Learn Basic Meitei Phrases for Your First Trip to Manipur – A Practical Guide

You’re packing your bags, dreaming of the hills, the markets, and the taste of fresh fish curry. But there’s one thing that can make your first trip to Manipur smoother than a silk saree: a few simple Meitei words. At Manipur Mosaic we love sharing little tools that help you feel at home, even if you’re just a visitor. So let’s walk through the phrases you’ll need, with a few stories from my own wanderings.

Why a Phrase Book Matters

When I first arrived in Imphal, I tried to order “rice” in English. The vendor smiled, shook his head, and handed me a bowl of something that looked like flat noodles. I laughed, but I also felt a little lost. A few Meitei words can turn that awkward moment into a friendly chat. It shows respect, opens doors, and often gets you a better price on the market.

Greetings – The First Step

Hello / Good Morning

• Khurumjari (pronounced koo-ruhm-ja-ree) – “Hello” or “Good morning”.
• Nongma (pronounced nong-ma) – “Good afternoon”.

Just say Khurumjari when you step into a shop or meet a local on the street. It’s like a warm handshake in words.

Goodbye

• Thagatchaa (pronounced tha-ga-chaa) – “Goodbye”.

You’ll hear it a lot when people leave the tea stall. Try it back and you’ll get a nod of approval.

Getting Around

Where is…?

• …-gi makha leirabadi? (…-gee ma-kha lay-rah-bah-dee?) – “Where is …?”

Replace the dot with the place name. For example:

• Imphal-gi makha leirabadi? – “Where is Imphal?”

It sounds a bit long, but locals love the effort.

How far?

• Khurum leirabadi? – “Is it far?”

If you’re standing at a bus stop and wonder if the next bus will take you to your hotel, ask this.

I’m lost

• Eigi leirabadi haibadi. (Ay-gee lay-rah-bah-dee ha-ee-bah-dee) – “I am lost.”

Don’t be shy. Most people will point you in the right direction, or at least share a snack while you figure it out.

Eating Out

I’m hungry

• Eigi thokpa leirabadi. – “I am hungry.”

I’d like to try…

• …-gi thokpa leirabadi. – “I want to try ….”

If you see a plate of Eromba (spicy boiled vegetables) and want to try it, say Eromba-gi thokpa leirabadi.

Thank you

• Khurumjari works here too, but you can also say Nangbu thagani (pronounced nang-boo tha-ga-nee) – “Thank you”.

I once thanked a street vendor with Khurumjari and he laughed, saying it felt like a greeting and a thank‑you rolled into one. He gave me an extra piece of chak‑hao (sticky rice cake). Small things, but they stick with you.

Shopping at the Market

How much?

• Masi leirabadi? (mah-see lay-rah-bah-dee?) – “How much?”

Too expensive

• Masi leirabadi, adu leirabadi. – “It’s too expensive.”

If the price feels high, say this politely and you’ll often see the seller lower it a bit. It’s a gentle way to negotiate.

I’ll take it

• Eigi leirabadi. – “I’ll take it.”

Combine with the item name: Kangshoi (handloom cloth) – Kangshoi-gi leirabadi.

Simple Politeness

Please

• Masi (mah-see) can also mean “please” when placed before a request.

Example: Masi, Imphal-gi bus leirabadi? – “Please, where is the Imphal bus?”

Excuse me / Sorry

• Nongma (same as “good afternoon”) is also used for “excuse me”.

If you bump into someone, a quick Nongma will smooth things over.

A Little Story from Manipur Mosaic

One rainy afternoon, I was trying to find the Kangla Fort. My map was soaked, and I couldn’t read the street names. I remembered the phrase “Kangla-gi makha leirabadi?” and asked a lady selling singju (a tangy salad). She laughed, pointed east, and then invited me to try a fresh bowl of singju. We talked about the old legends of the fort, and she even taught me how to say “I love Manipur” – “Eigi Manipur leirabadi.” By the time I reached the fort, I felt like a local, not a tourist.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Print this cheat sheet, stick it on your fridge, or keep it on your phone. At Manipur Mosaic we believe a few words can turn a trip into a story you’ll tell for years.

Final Thoughts

Travel is about more than sights; it’s about connections. Learning these basic Meitei phrases shows you care about the people, the language, and the culture that Manipur Mosaic celebrates every day. You don’t need to become fluent overnight—just a handful of words can open doors, bring smiles, and maybe even earn you a free bite of eromba.

So next time you zip up your suitcase, tuck these phrases into your mind. When you step onto the streets of Imphal, you’ll hear the echo of Manipur Mosaic in every friendly exchange. Safe travels, and may your journey be as colorful as the handloom fabrics you’ll see.