Language
For successful conversation, in the US, it is advisable
that you speak slowly and pronounce properly. Well, the first part you
really need to practice otherwise what you will hear from the person opposite
is "pardon me", "come again", "I am sorry", "I didn't get you". e.g.
The changes in pronunciation are like 'schedule' pronounced as 'skedule',
'route' pronounced 'raut' etc. Also some words are totally substituted
like 'petrol' by 'gas'. Here is a table from Gary Nobel of HP San
Diego, which he created when he traveled in India. Thanks to him.
The dictionary is very remarkable.
Food Related
Education
Related
Clothes
Transportation
Related
Others
Idioms
The following is a simple dictionary for translating between
American English and Indian English. This dictionary should be useful
for the new-comer to either the U.S. or India. The words are
in no particular order.
Food Related
| Indian English |
American English |
| Coriander |
Cilantro |
| Cold drink |
Soda pop |
| Curd |
Yogurt |
| Cafe ("kayf") |
Cafe ("kaf-ay'") |
| Nes-coffee |
Instant coffee |
| Filter coffee |
Brewed coffee |
| Milk powder |
Cream |
| French beans |
Snow peas |
| Hotel |
Restaurant |
| Jelly |
Gelatin |
| Garam masalla |
Curry |
| Lady fingers |
Okra |
| Small pastries |
Lady fingers |
| Toffee |
Hard candy |
| Brinjal |
Eggplant |
| Biscuit |
Cookies/Wafers |
| Bun |
Biscuit |
| (Potato) wafers |
(Potato) chips |
| Finger chips |
French fries |
| Groundnuts |
Peanuts |
Education
Related
| Indian English |
American English |
| Public school |
Private school (tuition charged) |
| Private school |
Public school (free) |
| School |
High school |
| College |
School |
| University |
School |
| High school |
School/Junior High |
| Take a class |
Teach a class |
| 2nd standard |
2nd grade |
| High marks |
Good grades |
| Invigilator |
Proctor |
| Canteen |
Cafeteria |
Clothes
| Indian English |
American English |
| Wind cheater |
Wind breaker |
| Vest |
Undershirt |
| Waistcoat |
Vest |
| Half pant |
Shorts |
| Purse |
Wallet |
| Swim trunks |
Swim suit |
| Swim costume |
Swim suit |
Transportation
Related
| Indian English |
American English |
| Traffic signal |
Traffic light |
| Boot |
dickey Trunk of a car |
| Bonnet |
Hood of a car |
| Petrol pump |
Gas station |
| Petrol |
Gas |
| Diesel |
Fuel |
| Pavement |
Sidewalk |
| Footpath |
Sidewalk |
| Zebra Crossing |
Crosswalk |
Others
| Indian English |
American English |
| Take a lift |
Get a ride |
| Motorcycle |
Motorbike |
| Cycle |
Bike |
| Football |
Soccer |
| American football(rugby?) |
Football |
| Solid |
Substantial |
| Ltd |
Inc. |
| Transistor |
Radio |
| Two-in-One |
Boom box |
| Goggles |
Sunglasses |
| Cooling glass |
Sunglasses |
| Toilet |
Rest room |
| Guest house |
Motel |
| Current |
Electricity |
| $20 Note |
$20 Bill |
| Cell |
Battery |
| Torch |
Flashlight |
| Rubber |
Eraser |
| Snap |
Picture |
| Photograph |
Picture |
| Mixee |
Mixer |
| Dustbin |
Trash can |
| Beggar |
Panhandler |
| IBM-Compatible |
IBM-Clone |
| Inflammable |
Flammable |
| Mess Dorm |
cafeteria |
| Restaurant bill |
Restaurant check |
| Picture |
Movie |
| Talkies |
Movies |
| Lift |
Elevator |
| To fix |
To install |
| To repair |
To fix |
| Pram |
Stroller |
Idioms
| Indian English |
American English |
| To post (a letter) |
To mail (a letter) |
| To submit |
To turn in |
| To be out of station |
To be out of town |
| A place to park |
Driveway |
| A place to drive |
Parkway |
| Straight-away |
Right away |
| Anti clockwise |
Counterclockwise |
| Bunk school |
Skip class |
| Passed out |
Graduated |
| Fainted |
Passed out |
| Ring up (someone) |
Call up (someone) |
| The line is engaged It's busy |
I got a busy tone |
| Push the accelerator |
Step on the gas |
| Give the car some race |
Speed up the car |
| Get down (from a bus) |
Get off (of a bus) |
| Let's push off |
Let's go |
| Let's make a move |
Let's go |
| Convince someone |
Talk someone into |
| Black money |
Tax free undeclared income |
| Standing from a constituency |
Running for an election |
| Issue a book (from the library) |
Checkout a book (from the library) |
| How are you? |
How are you doing? |
| How is everything? |
How is it going? |
| Intimate |
Inform |
| Very Close Relations |
Intimate Relations |
| Too good |
Cool |