25 Gujarati Words to Kickstart Your Hostel Life in Ahmedabad

So, you’ve packed your bags, called dibs on the window seat, and landed in Ahmedabad, ready to take on hostel life. But then it hits you… the local lingo sounds like a whole new genre on Spotify. Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Learning Gujarati isn’t as scary as it sounds, especially when you’re staying at a place like StayFLH where you have culture and comfort altogether with roommates who are always ready to translate. 

Here’s a fun starter pack of 25 Gujarati words and phrases that’ll not just help you survive your hostel life in Ahmedabad but cruise through it like a true local.

Speak Like a Local: 25 Gujarati Words for Hostel Students in Ahmedabad

(1) Kem cho? – How are you?

The OG Gujarati greeting. Say it with a smile and you’ll instantly win hearts (and possibly some fafda-jalebi).

(2) Maja ma – I’m fine

Response to “kem cho?” and basically, your way of saying “all’s chill.”

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(3) Aabhar – Thank you

Say “aabhar” and watch your auto uncle, hostel aunty, or chaiwala beam with pride.

(4) Hu / Mane – I / Me

“Hu” is when you’re the hero. 

“Mane” is when you’re the damsel in academic distress. 

Example: 

“Hu toh topper chu” – said no one ever after a mid-sem. 

“Mane notes joiye che” – said everyone, always.  

(5) Tu / Tame – You (casual) / You (respectful)

“Tu” is for your chai partner.
“Tame” is for the warden, mess uncle, and anyone who controls your food. 
Pick the right one; your next meal may depend on it.

(6) Mane tu game che – I like you

Use wisely. Preferably after someone offers you their share of Nasto.

(7) Hu tane prem karu chhu – I love you

Use it very, very wisely. Preferably not right after dandiya night.

(8) Taru/Tamaru naam shu che? – What’s your name?

Because making new friends > awkward silence in the lift.

(9) Tame kon? – Who are you?

Great for when someone eats your Dabeli and you want to investigate (respectfully).

(10) Haan / Na – Yes / No

Keep it simple. Just Yes or No.

(11) Shu che? – What is it?

Perfect for pointing at suspicious-looking mess food.

(12) Mane samjatu nathi – I don’t understand

Your go-to during fast Gujarati gossip sessions.

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(13) Bhai / Behen – Brother / Sister

FLH fam = chosen fam. Use freely, feel the warmth.

(14) Mota / Nano – Elder / Younger

“Mota” doesn’t mean extra fries, and “Nano” isn’t the car. 
It’s all about age, not appetite; seniority over snack quantity

(15) Khavanu / Jamvanu – Food / Meal

The most important of all, will come in handy when you are in a hostel/ PG and need to ask “aaje khavama/ jamvama shu che?”

(16) Sidhu – Straight

For navigating SG Highway or your life.

(17) Kya? – Where?

“Kya che tamaro room?” – Typical FLH intro in Week 1.

(18) Hu aavu chhu – I’m coming

Because “On the way” sounds way cooler in Gujarati.

(19) Mane madad joiye chhe – I need help

When your bucket breaks down. Or your heart.

(20) Ketla rupiya thase? – How much will it cost?

A must-have phrase for bargaining at Law Garden like a local.

(21) Aapde kya jaiye chhe? – Where are we going?

Useful when your FLH gang is dragging you out for late-night gola.

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(22) Khabar nathi – I don’t know

When in doubt, just say “Khabar nathi”, it’s the ultimate escape phrase.

(23) Barabar – Okay / Alright

All-purpose magic word. Use it liberally.

(24) Jalsa – Enjoyment

Because hostel life is all about having a jalsa after lectures.

(25) Aavjo – Come again / Goodbye

We don’t say goodbye here. We say aavjo because you’ll always want to come back. 

Bonus Slang for Hostel Drama 

• Dobi – That one roommate who forgets the geyser is on.

• Vaidi – The smartie who reminds the professor of the assignment deadline.

• Gadhedo – The one who opens the group project links 15 mins before submission.

• Nakkamo – The forever “30 mins late” friend.

• Chaplo/Dodh-dahyo – For the ones who say “I studied nothing” but tops the test. 

Whether you’re bargaining at Law Garden, dancing at a garba night, or just trying to decode your roommate’s rant these Gujarati phrases have your back. 

Drop a “Kem cho?”, throw in a “Maja ma!”, and watch how fast you go from outsider to honorary Gujarati. Bonus? You might just get more farsan at snack time and fewer blank stares in the mess line. 

So go on talk the talk, dance the dandiya, and live the hostel life Gujarati-style.  
Aavjo!