ତୁ | Paani diantu | Please give me water |
| ବହୁତ ସ୍ୱାଦିଷ୍ଟ | Bahut swaadishta | Very delicious |
| ବିଲ ଦିଅନ୍ତୁ | Bill diantu | Please give me the bill |
"Bahut swaadishta" said after a meal will make any cook's day. Odia people take great pride in their food, especially dishes like dalma, pakhala, and chhena poda.
Temple Visit Phrases
Odisha is home to some of India's most magnificent temples, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark. These phrases are useful when visiting.
| Odia Script | Romanized | English |
|---|---|---|
| ମନ୍ଦିର କେଉଁଠି? | Mandira keunthi? | Where is the temple? |
| ଦର୍ଶନ ସମୟ କେତେବେଳେ? | Darshana samaya ketebele? | What time is darshan? |
| ଜୟ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ | Jaya Jagannath | Hail Lord Jagannath |
"Jaya Jagannath" is more than a religious phrase — it is a cultural greeting in Odisha, used casually the way "Jai Hind" might be used elsewhere. You will hear it everywhere in Puri.
Asking for Help
When you need directions or assistance, these phrases are invaluable.
| Odia Script | Romanized | English |
|---|---|---|
| ଏହା କେଉଁଠି? | Ehaa keunthi? | Where is this? |
| ଆପଣ ଇଂରାଜୀ କହନ୍ତି କି? | Aapana Inraaji kahanti ki? | Do you speak English? |
| ମୋତେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରନ୍ତୁ | Mote saahajya karantu | Please help me |
| ହଁ | Han | Yes |
| ନାହିଁ | Naahin | No |
Start Speaking Today
You do not need to master all of these at once. Pick five phrases that match your immediate needs and use them today. Odia speakers are encouraging and patient with language learners — your effort will not go unnoticed.
Start learning Odia today
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