The Ultimate Guide: 500+ Most Popular Urdu Words Used in the USA

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The Ultimate Urdu-to-English Dictionary: 500+ Words Used in the USA (With Tables)

Category: Language / Culture
Tags: #UrduVocabulary #DesiSlang #FoodieGuide #LanguageLearning

Urdu is woven into the fabric of American English more than most people realize. From historical loanwords adopted during the British Empire to modern slang used in cities like New York, Houston, and Chicago, this language quietly shows up in menus, conversations, and even everyday English vocabulary.

Whether you are a food lover trying to decode a menu, a language learner, or someone who just wants to understand South Asian friends and coworkers better, this guide gives you a large collection of Urdu words commonly heard in the USA — organized by category for easy reference.

1. The “Hidden” Urdu: Words You Already Speak

These are words that English speakers in the USA use daily, often without realizing they came from Urdu/Hindi or the broader South Asian region.

Urdu / Original Word English Word Meaning / Context
Paajama Pajama Loose trousers; adopted as sleepwear in the West.
Khaki Khaki Dust-colored; used for military uniforms and casual pants.
Jangal Jungle Forest or wilderness; also used for chaotic places.
Khushi (influence on slang) Cushy Easy, comfortable, pleasant (e.g., a cushy job).
Champo Shampoo Originally “to massage” the head; now hair soap.
Thag Thug Originally a member of a historical gang of robbers.
Loot Loot Stolen goods; to steal or plunder.
Veranda Veranda / Verandah Open-air porch attached to a house.
Bandhna Bandana A tied cloth; kerchief worn on the head or neck.
Kamar-band Cummerbund Cloth waist belt worn with tuxedos or formal wear.
Toofan Typhoon Violent tropical storm or cyclone.
Guru Guru Teacher or master; used for experts in any field.
Chitthi Chit Small note, slip, or voucher.
Shakar Sugar (via trade routes) Sweet crystals used in food and drinks.
Lakhs Lakh Numbering term: 100,000 (used in South Asia).
Bazaar Bazaar Marketplace or shopping area.
Cashmere (Kashmir) Cashmere Fine wool from Kashmir region; soft luxurious fabric.
Jilabi / Jalebi Jalebi Sweet fried dessert; sometimes referenced in food shows.
Curry Curry Broad term for saucy, spiced South Asian dishes.

2. Pop Culture & Daily Desi Slang

These words are commonly used in Desi (South Asian) communities across the USA — in homes, universities, WhatsApp groups, and social media.

Word Pronunciation Meaning Usage Example
Desi They-see South Asian / from the homeland “I’m looking for a good Desi restaurant.”
Yaar Yar Friend, dude “Come on, yaar, let’s go.”
Chai Ch-eye Tea “Let’s grab some chai after work.”
Jugaad Joo-gaar Hack, clever workaround “He used a jugaad to fix his laptop.”
Gora Go-rah White person “My roommate is a gora from Ohio.”
Firangi Fi-ran-gee Foreigner, non-South Asian “The party had all Desis and a few firangis.”
Bas Buss Enough, stop “Okay, bas, I’m full now.”
Chalo Cha-low Let’s go “Chalo, we’re getting late.”
Accha Uh-cha Good / Oh really? “Accha, I didn’t know that!”
Arre Uh-ray Hey, oh! “Arre! What are you doing?”
Bhai B-high Brother / bro “Thanks, bhai, you saved me.”
Pagal Paa-gal Crazy, silly “Are you pagal or what?”
Scene Seen Plan, vibe “What’s the scene tonight?”
Funda Fun-daa Concept, idea “What’s the funda behind this?”
Timepass Time-pass Just passing time, not serious “We’re just doing timepass here.”
Faltu Fal-too Useless, unnecessary “Stop this faltu drama.”
Bakwaas Buck-waas Nonsense “That movie was total bakwaas.”
Jhakaas Jhuh-kaas Awesome, great (slang) “Your outfit is jhakaas today.”
Kaam Kaam Work, job “I have so much kaam this week.”
Velli Vel-lee Jobless, free (playful) “You’re so velli, always scrolling Reels.”
Mast Must Cool, fun, awesome “The concert was mast!”
Tapori Ta-poh-ree Street-smart, mischievous “He has that tapori style.”
Dost Dost Friend “He’s my oldest dost from college.”
Jaanu Jaa-noo Darling, beloved “Happy birthday, jaanu!”
Beta Bay-taa Son; also used affectionately “Study hard, beta.”
Item Eye-tum Attractive person (slang, informal) “He thinks he’s such an item.”
Drama Draa-maa Overacting, emotional fuss “Don’t create drama over small things.”

3. The Ultimate Foodie Glossary

Save this section for your next visit to a Pakistani or Indian restaurant in the USA. These are the words you’ll see on menus, food blogs, and cooking videos.

Dish / Item Description Flavor Profile
Biryani Layered spiced rice with meat (chicken, lamb, beef) or vegetables. Spicy, aromatic, savory.
Pulao Rice cooked with mild spices and broth, sometimes with meat or veggies. Mild, fragrant, less spicy than biryani.
Naan Leavened flatbread baked in a tandoor (clay oven). Soft, fluffy, often buttered or garlicky.
Roti / Chapati Whole wheat flatbread cooked on a hot pan. Light, simple, everyday bread.
Paratha Layered or stuffed flatbread fried with ghee or oil. Flaky, rich, sometimes stuffed.
Samosa Fried triangular pastry filled with potatoes, peas, or meat. Crispy, savory, spiced.
Pakora Vegetables, chicken, or fish deep-fried in gram flour batter. Crispy, salty, best with chutney.
Tikka Boneless meat pieces marinated in spices, grilled or baked. Smoky, spicy, dry.
Seekh Kebab Minced meat skewers cooked in a tandoor. Juicy, spicy, charred.
Shami Kebab Pan-fried patty of minced meat and lentils. Soft, mildly spicy, served with chutney.
Nihari Slow-cooked beef or lamb stew, often eaten for breakfast. Rich, heavy, very flavorful.
Haleem Slow-cooked mixture of meat, lentils, and wheat, cooked into a paste. Thick, hearty, comforting.
Karahi Stir-fried meat or vegetables cooked in a wok-like pan (karahi). Tangy, spicy, oily.
Korma Meat cooked in a rich, creamy, often nut-based gravy. Mild to medium spicy, creamy.
Saag Leafy greens (often spinach or mustard greens) cooked with spices. Earthy, creamy if cooked with butter or cream.
Dal Lentil curry; a staple protein dish. Comforting, mild to spicy.
Chana Masala Spicy chickpea curry. Spiced, tangy, hearty.
Bhindi Okra cooked with onions and spices. Savory, slightly sticky, homestyle.
Aloo Gobi Potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices. Dry curry, mildly spicy.
Paneer Firm cottage cheese used in curries. Mild, milky, absorbs sauces.
Paneer Tikka Marinated paneer cubes grilled like tikka. Smoky, spicy, vegetarian.
Gulab Jamun Deep-fried milk solids soaked in sugar syrup. Very sweet, soft, melt-in-your-mouth.
Jalebi Spiral-shaped deep-fried batter soaked in syrup. Crispy outside, syrupy inside.
Ras Malai Cheese patties soaked in sweetened milk. Milky, cardamom-scented, chilled dessert.
Kheer Rice pudding cooked in milk with sugar. Sweet, creamy, often with nuts.
Lassi Yogurt-based drink, sweet or salty. Cooling, refreshing; mango lassi is popular.
Raita Yogurt side dish with cucumber, onions, or spices. Cooling, mild, eaten with spicy food.
Chutney Sauce made from herbs, fruits, or veggies (mint, tamarind, etc.). Can be tangy, spicy, or sweet.
Achar Pickles made with oil and spices. Spicy, sour, salty.
Garam Masala Blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, clove, cardamom. Aromatic, warming.
Haldi Turmeric powder, used as spice and for health. Earthy, adds golden color.
Mirch Chili pepper; green or red. Spicy, hot.
Jeera Cumin seeds or powder. Earthy, warm spice.
Elaichi Cardamom pods. Sweet, floral aroma.
Desi Ghee Clarified butter. Rich, nutty, aromatic.

4. Family & Relationships

Family titles in Urdu are very specific. Many Desi Americans use these words in English sentences when talking to relatives.

Urdu Word Pronunciation English Meaning
Ammi Um-mee Mother (affectionate)
Ma Maa Mom
Abbu Ub-boo Father (affectionate)
Baba Baa-baa Dad, also used for elders.
Beta Bay-taa Son; also used lovingly for any child.
Beti Bay-tee Daughter.
Bhai B-high Brother.
Behen Bay-hen Sister.
Dada Daa-daa Paternal grandfather.
Dadi Daa-dee Paternal grandmother.
Nana Naa-naa Maternal grandfather.
Nani Naa-nee Maternal grandmother.
Chacha Chaa-chaa Paternal uncle (father’s younger brother).
Taya Ta-yaa Paternal uncle (father’s older brother).
Mamu Ma-moo Maternal uncle.
Khala Khaa-laa Maternal aunt.
Phuppo Phu-po Paternal aunt.
Jiju Jee-joo Brother-in-law (sister’s husband; informal).
Bhabhi Bhaa-bhi Sister-in-law (brother’s wife).
Sasur Su-soor Father-in-law.
Saas Saas Mother-in-law.
Biwi Bee-vee Wife.
Shauhar Show-hur Husband.
Dost Dost Friend.
Jaan Jaan Life; used as “my love” or “sweetheart”.
Mehmaan Meh-maan Guest.
Padosi Puh-do-see Neighbor.

5. Common Adjectives (Describing Things)

Urdu Word Pronunciation English Meaning
Bada Ba-daa Big, large.
Chota Cho-taa Small.
Lamba Lum-baa Tall, long.
Chota sa Cho-taa saa Little, tiny.
Sundar Sun-dar Beautiful (more Hindi, but widely used).
Khubsurat Khoob-soo-rat Beautiful, good-looking.
Kamaal Ka-maal Amazing, wonderful.
Ganda Gun-daa Dirty.
Saaf Saaf Clean.
Mehenga Meh-hen-gaa Expensive.
Sasta Sus-taa Cheap, affordable.
Tez Tayz Fast, sharp, also spicy.
Thanda Thun-daa Cold.
Garam Guh-rum Hot (temperature).
Meetha Mee-thaa Sweet.
Kadwa Kud-waa Bitter.
Namakdaar Na-muk-daar Salty.
Taza Ta-zaa Fresh.
Purana Poo-raa-naa Old (thing).
Naya Na-yaa New.
Mushkil Moosh-kil Difficult.
Aasaan Aa-saan Easy.
Teek Theek Okay, fine.
Behtareen Beh-ta-reen Excellent, best.
Kharaab Kha-raab Bad, spoiled.
Seedha See-dhaa Straight.
Ulta Ul-taa Upside down, reverse.
Bhari Bha-ree Heavy.
Halka Hal-kaa Light (weight).

6. Common Urdu Verbs Used in Daily Talk

Verb (Base Form) Pronunciation Meaning
Karna Kar-naa To do.
Hona Ho-naa To be, to happen.
Jana Jaa-naa To go.
Aana Aa-naa To come.
Khana Khaa-naa To eat.
Peena Pee-naa To drink.
Sona So-naa To sleep.
Uthna Uth-naa To get up.
Parhna Parh-naa To study, to read.
Likhna Likh-naa To write.
Dekhna Dekh-naa To see, to watch.
Baat Karna Baat kar-naa To talk.
Sunna Sun-naa To hear, to listen.
Samajhna Sa-maj-naa To understand.
Bhoolna Bhoo-lnaa To forget.
Yaad Karna Yaad kar-naa To remember.
Hasa Ha-sa To laugh (as a verb stem: hasna).
Rona Ro-naa To cry.
Khareedna Kha-reed-naa To buy.
Bechna Baych-naa To sell.
Chalna Chal-naa To walk; to work (as in “machine is running”).
Daudna Dawd-naa To run.
Sochna Soch-naa To think.
Mangna Mung-naa To ask for, to request.
Pasand Karna Pu-sund kar-naa To like.
Nafrat Karna Na-fra-t kar-naa To hate.
Milna Mil-naa To meet.
Phone Karna Phone kar-naa To call (on the phone).

7. Everyday Objects & Things Around You

Urdu Word Pronunciation English Meaning
Ghar Ghur House, home.
Kamra Kum-raa Room.
Darwaza Dar-waa-zaa Door.
Khidki Khid-kee Window.
Chair (Kursi) Kur-see Chair.
Mez Mayz Table.
Bistar Bis-tar Bed, bedding.
Chadar Chaa-dar Sheet, bed cover.
Takia Ta-ki-aa Pillow.
Kapde Kup-day Clothes.
Joota Joo-taa Shoe.
Chappal Chup-pal Slippers, sandals.
Ghari Ghu-ree Clock, watch.
Kitab Ki-taab Book.
Notebook (Copy) Kaw-pee Notebook.
Pensil Pen-sil Pencil.
Qalam Qa-lum Pen.
Mobile Mo-bile Phone / cell.
Laptop Lap-top Laptop computer.
Chabi Chaa-bee Key.
Pani Paa-nee Water.
Doodh Doodh Milk.
Chini Chee-nee Sugar.
Namak Na-muk Salt.
Plate Ple-t Plate.
Chamach Cha-much Spoon.
Chaku Chaa-koo Knife.
Bartan Bur-tun Utensils, dishes.

8. Emotions & Everyday Expressions

Urdu Word / Phrase Pronunciation Meaning
Khushi Khu-shee Happiness, joy.
Gham Ghum Sorrow, sadness.
Mohabbat Mo-hub-bat Love.
Pyar Pyaar Love, affection.
Naraz Na-raaz Upset, annoyed.
Khafa Kha-faa Angry, displeased.
Shukriya Shuk-ree-yaa Thank you.
Mehrbani Meh-her-baa-ni Kindness, favor.
Maaf Karna Maaf kar-naa Forgive me / sorry.
Khuda Hafiz Khu-daa haa-fiz Goodbye (God protect you).
Assalamualaikum As-sa-laam-u-alaikum Peace be upon you (hello/greeting).
Wa Alaikum Assalam Wa alaikum as-sa-laam And upon you be peace (response).
Inshallah In-shaa-llah If God wills.
Mashallah Ma-shaa-llah What God has willed; used to praise without envy.
Subhanallah Sub-haan-allaah Glory be to God (amazement or praise).
Arre Wah Uh-ray waaah Wow, that’s great!
Hai Ram / Hai Allah Hai raam / Hai al-laah Oh my God! (surprise, shock).
Chill Karna Chill kar-naa To relax, hang out.
Tension Mat Lo Ten-shun mut lo Don’t stress, don’t worry.
Koi Baat Nahi Koy baat na-hee No problem, it’s okay.
Wah Bhai Wah Waa bhai waa Well done! (sarcastic or genuine).
Yeh Kya Scene Hai? Yeh kya seen hai What’s going on? What’s the situation?

9. Religious & Cultural Terms

Urdu Word Pronunciation Meaning / Use
Masjid Mus-jid Mosque, place of worship.
Namaz Na-maa-z Prayer (Islamic ritual prayer).
Roza Ro-zaa Fast (especially in Ramadan).
Iftar If-tar Meal to break the fast at sunset.
Sehri / Suhoor Seh-ree Pre-dawn meal before fasting.
Eid Eed Islamic festival (Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha).
Qurbani Qur-baa-ni Animal sacrifice during Eid-ul-Adha.
Halal Ha-laal Permissible, especially food per Islamic law.
Haram Ha-raam Forbidden in Islamic law.
Dua Doo-aa Prayer, supplication.
Imam I-maa-m Leader of prayer in a mosque.
Jumma Jum-ma Friday; congregational prayer day.
Janaza Ja-naa-za Funeral prayer.
Nikah Ni-kaah Marriage contract / ceremony in Islam.
Mehndi Mehn-dee Henna; pre-wedding celebration and body art.
Baraat Ba-raa-t Groom’s wedding procession.
Walima Wa-lee-ma Wedding reception feast.
Jahaiz Ja-haiz Dowry (cultural practice).
Dholki Dhol-kee Musical pre-wedding event with drums and singing.

10. Travel, Places & Directions

Urdu Word Pronunciation English Meaning
Shehar She-her City.
Gaon Ga-oon Village.
Mohalla Mo-hal-la Neighborhood.
Sadak Sa-dak Road, street.
Gali Gu-lee Lane, alley.
Masjid Mus-jid Mosque.
School Skool School.
College Ko-ledge College.
Hospital Hos-pi-tal Hospital.
Dukaan Doo-kaan Shop, store.
Bazaar Ba-zaar Market.
Right Right Right side (often mixed with Urdu).
Left Left Left side.
Seedha See-dhaa Straight ahead.
U-turn Yu-turn U-turn (used exactly like in English).
Bus Stop Bus-stop Bus stop.
Station Stay-shun Train or subway station.
Hawaii Jahaz Ha-wa-ee ja-haaz Airplane.
Taxi / Riksha Taxi / Rik-sha Taxi or three-wheeler.

Conclusion

Mastering these Urdu words will not only help you order the best food in town, it will also help you connect with the millions of Urdu speakers living in the USA. From chai and biryani to family words like Ammi and Bhai, each term carries culture, history, and emotion.

Did we miss a word you hear all the time? Drop it in the comments below and share how your family or friends use it in daily life!

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