Tips
Same: everyday speechWords like "aap", "kyaa", "ghar" and "paanii" are shared.
Different: the writingUrdu is written right to left in the Urdu script; Hindi left to right in Devanagari.
Different: formal wordsNews, poetry and official language use more Persian/Arabic words in Urdu, more Sanskrit in Hindi.
Different: some greetingsMany Urdu speakers say assalaam-o-alaikum and ḳhudaa haafiz; many Hindi speakers say namaste.
The same words in Urdu script and Hindi letters
Tap to hear. Each phrase is shown in Roman, Urdu script and Hindi letters.
Quick quiz
Listen and pick the meaning. Three questions.
Questions people ask
Is Urdu the same as Hindi?
Spoken in everyday life they are very close. They are written in different scripts and use different formal words.
Can Hindi speakers understand Urdu?
Usually yes, in everyday conversation. Formal or poetic Urdu can be harder.
Which is older, Urdu or Hindi?
Both grew from the same spoken language of north India (often called Hindustani) and became separate standard languages over the last few centuries.
Can I learn Urdu if I know Hindi?
Yes, and you will speak quickly. The main new thing is the Urdu script; HeyUrdu can show Hindi letters while you learn.
