Learning Hindi is much more than learning a language, it is the gateway to one of the richest cultures in the world. Hindi is one of the two official languages of India, with the other language being English. While many other languages are spoken in this country, Hindi is one of the most widely spoken. In fact, 40% of the population speaks Hindi. Although learning Hindi may seem challenging at first, with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable.
Key Steps to Learn Hindi
- 📖 Learn the Devanagari script
- 🧠 Master basic grammar and sentence structure
- 🗣 Practise speaking and listening daily
- 🎧 Use Hindi media (films, music, podcasts) to improve comprehension
- 💻 Try apps, online courses, or a tutor for structured learning
If you want to understand how to speak Hindi, reading this article is a great first step!
Hindi Writing System
To answer the question of how to learn Hindi, you should first of all know the way Hindi is written.
A special writing method is used to write Hindi. This method is called Devanagari and is a type of Brahmic alphasyllabic writing, which is also used in other languages such as Sanskrit or Nepali.
Devanagari comes from the Brahmi script (500 BC) and it was developed around the 11th century AD. It is an abugida (Brahmic alphasyllabic) writing system with vowel and consonant characters. The consonants have the vowel (a) inserted, and to change this combination, diacritical marks are used to denote a change of vowel or the absence of a vowel.
In other words, when learning the Hindi alphabet, you not only have to learn the Hindi letter for the consonant and vowel sounds but also how each consonant is modified depending on the vowel following it.
In Hindi, each character represents a consonant with an inherent vowel sound. The Devanagari script is also used for other languages in India, including Sanskrit and Marathi.
Hindi is written from left to right.
In addition, there is no distinction between uppercase and lowercase letters, and it can be visually recognised by a line above the letters that creates a connection between them.
It is a writing system that is:
- Phonetic
- Logical
- Easy to learn
As well as very beautiful and elegant.
Altogether, the Hindi alphabet has 11 vowels and 33 consonant letters.
The Sounds of Hindi
The vowels in Hindi have ten sounds that are distinguished by the position of the lips:
- Rounded lips
- Non-rounded lips
But also in the position of the tongue:
- High
- Medium
- Low
And its place of articulation:
- Front
- Central
- Rear
Also, in Hindi, you can find short vowel sounds and long vowel sounds. For example, the (i) can be short (i) or long (i:). This is also the case with (u). In addition, vowels can be front vowels as in the case of (i) and (e) or back vowels as in the case of (u) and (o). The Hindi language has mid vowels, such as (a) and (ə).
There are different types of sounds in Hindi. These sounds can be very distinct from other languages. For instance, consonants can have the following sounds
- Plosive
- Retroflexes
- Nasal
Plosive sounds (e.g. p, t, k) can be aspirated and unaspirated. Retroflex sounds (e.g. D, n, r) are sounds that must be produced by arching the tongue toward the palate.
Nasal sounds (example: m) are those that are produced when the soft palate descends to allow air to flow through the nose.
Little by little, you are discovering how to learn Hindi to speak. Then you will be able to practice more and start to communicate in this language. Later on, you will be the one who helps others to answer the question of how to speak Hindi fluently.
Let's continue checking other interesting features of this language. The intonation and rhythm in Hindi pronunciation varies depending on where in India it is spoken. The rhythm can be fast-paced, even somewhat musical. The intonation helps to distinguish between questions and statements.
Pronunciation in the Hindi language
Learning a new language means not only learning grammar and vocabulary but also being understood. This means that you need to pronounce Hindi common words properly. No one expects you to have a perfect accent, but the better you can approximate the correct way to pronounce Hindi words, the better you will be able to communicate. Pronunciation is key when it comes to how to speak Hindi.
At first, your pronunciation will be not perfect, but little by little you will be able to improve it.
That's why it is so important to practice consistently.
If you know a Hindi-speaker, ask for help and try to communicate with him or her in Hindi.
Trying to listen to native Hindi speakers is a very good exercise.
You can also use technology as an aid:
- Enter some language site or translator that can play Hindi phrases in audio. Listen to how the language sounds and try to copy its intonations.
- There are some Hindi dictionaries on the Internet that allow you to listen to the pronunciation of a phrase or words: use them.
- Try to watch movies, listen to a podcast or watch YouTube videos that are in Hindi. This way you will be able to tune your ear.
When you practice this language record your voice.
Then, listen to the recording and notice what your shortcomings might be.
You can do this exercise over and over again so that you can improve.
All these methods will allow you to understand how to learn Hindi in an interesting way.
Proper pronunciation of a word in another language requires work.
A word's pronunciation is made up of several elements. These elements are:
- Intonation
- Accent
- Pauses
- Rhythm
The more Hindi basic words you can practice, the better your pronunciation will be.
How to Speak Hindi Through Language Immersion
How to learn Hindi by fully immersing yourself in the culture of its country? If you really want to learn Hindi and achieve an advanced level, you have to immerse yourself in the country where it is spoken: India. This will allow you to learn straight from the people who speak this language.
By speaking Hindi every day you will learn it faster. Constant practice of Hindi will allow you to learn everything from Hindi basic words to local Hindi slang.
If you've ever wondered how to speak Hindi at an advanced level, the answer is to immerse yourself in a community where the language is spoken and have conversations in Hindi. Nothing will improve your Hindi skills faster than this.
If you want to learn Hindi through language immersion, you can do the following:
Taking a holiday to India can be one of the most effective ways to accelerate your Hindi learning. Immersing yourself in the language and culture allows you to practise speaking with native speakers in real-life situations—whether you're ordering food, navigating local transport, or simply making conversation.
Take A Hindi Course
For a truly immersive experience, consider taking a Hindi course while travelling through India—especially in the region you’re most interested in exploring. Many universities and language institutes across the country offer Hindi programmes specifically designed for international learners.
You’ll find courses covering key aspects of the language, such as:
- ✅ Grammar and sentence structure
- ✅ Vocabulary building
- ✅ Pronunciation and listening skills
- ✅ Reading and writing in Devanagari
What sets learning Hindi in India apart is the immediate opportunity to practise outside the classroom. Whether you're bargaining at a local market, chatting with locals, or reading street signs, you'll quickly become familiar with how Hindi is used in everyday life.
Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are home to reputable language schools offering a range of courses—from short-term conversational classes to intensive programmes. Studying in these cities gives you both the structure of formal education and the benefit of real-world language exposure.
| School | Description | Average Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOAS University of London | The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) offers Hindi language courses as part of its South Asian Studies program. | £1,500 - £2,000 for a short course | |||
| Hindi Language Classes | This language school offers tailored Hindi classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced. The courses focus on conversational skills, grammar, and writing. | £20 - £40 per hour for private lessons | |||
| International House London | International House London is known for its diverse language courses, including Hindi. The school offers beginner to intermediate classes, focusing on practical language skills, cultural understanding, and grammar. | £400 - £600 for a 10-week course | |||
| City Lit London | City Lit is an adult education college that offers a variety of language courses, including Hindi. They have different levels available, and classes are typically held in the evenings, making them accessible for working professionals. | £150 - £300 for a 10-week course | |||
| Morley College London | Morley College offers Hindi courses focusing on conversational Hindi and cultural aspects. The college has a long-standing reputation for quality adult education. | Around £150 - £250 for a short course | |||
| Hindi Urdu Flagship University of Oxford | The Hindi Urdu Flagship program at Oxford University provides comprehensive Hindi language courses as part of its South Asian Studies. The program is known for its rigorous academic approach, combining language learning with cultural and historical studies. | £9,250 per year for UK students to around £20,000 - £30,000 per year for international students |
Find out about Hindi lessons London.
Au-pair
Another good alternative is to work as an Au-pair. By working as an Au-pair you will be able to live with an Indian family and speak with them every day. You will become one of them, and you can enjoy their culture and hospitality.
Practice Hindi in everyday situations:
- Shop at local markets
- use public transportation
- Participate in community activities
- Visit theatres
- Go to the movies
- Watch Bollywood movies
Everyday interaction will help you become more fluent in the language and better understand it.
Films and Television
If you can't make it to India, you can still practise your Hindi listening skills with the best Bollywood has to offer. Or just absorb the language through the news and television. Hindi news sites such as Aajtak or Khabar will often have clips and videos.
Some Hindi TV channels are available via satellite, such as DD International, the worldwide version of DD India (which also has programmes in other languages of India such as Punjabi and Tamil). You can watch Hindi news and series in the original language and learn vocabulary through Hindi dialogue spoken by actors with Hindi as a first language.
Be careful - not every Indian movie is in Hindi! Here are a few great films to get you started.
Learn Hindi Online: Language Apps and Resources That Work
If you’re learning Hindi from home, online tools can be incredibly effective—whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills. Language apps and digital platforms make it easy to build vocabulary, practise pronunciation, and even engage in conversation with native speakers.
📱 Top Apps to Learn Hindi
- Duolingo – Great for beginners. Teaches vocabulary, basic grammar, and sentence structure through gamified lessons.
- Drops – Focuses on visual learning and helps you memorise essential words and phrases quickly.
- Memrise – Offers engaging video and audio clips from native speakers to improve listening and speaking skills.
- HelloTalk / Tandem – Language exchange apps that connect you with native Hindi speakers for real-time conversation practice.
- LingQ – Immersive learning through reading and listening to real Hindi content like podcasts and stories.
💻 Online Resources
- YouTube channels like Learn Hindi with Anil Mahato or HindiPod101 offer free lessons on grammar, pronunciation, and conversational phrases.
- Websites such as Duolingo’s desktop version, BBC Languages (archived), or Hindi-language blogs provide structured lessons and cultural insights.
- Online tutors via platforms like Superprof can offer personalised guidance tailored to your level and goals.
By combining apps, video content, and interactive tools, you can create a well-rounded learning routine that fits your schedule—and keeps you motivated.
Learn Hindi with a Private Hindi Tutor
A private Hindi tutor can be a great way to improve your oral and written Hindi skills. A Hindi tutor not only can teach you grammar rules, a Hindi tutor can also help you practice the language in more realistic contexts. For example, these teachers can have conversations with you about current events or what happened to you during the day. This will allow you to learn and use relevant and modern vocabulary.
In addition, you can discuss topics of your interest, such as a book you just read or the movie you watched, which makes the classes more engaging and personalised. To know how to learn Hindi with a private teacher you have to live the experience.
In the world today!
Remember that private teachers have a fixed fee and their classes will be designed around your learning. This means that you can have classes the days you wish and these will always be with a personalised approach, focusing on your strengths and shortcomings as a learner.
In addition, working with a private teacher can give you immediate and specific feedback. This feedback is very valuable because thanks to it you will be able to improve your Hindi language skills as much as possible as well as correct your mistakes. This allows you to advance faster in your Hindi learning and become more confident in your ability to communicate in Hindi.
You can find some lessons in Hindi on Superprof! Instead of teaching grammatical rules, a Hindi language coach can talk with you in Hindi about current events, or you could discuss a book you just read. Unlike language partners, private tutors are paid a set rate.
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I love india language especially hindi and i want learn it.