Language Essentials
Use these everyday Marathi phrases to navigate Mumbai with respect and clarity when English falls short.
When asking for directions, starting with
(excuse me) and using simple phrasing like
(where is the ______?) invites helpful responses. Locals often point or gesture rather than describe distances, so having landmarks in mind—like a temple, police station, or big shop—helps both speaker and listener. In crowded markets or narrow lanes, gesturing while saying
(how far is it?) often speeds up understanding more than complex explanations.

