What Does Namaste Mean?

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Learn about the history and proper usage of this popularized Sanskrit term

Co-authored by Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: August 28, 2024 Fact Checked

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Namaste Definition

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The History of Namaste

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How to Use Namaste

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Expert Interview

You’ve likely seen the word “namaste” somewhere or another. Perhaps you noticed it on a sign outside a yoga studio or overheard someone saying it. So, what does this term mean? Namaste is a Sanskrit word that expresses respect, honor, and gratitude. More often than not, someone uses namaste as a greeting or salutation. Keep reading to learn the history behind this fascinating term and whether or not it’s okay for you to use it.

Things You Should Know

Namaste is an ancient and sacred Sanskrit word that translates to “I bow to you.”
Namaste is used to respectfully say “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you.”
In Western culture, namaste closes yogic practices to honor the mind, body, and spirit.

Section 1 of 3:

Namaste Definition

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Namaste is often used as a greeting to express appreciation and gratitude. This term is often used in spiritual practices and yoga to show respect or honor. Depending on the context, namaste can mean “hello,” “goodbye,” or “thank you.” In many Eastern cultures, it’s a polite greeting or farewell. Overall, it’s an endearing and respectful sentiment meant to display kindness.^{[1]
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- Namaste is pronounced correctly as nuh-MUH-stheh.
- In Sanskrit, namaste translates to “I bow to you.” The term comes from 2 Sanskrit words: namah and te. Namah means “bow,” and te means “to you.” Therefore, namaste is often said while bowing to demonstrate honor or respect to the universe, others, or self.^{[2]
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- Think of namaste as the Indian version of aloha.^{[3]
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  Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT
  Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist
  
  Expert Interview}
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In yoga, namaste is used to thank the body, mind, and spirit for all it offers. Today, namaste is also used in Western culture during yoga or spiritual practices to express love and gratitude. Some say “namaste” before and after yoga classes to greet friends and fellow yogis, while others use it as a closing chant to end their flow. No matter when it’s being used, namaste is a spiritual reminder to connect to the mind, body, and spirit, focus on the present moment, and be grateful.^{[4]
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- In Hinduism, namaste also translates to “I bow to the divine in you.” This reflects the yogic principles of peace, honor, and spirituality.

Section 2 of 3:

The History of Namaste

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As far as we know, namaste has been a term or greeting for centuries. Excavations of Indus Valley Civilisations (which lasted from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE) uncovered terracotta figurines or small statues in the namaste position (with their hands held in prayer).^{[5]
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Namaste didn’t become well-known in the West until the late 1900s. Contrary to popular belief, namaste hasn’t always been used in Western culture. Deriving from Hinduism and Sanskrit, the term gained traction as American and Indian cultures melded. Namaste became more popularly used around the 1960s and continues to be used commonly today.^{[6]
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- Some argue that the Americanized version of namaste is culturally inaccurate, insensitive, and takes away from the term’s Hindu origins.^{[7]
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Use Namaste

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Say “namaste” at the end of a yoga flow to show gratitude. When you follow an online yoga practice or join an in-person class, you may notice the instructor asking you to put your hands together in prayer, bow, and say “namaste.” This is an ancient tradition used to close a yogic practice and thank the instructor, universe, and yourself for the time spent on the map. So, bow and say “namaste” at the end of each practice to honor yourself and the world around you.^{[8]
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- In yoga, the prayer hand posture is known as Anjali Mudra. This mudra is a nonverbal expression of namaste.
In many Indian and South Asian cultures, namaste is a formal greeting that grants respect. Use this term to address your elders or teachers to show that you respect and honor them.^{[9]
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If you’re a spiritual person or follow Hinduism, try greeting people with a bow while saying “namaste” instead of shaking their hands. Some Indian countries adopted this greeting method during the 2020 pandemic to stop the spread of germs, and it just stuck!^{[10]
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Feeling a bit down lately? Help boost your self-confidence and energy by saying “namaste” to yourself in the mirror. Remember, this Sanskrit term can mean “I honor you” or “I respect you,” making it a perfect daily reminder that you’re worthy of love.

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It’s okay to say “namaste” even if you’re not of Indian descent, as long as you’re honoring the culture it comes from and not overusing it.^{[11]
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