What is the difference between Namaskar and Namaste?

Differentiating between namaskar and namaste might be a very hard thing to do, especially by those who usually consider these words as synonyms. Saying namaste or namaskar is just like when you are shaking hands with people and saying hello to them. While the two words are used mostly as a sign of respect, there are still some differences between the two.

Although this might be a very hard thing for you to do, most Indians would find it easy to differentiate the two words. Namaskar and namaste are from the root word “Namah”, meaning bow or salute. When you look at the word namaste, it is a combination of the two words "Namah" and "te''. By translation, "te" means to you. So, namaste can be easily translated as I bow to you with respect. In contrast, namaskar, which is a combination of "Namah" and "kar" means I'm doing this act of bowing or saluting with respect. This is because "kar" is from the verb "kri," which means to do.

The words Namaskar and namaste both involve an acknowledgment or respect of another person. These are also both Indian ways of saying hello. When answering these words, one is supposed to hold their palms upright in front of the chest. These words are Sanskrit and are deeply rooted in Indian tradition. Supposedly, when one uses the word Namaskar, they are not only greeting the person, they are also referring to the soul within.

Namaste is often used when saluting the divine entity. People use both of these expressions interchangeably. However, when completing a group yoga session, it is far more prevalent to use the word namaste. Most people are more familiar with this word than Namaskar.