Can we say « Namaste »?

By URelles

August 14, 2025

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“Namaste.” A word from Sanskrit that has become a slogan in yoga classes, printed on a T-shirt or tote bag or even transformed through absurd puns. You know what we’re talking about, right? But behind this word that sounds so Zen, what is its real story? And above all… is it something you say? And if so, in what context?

« Namaste » what?

The term “Namaste” (नमस्ते) dates back to the Vedas, the sacred texts of ancient India. It combines namaha (“to bow”) and te (“to you”) and was associated with greetings addressed to the deity.

This is why this greeting is often accompanied by a bow. Saying “namaste” and bowing, traditionally to an elder or more formally to someone you don’t know, is a common greeting in Nepalese and Indian culture.

Although the deeper meaning of “Namaste” is intentionally present for some when used in a spiritual context, today, ‘namaste’ is mainly used in Hindu and Nepalese cultures as a formal and respectful “hello” that is part of everyday life.

It can be compared to “goodbye,” which comes from the expression “may God be with you,” or “adios,” which comes from “go to God.” Although these words traditionally have a deeper meaning, this is not necessarily present in our everyday usage.

In yoga class: discomfort on the horizon

You may have experienced this slightly strange moment: the session ends, everyone is relaxed, the teacher says “Namaste” in a calm tone, and everyone responds in unison, as if by reflex. But you’re not quite sure what it means. Should you respond? Is it a prayer? Am I being disrespectful if I don’t say it? Am I appropriating culture if I do say it?

This ambiguity can create discomfort. Not because saying “Namaste” is necessarily offensive, but because, in many Western contexts, the word is used in a stereotypical way, stripped of its cultural and spiritual depth. It then becomes a decorative word, a touch of exoticism to make a class more “authentic”… whereas in India, it is not used in yoga classes in the same way, if at all.

Although “Namaste” is rooted in the culture that gave birth to yoga, it is not a traditional yoga practice. Saying “Namaste” in yoga is a relatively new practice and much more common in Western yoga, particularly in the US. Since yoga is generally considered a spiritual practice, it seems that Western yogis have made a connection between spirituality and “Namaste.”

Furthermore, as mentioned above, “Namaste” means “hello,” and the fact that Western yoga teachers and their students use it more as a goodbye further detracts from its meaning.

Namaste… with a Quebec flavor

Over the decades, with the rise of yoga in the West, “Namaste” quietly migrated to North American yoga studios… and then into popular culture as a reference to Zen-like tranquility.

The word has become an emblem of Western yoga, appearing on mats, mugs, sweaters, and even being turned into puns:

Nama-slay

Namaste bitch

And our own versions here: Namaste caliss / tabarnak

While these misappropriations may seem harmless or humorous at first glance, they still raise questions. Because behind the word lies a tradition, a culture, a spirituality… and not just a relaxed or zen mood.

Is it offensive to say “Namaste”?

Not necessarily! It all depends on the intention and context. Used respectfully and in an informed setting, “Namaste” can be a beautiful way to acknowledge and greet another person.

However, be careful! As mentioned, “Namaste” is mainly heard in Hindi-speaking regions. Hundreds of other languages are spoken in the region. Therefore, just because someone looks Indian, has dark skin, or has a foreign-sounding name, it is not appropriate to greet them with “Namaste.”

Furthermore, using “Namaste” as a marketing slogan, attached to a swear word or a joke, or repeated mechanically without understanding what it means, contributes to the trivialization of a word that, for many people, has a completely different cultural meaning.

Let’s take a comparison from here: imagine you’re in a restaurant in Paris, and every time you open your mouth, people respond with barely disguised Quebecois swear words: “Bon appétit, tabarnak!” or “Merci, esti!” Not very subtle or respectful, is it? Even if it’s said with a wink and a smile, it gives the impression that people are mocking you or reducing your culture to a stereotype, and after a while… it gets tiresome.

In conclusion

Words travel. They cross borders, cultures, and eras. And that is a treasure… as long as we don’t forget where they come from.

Saying “Namaste” is not a bad thing. If you like saying “Namaste” or are unsure how to respond during class, take a moment to learn about its origin and meaning, because the choice is yours. If you are a yoga teacher, ask yourself why you use it.

And if you come across a “Namasté caliss” sweater, maybe it’s an opportunity to have a broader discussion about cultural appropriation and the marketing of spirituality!