Music is a universal language, but knowing the right Hindi terms can deepen your appreciation for India’s rich musical traditions. Whether you’re discussing classical ragas or humming along to Bollywood hits, this guide covers the vocabulary you need.
Classical Music Terms
राग (Rāg)
/ɾɑːɡ/“Raga”
A melodic framework in Indian classical music, often associated with specific moods, times of day, or seasons.
ताल (Tāl)
/t̪ɑːl/“Rhythmic cycle”
The rhythmic pattern or cycle in classical music, often played on the tabla.
सितार (Sitār)
/sɪ.t̪ɑːɾ/“Sitar”
A plucked string instrument prominent in Hindustani classical music.
Bollywood & Popular Music
फिल्मी गीत (Filmī Gīt)
/fɪlmiː ɡiːt̪/“Film song”
Songs from Bollywood movies, often blending traditional and modern styles.
आइटम सॉन्ग (Āiṭam Sŏng)
/aːɪʈəm sɔːŋɡ/“Item song”
A high-energy, dance-heavy song in Bollywood films, usually featuring a guest performer.
ग़ज़ल (Ġazal)
/ɣə.zəl/“Ghazal”
A poetic form set to music, often expressing themes of love and loss.
Folk & Regional Music
भजन (Bhajan)
/bʱə.d͡ʒən/“Devotional song”
A Hindu devotional song, often praising deities like Krishna or Rama.
लोक गीत (Lok Gīt)
/loːk ɡiːt̪/“Folk song”
Traditional songs passed down through generations, varying by region.
दोहा (Dohā)
/d̪oː.ɦɑː/“Couplet”
A two-line poetic form common in folk music, often with a moral or spiritual message.
Modern & Global Influences
रैप (Raip)
/rɛːp/“Rap”
A style of music with rhythmic speech, increasingly popular in urban Hindi music.
रॉक (Rŏk)
/rɔːk/“Rock”
A genre adopted by Hindi bands, blending Western rock with Indian themes.
इलेक्ट्रॉनिक संगीत (Ilekṭrŏnik Saṅgīt)
/ɪlɛkˈtrɔːnɪk səŋɡiːt̪/“Electronic music”
A growing genre in India, often fused with traditional instruments.
Musical Instruments
- तबला (Tablā) – A pair of hand drums used in classical and folk music.
- हारमोनियम (Hārmoniyam) – A small pump organ common in devotional and folk music.
- सारंगी (Sārangī) – A bowed string instrument with a mournful, expressive tone.
Whether you’re discussing the intricate rhythms of a ताल (Tāl) or the catchy hooks of a Bollywood आइटम सॉन्ग (Āiṭam Sŏng), these terms will help you navigate Hindi music with confidence.
