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Learn Maithilifor real life

मैथिली

Learn Maithili through a language you already know. Build useful vocabulary, follow personalized lessons, and practise everyday conversations with your AI tutor.

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Illustration for learning Maithili
A new language. More people, places and stories to connect with.
Speakers
34+ Million
Speaking regions
Bihar and Jharkhand, India; Terai, Nepal
Writing system
Devanagari

People, places & possibilities

Why learn Maithili?

Maithili is an Indo-Aryan language associated with the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It has a long literary tradition and is closely connected with the cultural heritage of Mithila.

  • Connect with more than 30 million Maithili speakers
  • Explore the literature and cultural traditions of Mithila
  • Read works associated with the Maithili literary tradition
  • Connect with communities in Bihar, Jharkhand and Nepal
  • Preserve the linguistic heritage of the Mithila region

Your first steps

How to start learning Maithili

Start where you are. Connect each new word to something you want to say.

  1. Get to know the writing and sounds

    Explore Devanagari writing and how Maithili sounds. Take time with unfamiliar characters and pronunciation.

  2. Start with words you will use

    Learn useful Maithili greetings and everyday vocabulary, with explanations in the language you choose.

  3. Turn words into a conversation

    Practise speaking Maithili with your AI tutor. Ask a question, explain an idea, or talk about something you enjoy.

  4. Make a little time for practice

    Return to your lessons and try your new Maithili words in different situations. Build towards fluent speaking at your own pace.

Explore Maithili writing with audio

From knowing to speaking

Make Maithili part of your day

Work towards more fluent conversations by putting your words into practice, not just memorising them.

  • Practise both sides of a conversation

    Speak Maithili with an AI tutor that responds. Try everyday situations or talk about your interests.

  • Understand it in your own language

    Ask your AI tutor to explain a word or idea in a language you already know, then try using it yourself.

  • Follow a plan that starts with you

    Your goals, interests and level help shape your next lesson. Keep building on what you have already learned.

An Indilingo AI speaking call, showing the tutor speaking and the End Call control

Speaking practice in the Indilingo app.

Before you begin

Learning Maithili: your questions

More about Indilingo
Where is Maithili spoken?

Maithili is the language of the Mithila region, which covers northern Bihar and parts of Jharkhand in India and the eastern Terai of Nepal. It is the second most spoken language in Nepal, after Nepali.

What script is Maithili written in?

Today Maithili is usually written in Devanagari, the script used for Hindi, Marathi and Nepali. It was traditionally written in Tirhuta, also called Mithilakshar, which some writers still use.

Is Maithili the same as Hindi?

No. Maithili is a separate Indo-Aryan language with its own grammar, vocabulary and literature. It shares many words with Hindi and is also related to Bengali and other eastern Indian languages. It became one of India's scheduled languages in 2003.

Can I start learning Maithili for free?

Yes. You can start with the core learning experience for free. AI chat and speaking have free-use limits, and Indilingo Pro gives you more. Check the app for your current plan's features and limits.

Can I learn Maithili from a language I already speak?

Yes. Choose Maithili as the language you want to learn and a supported language for your explanations. Your starting language can help you understand new words and ideas.

How can I practise speaking Maithili?

Open the Speak tab in the app and choose an everyday situation or General Practice. Talk with your AI tutor, ask questions, and try using the Maithili words you have learned.

Is Maithili difficult to learn?

That depends on the languages you already know and what you want to do with Maithili. Get familiar with its Devanagari writing system, start with useful words, and give yourself time to practise.

How long does it take to become fluent in Maithili?

There is no single timeline. Your starting point, goals, regular practice and opportunities to use Maithili all matter. Set a practical goal, such as introducing yourself or making plans, and build from there.

How many people speak Maithili?

Our language guide lists 34+ Million speakers, with speaking communities across Bihar and Jharkhand, India; Terai, Nepal. Speaker estimates vary by source and by whether they include second-language speakers.

Where can I learn Maithili with Indilingo?

Download Indilingo on Android from Google Play or on iPhone from the App Store. Personalized lessons, AI chat and speaking practice are available in the mobile app.

Your next conversation could be in Maithili

Take the next step towards fluent speaking. Start with a language you know and build from there.

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