16 Common Gujarati Words to Know If You Stay in Ahmedabad

Living in a new state or city can be super exciting, but getting by without learning the local language can also be challenging. As you know, Gujarati is one of the most spoken languages in the state of Gujarat. If you're going to live in Ahmedabad or anywhere in Gujarat, you've got to know some basic Gujarati words and phrases.

Learning the local language or even some words can help you talk to people around there, make friends, and have a better time overall. If you plan to stay in Gujarat, here are some cool Gujarati words and phrases that'll be handy.

Kem Cho: This phrase means "How are you?"

Aapdu: This word means "Ours"

It is used to show a feeling of belonging or ownership. It can be used to talk about things that are part of a group or neighbourhood. For instance, "Aapdu Ahmedabad ma Gujarati cinema bahu pramukh che" means "Gujarati cinema is prominent in our Ahmedabad."

Jalsa: This word means a party or a group of people having a good time

It can be used to talk about a party or something fun. When you are residing at your Navarangpura girls PG by your-space, you can say "Aaj shaam jalsa ma jaiye," which means "Let's go to the party tonight."

Babo/Babi: Loving name for a child

"Babo" is a loving name for a child, while "Babi" is the Gujarati spelling of "Baby." It is an easy way to talk about a baby or young child. For example, "My baby looks so cute!" is "Maro babo ketlo mast lage che!"

Su: It simply means What

"Su" means "What?" in English, but in Gujarati, it can be said in many different ways to ask different kinds of questions. It can be used to ask for more information or show surprise. "Su karvani che?" for example, says "What needs to be done?" and "Su thai gayu?" means "What happened?" 

Kaka: This means an uncle or an old man

It is a cute way of saying "uncle" or "old man." This is a polite way to talk to older male family members or friends. "Kaka ne namaste kaho" means, for example, "Greet uncle with respect."

Fafda: Fafda is a popular Gujarati snack

The snack is made from gram flour. It is a dish from Ahmedabad that is often eaten with jalebi. "Ahmedabad ma fafda jalebi ni nasta maja ma aave che" means "The breakfast of fafda and jalebi is enjoyable in Ahmedabad."

Babuchak: Silly or Stupid in a fun way

"Babuchak" is a funny word for someone who is silly or stupid. It's a jokey way of saying that someone isn't very smart. "Oye babuchak, kya jay che?" means "Hey, silly person, where are you going?"

Khakra: Khakhra is a thin cracker made from wheat flour

Dabeli, a popular Gujarati food, has a spiced potato filling wrapped in a soft bun and topped with tamarind chutney, crispy sev, and fresh pomegranate seeds. The flavours and textures work well together. 

It is a famous snack that is often eaten with tea or as a light meal at top Ahmedabad student hostels, such as the ones provided by your-space. You can say, " Khakhra ane chhundo saath ma khaishu," which is " Let's have khakhra with chutney"

Chapli/Chaplo: Gossipers

A "Chapli" is a woman who talks about other people, and a "Chaplo" is a man who talks about other people. These words are used to describe people who like to talk about other people. For example, "Chapli ben maate toh sanshay nathi ke ene koi raas nathi." roughly means "There is no doubt that Chapli Ben has no interest in him."

Khaman: Khaman is a salty snack

It is made from gram flour that has been cured. It's light and fluffy and generally topped with mustard seeds and coriander leaves. "Khaman ne sev tamara guests na joiye" means "Serve khaman and sev to your guests."

Farsan: Savoury snacks

Farsan refers to a wide range of savoury snacks and side meals in Gujarati food. It includes things like dhokla, khandvi, and samosas. "Farsan ne chai sathe maja aave che" means, for example, "Tea is enjoyable with farsan."

Nakkamo: Lazy or useless

"Nakkamo" is a common word for someone who is thought to be useless or lazy. It's a word for someone who doesn't do much or has no reason to be there. So, in a nutshell, every family has at least one "Nakkamo" person, and if someone says “Party ma Nakkamo joyo, toh raat badhi vaat nathi thai.” that means “If that useless fellow attends the party, the night won't pass smoothly.”

Dabeli: Dabeli is a popular Gujarati Street food

It has a spicy potato filling and is served in a bun with chutneys, sev, and peanuts. You can say, "Ahmedabad ma dabeli khavanu joyu hoy to Kutchi dabeli jarur try karo," which translates to "If you are eating dabeli in Ahmedabad, do try the Kutchi dabeli."

Bhajiya: Another popular Gujarati Snack

Bhajiya is a snack made of gram flour batter and veggies like onions, potatoes, or spinach. It is deep-fried. It is often enjoyed when it rains. For instance, "Barish ma bhajiya ni maja aave che" means "Bhajiya is enjoyable during the rainy season."

Thepla: This word means a thin pancake

The pancake is made from wheat flour and spices, often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Pickles or yoghurt are often served with it. For example, "Thepla ani dahi jova jaiye" means "You should have Thepla with yoghurt."

Embrace Amdavadi life by learning Gujarati

Learning a few popular Gujarati words can make your stay in Ahmedabad much more enjoyable. Immerse yourself in the local language, and if you want to find the right place to live that has comfort, convenience and a warm sense of community, there's no better choice than your-space. It is a great place to stay in the city because it has top-nootch facilities, well-designed spaces, and a lively group of people who share your interests. So, learn Gujarati, enjoy the delicious food, and make your-space your home away from home in the busy city of Ahmedabad by giving us a call at +91 8447707093.