Word Guide
Learn "water" in Marathi — पाणी (pāṇī) — with drink phrases, polite requests, and cultural notes. From Unit 02 & 11.
How to Say "Water" in Marathi: पाणी + Drink Phrases
The word for water in Marathi is पाणी (pāṇī) — feminine, ends in ई, used constantly. This guide covers the word, drink phrases, polite requests, and the cultural habit of offering water first.
Quick Answer
| Marathi | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| पाणी | pāṇī | Water (feminine) |
| पाणी द्या करा | pāṇī dyā karā | Please give water |
| पाणी मिळेल का? | pāṇī mīlēl kā? | Will I get water? / Is water available? |
| थंड पाणी | ṭhaṇḍa pāṇī | Cold water |
| गरम पाणी | garama pāṇī | Hot/warm water |
Grammar: पाणी is Feminine
पाणी ends in ई → feminine. Adjectives and verbs agree:
- पाणी थंड आहे — The water is cold (neuter adj, but पानी feminine → थंडी in careful speech)
- माझी पाणी — My water (माझी = feminine possessive)
- पाणी द्या — Give water (द्या = feminine object imperative)
Tip: In casual speech, adjectives often stay masculine (थंड पाणी), but possessives flip: माझी पाणी, तिची पाणी. Listen for the possessive — it's the reliable gender tell.
Drink & Request Phrases
| English | Marathi | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water, please | पाणी द्या करा | Polite imperative |
| I want water | मला पाणी पाहिजे | मला + पाहिजे = need |
| Is there water? | पाणी आहे का? | आहे का = is there? |
| Cold water, please | थंड पाणी द्या करा | थंड = cold |
| Hot water for tea | चहासाठी गरम पाणी | साठी = for |
| Drink water | पाणी प्या | प्या = drink (imperative) |
Cultural Note: Water First
In Maharashtra, guests are offered पाणी immediately — often before चहा (tea). Refusing is polite once, but accepting the second offer is expected. Say हो, कृपया (yes, please) or पाणी द्या करा.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ पाणि → ✅ पाणी (long ई, not short इ)
- ❌ माझा पाणी → ✅ माझी पाणी (feminine possessive)
- ❌ पाणी पीजिए → ✅ पाणी प्या (Marathi verb, not Hindi)
Mini Practice
- "Cold water, please" → थंड पाणी द्या करा
- "I need water" → मला पाणी पाहिजे
- "My water" → माझी पाणी