The phrases below are intended for learners who want to speak Oriya, as well as for travelers and beginners who need to understand and use basic, practical Odia phrases in daily conversations.
You'll find common greetings, phrases used in hotels and when asking for directions, as well as numbers, time, months, and pronouns—essential for communication in Odia-speaking regions like Odisha.
Try our English to Oriya Translation tool to get instant, free translations of English words and sentences into Odia.
There are different ways to greet people and wishing them the best wishes in Odia. Leave a good impression by learning some of the most basic form of greetings and pleasantries which you can use when meeting anyone.
Travelling to Odisha? These everyday Odia travel expressions will help you ask for help, directions, food, money exchange, and more.
In Odia, pronouns are used to identify people in conversation. Learn how to use basic personal pronouns correctly.
Learn basic words and phrases related to clock in Odia.
Master daily time expressions and day names in Odia for scheduling and conversation.
Some part of India still use its own "Hindu Calendar" which follows the Bikram Sambat System. Below are the phrases used to say months in Odia.
Learn Odia numbers from one to one thousand, including tens, hundreds, and traditional Ek Lakh and Das Lakh used in Odisha and Eastern India.
Namaskar (ନମସ୍କାର) is a respectful way to say "Hello" in Odia.
It is a commonly used formal greeting in Odisha and other Odia-speaking regions.
It is used when meeting someone, especially in formal settings or with elders.
Shubha Sakāḷa (ଶୁଭ ସକାଳ) means "Good Morning" in Odia.
It is a greeting used to wish someone a good start to their day.
This phrase is often used both in casual and formal communication during the morning.
ତୁମ ନାମ କଣ? (Tuma nāma kana?) means "What is your name?"
This is a basic question used to ask someone their name in a friendly manner.
To answer, say: "ମୋ ନାମ [your name] ଅଟେ" (Mo nāma [your name] aṭe).
ଆପଣ କହଁରୁ ଆଇଲେ? (Apana kahaṅru āile?) means "Where are you from?" in Odia.
It is a respectful and polite question when meeting someone new.
Alternative informal version: ତୁମେ କହଁରୁ ଆସିଛ? (Tume kahaṅru āsichha?).
କ୍ଷମା କରନ୍ତୁ (Kṣamā karantu) means "Sorry" or "Please forgive me" in Odia.
It is a formal way to apologize or express regret.
In informal speech, people also say: "ମୁଁ ଦୁଃଖିତ" (Muṁ duḥkhita) meaning "I’m sorry".
ପାଣି କୁଠେ ମିଳିବ? (Pāṇi kuṭhe miḷibā?) means "Where can I get water?"
Very useful when traveling or visiting unfamiliar places.
You can also say: "ପିବା ପାଇଁ ପାଣି ମିଳିବ କି?" (Pibā pāin pāṇi miḷibā ki?)