How to Say “Bado Ka Ashirwad” and “Bhagwan Ka Shukar Hai” in English

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Your grandmother is on a video call, your colleague congratulates you on the promotion, and you want to say “sab bado ka ashirwad hai.” Then your mind goes blank. You know the feeling perfectly well in Hindi, but the English words feel too small or too strange.

This happens because blessings and gratitude are deeply cultural in Hindi. English has its own way of expressing the same warmth, just with different words. Let’s fix that with phrases you can actually use this week, whether you are talking to family, friends or colleagues.

“Bado Ka Ashirwad”: What English Speakers Would Actually Say

The dictionary gives you “blessing” for ashirwad, and “elders” for bade. So “bado ka ashirwad” becomes “elders’ blessings.” That is correct, but on its own it can sound a little formal in casual English. Here are better options depending on the situation:

• When someone congratulates you: “Thank you! I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support and blessings.”
• When you’re about to start something new: “I’m starting the new job tomorrow. I took my parents’ blessings this morning.”
• When you want to sound warm but simple: “It’s all because of my parents’ good wishes.”
• With people who know Indian culture: “I touched my grandmother’s feet and got her ashirwad before the interview.”

Notice that English often prefers “support,” “good wishes” and “blessings” together. That combination sounds natural and sincere.

“Bhagwan Ka Shukar Hai”: Saying Thank God Without Sounding Strange

When something goes right after a worry, Hindi speakers say “bhagwan ka shukar hai.” The English version depends on how you want to sound:

• Everyday and relaxed: “Thank God!” (for example, “Thank God you reached home safely.”)
• Neutral and safe at work: “Thank goodness,” “What a relief,” or “I’m so glad it worked out.”
• Deeply grateful: “I’m truly thankful,” or “I feel so blessed.”

At the office, “What a relief” is usually the smoothest choice. It shows the feeling without bringing religion into a mixed group. For more everyday phrases like this, see our post on how to say common Hindi phrases in English.

“Aapka Aashirwad Hai”: Staying Humble Without Sounding Old-Fashioned

When someone praises you, Hindi culture often expects humility: “Sab aapka aashirwad hai.” A literal English version like “It is your blessing” can confuse people. Try these instead:

• “That’s very kind of you. I really appreciate your guidance.”
• “Thank you, I’ve learned a lot from you.”
• “I owe a lot of this to your support.”

Each one keeps the respect and the humility, and each one sounds like something a native speaker would say to a teacher, boss or senior.

Blessings You Give to Others: “Khush Raho” and “Jeete Raho”

It is not only about receiving blessings. Elders in Hindi say things like “khush raho,” “jeete raho” or “tarakki karo.” Those short phrases carry a lot of love, and English has matching ones:

• Khush raho: “Stay happy,” or “I hope you’re always happy.”
• Jeete raho: “God bless you,” or “Bless you, dear.”
• Tarakki karo: “I wish you all the success,” or “I hope you do very well in life.”
• Safal ho: “Good luck, I know you’ll do well.”

If you are talking to a younger cousin before an exam, “All the best, I’m sure you’ll do well” sounds warm and natural. If you are a parent sending your child off on the first day of a new job, “God bless you, stay happy and do your best” feels just right. Say them in your own voice, in your own tone, and keep the sentence short. English blessings rarely need to be long to feel sincere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few traps we often hear from learners:

• Translating word for word. “Elders’ blessings are always with me” is grammatically fine, but “I have my family’s support” is what people usually say.
• Overusing “God” in professional settings. Keep it for friends and family unless you know your listener well.
• Skipping the explanation. If you use “ashirwad” with someone who may not know it, add “blessing” right after it.

A Small Practice Idea

Think of three moments this week when you would naturally say a blessing or gratitude phrase in Hindi. Write the English version of each one in your own words, then say it out loud a few times. Many learners find that short, repeated practice with their own real situations builds confidence faster than reading long lists of phrases. If you enjoy this kind of everyday conversation, you may also like office small talk in English.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “bado ka ashirwad” in English?

The closest translation is “elders’ blessings” or “the blessings of my elders.” In a sentence you can say, “I got here because of my elders’ blessings,” or more naturally, “I owe this to my family’s support and blessings.”

How do I say “bhagwan ka shukar hai” in English?

The most natural options are “Thank God,” “Thank goodness,” or “I’m so grateful.” For example, “Thank God you reached safely.” Use “Thank God” only when the other person is comfortable with it, and “Thank goodness” when you want a more neutral tone.

Is “aapka aashirwad hai” the same as “it is by your grace”?

They are close. “Aapka aashirwad hai” is usually said humbly when someone praises you. In English, “It’s because of your support” or “I couldn’t have done it without your guidance” carries the same warmth without sounding old-fashioned.

Should I translate every Hindi blessing word for word into English?

No. Word-for-word translations often sound stiff or confusing to an English listener. It works better to keep the feeling and choose the phrase an English speaker would naturally use in that situation.

Can I keep using “ashirwad” when I speak English?

Yes, especially with people who know Indian culture. “Ashirwad” is widely understood among Indian English speakers. With a mixed group, add a short explanation, like “I got my grandmother’s ashirwad, her blessing, before the exam.”

If you want guided speaking practice for real situations like these, our 4-month spoken English program is built around exactly this kind of everyday conversation. Parul Ma’am has trained 15,000+ students since 2010, and you can start at your own level.