Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit word with Hindu roots that dates all the way back to the Vedic period.  It’s an expression that has been used for literally thousands of years and while Namaste has many different translations and uses, it is above all an expression of respect.

Namaste is an expression of appreciation and respect towards another person, entity or deity. It can be used as a hello greeting and even as a goodbye, so you might say Namaste upon meeting someone, or before parting ways.

It is derived from two key Sanskrit words:

Namah: bow, adoration, salutation

Te: to you

The most literal translation of Namaste is “I bow to you,” but there are many different interpretations of the word, some of which are listed below.