Greetings from the vibrant world of Romani culture! As we embark on a fascinating journey to discover the intricacies of this ancient language, let us begin with the fundamental act of human connection—the exchange of salutations. Step into a rich tapestry of Romani traditions, where greetings hold immense significance, reflecting the community’s deep-rooted values of warmth, respect, and unity. Join us as we delve into the nuances of Romani greetings, exploring both common and unique expressions that will open doors to meaningful interactions.

The most ubiquitous greeting in Romani is “Bakhtalo!” (pronounced BAHK-tah-loh), meaning “good luck” or “good fortune.” This heartfelt expression encapsulates the Romani people’s innate optimism and aspiration for well-being. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual encounters to formal occasions, and is often accompanied by a warm smile and a gentle handshake. Another common greeting, “Shoon ta bakht!” (pronounced SHOON-tah BAHK), translates to “May you have health and fortune.” This phrase conveys a heartfelt wish for the recipient’s well-being and prosperity, reflecting the Romani belief in the interconnectedness of health and happiness.

Beyond these common expressions, the Romani language boasts a diverse array of greetings specific to different regions and dialects. In some communities, the greeting “Devela t’avel!” (pronounced DEH-veh-lah TAH-vel) is used, meaning “May God be with you.” This phrase reflects the strong religious beliefs held by many Romani people. In other regions, the greeting “Romani romen!” (pronounced RO-mah-ni ROH-men) is prevalent, translating to “Hello, Romani people.” This expression acknowledges the shared identity and heritage of the Romani community, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among its members.

Greetings in Romani Language

The Romani language, spoken by the Romani people, is a vibrant and diverse Indo-Aryan language with a rich history. Romani has a vast vocabulary, including unique greetings that reflect the culture and traditions of the Romani people.

Formal Greetings

Formal greetings in Romani are typically used in formal settings or when addressing elders or strangers. These greetings are characterized by their use of the polite second person plural pronoun “tum” (you) and the verb form “si” (are).

Greeting	Translation
Bakhtalo si tu	Good health to you
Sunto si tu?	How are you?
Shukar si tu	Good morning
Dobri den si tu	Good afternoon
Shub raat si tu	Good evening

It is important to note that these formal greetings are not commonly used in everyday conversation among Romani people, who typically prefer more informal and familiar forms of address.

How To Say Hello In Romani

Basic Romani Phrases for Salutations

Romani, also known as Romany, is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by Romani people throughout the world. Romani has many dialects, and the phrases for “hello” can vary depending on the dialect.

Here are some basic Romani phrases for salutations:

• Devla Develeske – Hello to you
• Sastimari – Hello
• Bokht – Hi

Formal Romani Phrases for Salutations

In formal settings, it is common to use more formal phrases for salutations. Here are some formal Romani phrases for salutations:

• Phuv devléske! – May God be praised! (Formal greeting)

• Me devláko! – I praise God! (Formal greeting)

• Dobri den! – Good day! (Formal greeting)

Formal Phrases	Meaning
Phuv devléske!	May God be praised!
Me devláko!	I praise God!
Dobri den!	Good day!

• Sar shan tu? – How are you? (Formal way to ask “How are you?”)

• Acháva! – Fine! (Formal way to say “I’m fine.”)

Formal and Informal Ways to Greet Someone

Formal Greetings

When greeting someone formally in Romani, it is common to use the phrase “Zdravo” (pronounced “zdrah-vo”), which means “hello.” This greeting is suitable for use in both formal and informal settings and can be used to greet people of any age or status.

Informal Greetings

For informal greetings, Romani speakers often use the phrase “Sastimari” (pronounced “sah-stih-mah-ree”), which means “good health.” This greeting is typically used among friends and family members and is considered to be more casual and friendly than “Zdravo.”

Greeting Table

Formal	Informal
Zdravo	Sastimari

In addition to the phrases listed above, there are also a number of other Romani greetings that can be used in specific situations. For example, the phrase “Bakhtalo” (pronounced “bah-ktah-loh”) is often used to greet someone who is returning home after a long absence.

When greeting someone in Romani, it is important to be mindful of the context and the relationship between the speaker and the person being greeted. The appropriate greeting will vary depending on the formality of the setting and the age and status of the people involved.

Cultural Context of Romani Greetings

Greetings play a crucial role in Romani culture, reflecting the community’s strong sense of identity and tradition. As a nomadic people with a rich oral history, warmth and hospitality are highly valued within Romani society. Greetings are an integral part of maintaining close connections and fostering a sense of belonging.

Romani greetings are often accompanied by physical gestures, such as handshakes or kisses on the cheek. These gestures reinforce the bonds of friendship and respect between individuals. Greetings also vary depending on the time of day, the relationship between the speakers, and the context in which they are used.

When meeting for the first time, Romanis typically greet each other with a handshake accompanied by a warm smile and a greeting such as “Bakht” (good luck) or “Saade” (peace).

Formal Greetings

In more formal settings, such as business meetings or official events, Romanis may use more formal greetings like “Shukar” (thank you) or “Saasti” (hello).

Table of Formal Greetings:

Greeting	Translation
Shukar	Thank you
Saasti	Hello
Bakht	Good luck

Regional Variations in Romani Dialects

The Romani language exhibits significant regional variations, reflecting the diverse geographic distribution of its speakers throughout Europe, the Americas, and beyond. These dialects often differ in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, influenced by the languages spoken in the surrounding areas.

Northern Romani

Spoken in Central and Northern Europe, this dialect is characterized by its distinctive intonation and use of specific words and phrases. For example, the word for “hello” is typically “salute,” while “thank you” is expressed as “bakhtale.” The Northern dialect also features a strong influence from German and other Slavic languages.

Vlax Romani

Originating in Southeastern Europe, this dialect is used by the Vlax Roma, who migrated from the Balkans to other parts of Europe and the Americas. It is known for its use of diphthongs and borrowings from Greek and Romanian. The greeting “servus” is commonly used, along with “mulțumesc” for “thank you.”

Balkan Romani

Spoken in Greece, Turkey, and other Balkan countries, this dialect has been influenced by Turkish, Greek, and Slavic languages. It is characterized by its use of the words “çaçe” for “hello” and “teşekkür ederim” for “thank you.”

Sinti Romani

Used by the Sinti people, this dialect is spoken in Central and Western Europe. It shares similarities with Northern Romani but has its own unique pronunciation and vocabulary. The greeting “maro” is often employed, along with “danky” for “thank you.”

Kalo Romani (or Spanish Romani)

Developed by the Romani people who settled in Spain during the 15th century, this dialect has been significantly influenced by Spanish. It is the only Romani dialect that is not tonal and uses a different alphabet. The word for “hello” is “hola,” while “gracias” is used for “thank you.”

Dialect	Hello	Thank You
Northern Romani	Salute	Bakhtale
Vlax Romani	Servus	Mulțumesc
Balkan Romani	Çaçe	Teşekkür ederim
Sinti Romani	Maro	Danky
Kalo Romani	Hola	Gracias

How to Introduce Yourself in Romani

First, greet the person with “Shov”, which means “Hello”. Then, use a respectful term for addressing them, such as “Dada” (brother) or “Dai” (sister), followed by their name. For example, you could say “Shov, Dada John”.

Making a Positive Impression with Romani Greetings

When greeting someone, it is polite to make eye contact and smile. In Romani culture, handshakes are not typically exchanged, but a slight bow of the head can show respect. Additionally, consider these tips:

1. Learn a few basic Romani phrases to make your greeting more authentic.
2. Be mindful of your body language and avoid crossing your arms or legs, as this can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect.
3. Dress appropriately for the occasion and respect Romani customs and traditions.
4. Be genuine and show interest in the person you are greeting.
5. Don’t be afraid to initiate a greeting, as it is considered a sign of respect.
6. If you meet someone you don’t know, it is polite to ask for their permission before shaking their hand.

Greeting	Meaning
Shov Dada	Hello, brother
Shov Dai	Hello, sister
Norakko	Good morning
Dujakko	Good afternoon
Ratirko	Good evening

How to Say Hello in Romani

The Romani language, also known as Romany, is spoken by Romani people, a nomadic group with origins in the Indian subcontinent. Here are some common ways to greet in Romani:

Polite Greetings

When greeting someone respectfully, consider using the following phrases:

Romani	English
Shalom	Hello
Bakhtalo	Good day
Devetsh	Good evening

Asking Politely for Someone’s Time

To ask politely for someone’s time, you can use the following phrases:

1. Can you give me a moment?

Mi ando vakerel kemi ek minut?

2. Do you have a moment to chat?

Aveha ek minutko kari vakerel?

3. I’d like to ask you something, if you have time.

Kam kerel tumenge ek puchni, yaker tume aveha vaxt.

4. Can I ask you a question?

Mela pova puchni tuke ek ker?

5. Would you mind if I ask you a question?

Na rakhla tuke baro, yaker mi puchni tuke ek ker?

6. Do you have a few minutes to talk?

Aveha kemi dui-tin minutkano vakerel?

7. Can we schedule a time to talk?

Mela pova andaravel ek vaxt cari vakerel?

Expressing Respect and Well-Being

The Romani language, also known as Romany, has a rich vocabulary for expressing respect and well-being. Here are some common greetings:

1. Devel

This is a general greeting that means “hello” or “good day.”

2. Bakhtalo

This means “good luck” and is often used as a greeting.

3. Chove pek

This means “thank you” and is used to express gratitude.

4. Marhaba

This is a greeting that is borrowed from Arabic and means “welcome.”

5. Sar e sosto

This means “may your head be healthy” and is a respectful greeting.

6. Kurko e Devles

This means “God bless you” and is a common parting greeting.

7. Padrem che non dzhen miri

This means “may my father be with me” and is a religious greeting.

8. Sa te shunem vakaria

This means “I hope to hear good news from you” and is a greeting that expresses well-being and politeness. It is often used in formal situations or when meeting someone for the first time.

Greetings	Meaning
Devel	Hello, good day
Bakhtalo	Good luck
Chove pek	Thank you
Marhaba	Welcome
Sar e sosto	May your head be healthy
Kurko e Devles	God bless you
Padrem che non dzhen miri	May my father be with me
Sa te shunem vakaria	I hope to hear good news from you

The Importance of Proper Pronunciation

Pronunciation is essential in any language, including Romani. Correct pronunciation not only helps you communicate effectively but also shows respect for the culture and traditions associated with it. When speaking Romani, it’s crucial to pay attention to the following aspects:

1. Vowel Length: Romani vowels can be either short or long. Long vowels are pronounced with a longer duration, and they often carry a different meaning than their short counterparts.

2. Stress: Romani words generally have a stressed syllable, which is pronounced with a stronger emphasis. The location of the stress can vary depending on the word.

3. Diphthongs: Diphthongs are combinations of two vowels pronounced as a single sound. They are common in Romani and can affect the overall pronunciation of a word.

4. Consonants: Romani consonants are generally pronounced similar to their English counterparts, but some exceptions exist. For example, the “r” sound is often trilled.

5. Palatalization: Certain consonants can be palatalized, meaning they are pronounced with a slight “y” sound. This is especially common with the “t” and “d” sounds.

6. Aspiration: Voiced consonants (such as “b” and “d”) are often aspirated in Romani. This means they are pronounced with a gentle puff of air.

7. Voicing Assimilation: In certain contexts, voiceless consonants (such as “p” and “t”) can become voiced (such as “b” and “d”). This is common when a voiced sound follows a voiceless one.

8. Nasal Assimilation: In certain contexts, non-nasal consonants (such as “k” and “t”) can become nasal (such as “ŋ” and “n”). This is common when a nasal sound follows a non-nasal one.

9. Phonological Processes

Phonological processes are sound changes that occur automatically in certain contexts. In Romani, these processes include:

Process	Description
Metathesis	Two sounds switch places in a word.
Assimilation	One sound becomes more similar to a neighboring sound.
Dissimilation	One sound becomes less similar to a neighboring sound.
Deletion	A sound is dropped from a word.
Insertion	A sound is added to a word.

Embracing Romani Culture Through Language

Learning the Romani Language

Communicating in Romani allows you to connect with Roma people and immerse yourself in their rich culture. It demonstrates respect and a genuine interest in their identity.

Phrases for Greeting

Greeting others is a crucial aspect of Romani culture. Here are some common phrases:

Romani Phrase	English Translation
La hi	Hello (informal)
Devl’an	Good day (formal)
Sar daj	Good evening
Sar rat	Good night

Pronunciation and Tone

Romani pronunciation can be challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll become more comfortable. The emphasis is usually on the first syllable of words, and the “r” sound is pronounced with a roll.

Cultural Etiquette

When greeting Roma people, it’s important to be respectful of their cultural norms. Avoid using their first name without permission and consider using formal introductions in certain situations.

Additional Greetings

Here are some additional greetings you can use:

• Phuri dai (How are you?)
• Dikh e amenge (Nice to meet you)
• Bakhtale (Thank you)
• Sa hi te deteskerav (See you later)
• Romenihabas (Romani language)

Immersive Experiences

To truly experience the Romani culture, consider attending Romani gatherings, festivals, or workshops. These provide opportunities to interact with Roma people and learn more about their language and traditions.

Respecting Cultural Boundaries

It’s essential to be mindful of the cultural boundaries of the Romani people. Respect their privacy, customs, and traditions. Avoid asking intrusive questions or making assumptions.

Continuing Your Language Journey

Learning the Romani language is an ongoing journey. Continue practicing, engage with Roma communities, and seek out resources to deepen your understanding.

How To Say Hello In Romani

The Romani language, also known as Romany or Roma, is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Romani people. It is spoken by an estimated 2 to 6 million people worldwide, primarily in Europe and the Americas.

There are several ways to say hello in Romani, depending on the region and dialect. Some of the most common greetings include:

• Lacho dives (good day)
• Lachi rat (good night)
• Bakhtalo (hello, good luck)
• Samo (hello, peace)
• Shukar (hello, thank you)

When greeting someone, it is customary to make eye contact and smile. It is also considered polite to say hello to everyone in the room, even if you do not know them.

People Also Ask About How To Say Hello In Romani

What is the most common way to say hello in Romani?

The most common way to say hello in Romani is “Lacho dives” (good day).

Is it considered rude to not say hello in Romani?

Yes, it is considered rude to not say hello to someone in Romani, even if you do not know them.

How do you respond to “Bakhtalo”?

You can respond to “Bakhtalo” by saying “Bakhtalo tumenga” (good luck to you).