What Language Is Spoken in Mumbai, India?

Marathi (मराठी) is the only official language in Mumbai and the native language of India’s fast-growing financial hub, spoken by about 36% of the population. Hindi is next, with nearly 23% of the population speaking it fluently. However, Mumbai is a highly multilingual city, so Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Konkani, Bengali, English, and other languages are also widely spoken.

What Are the Main Languages Spoken in Mumbai?

Mumbai is a multilingual city. Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati are among the largest language groups in Mumbai, followed by several other Indian languages.

Mumbai language percentage as follows:

Language	Share of population
Marathi	36.0%
Hindi	23.0%
Urdu	13.5%
Gujarati	11.3%
Tamil	2.9%
Marwari	2.6%
Telugu	2.4%
Konkani	1.4%
Bengali	1.3%
Other languages	5.6%

Is Marathi the Official Language of Mumbai?

Yes.

Marathi (मराठी) is the official language of Mumbai, since it is the constitutionally recognized official language of the state of Maharashtra under the state's Official Language Act (1964). It is the primary language used for government administration, official signage, and public-sector communication across the city.

Key facts about Mumbai's official language

1. Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra Official Languages Act, 1964 provides that Marathi is the language to be used for official purposes of the State of Maharashtra, subject to specified exceptions. The Act applies to the whole State of Maharashtra (where Mumbai is located).

2. Mandatory Marathi signage law (2017)

In 2017, the Maharashtra Government made it compulsory for all shops and establishments to put up signboards in Marathi and the Devanagari script.

3. Marathi made compulsory in schools (2020–21)

Starting from the 2020–21 academic year, Marathi was made a mandatory subject in all schools across Maharashtra.

Which Local Languages Are Spoken in Mumbai Besides Marathi?

The languages you are likely to encounter in Mumbai include:

Language	Where you may hear it
Marathi	Throughout Mumbai, including government services, local communities, and everyday conversation
Hindi	Widely used for everyday communication across the city
Urdu	Common in several communities and neighborhoods
Gujarati	Widely spoken within Mumbai's Gujarati communities
Tamil	Spoken by Tamil-speaking communities
Telugu	Spoken by Telugu-speaking communities
Konkani	Used by Konkani-speaking communities
Bengali	Spoken by Bengali-speaking residents
English	Common in business, tourism, education and formal communication

What Is The "Bambaiya" or "Mumbaiya" Language?

Bambaiya (also called Mumbaiya) is Mumbai's informal street dialect rather than a separate official language. It's a local hybrid built mainly from Hindi, Marathi, and English, with grammar and slang that don't fully match "standard" versions of any of the three. It shows up in everyday banter, Bollywood dialogue, and local street culture, and it's one of the most distinctive features of how Mumbai actually sounds versus how it reads on an official census form.

How Many Languages Are Spoken in Mumbai in Total?

Quite a few.

Decades of internal migration from across India have made Mumbai home to speakers of well over a dozen major languages, alongside many smaller mother tongues. At the state level, the 2011 Census of India recorded 231 distinct mother tongues spoken across Maharashtra as a whole, and a meaningful share of that diversity is concentrated in Mumbai, given its role as the country's largest commercial hub.

What Language Should Tourists Speak in Mumbai?

English or Hindi is usually the easiest choice for international tourists.

You do not need to learn Marathi to visit Mumbai. English is useful in hotels, airports, restaurants, and tourist services, while Hindi can be particularly useful for everyday interactions.

Learning a few simple Marathi words can nevertheless make interactions with local residents more comfortable and friendly.

Useful Language Choices for Travelers

• English: Best for international tourism and formal situations.
• Hindi: Very useful for everyday communication.
• Marathi: Helpful for interacting with local Marathi-speaking residents.
• Gujarati: Useful in some communities and neighborhoods.

What Language Is Spoken in Mumbai Airport?

At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, travelers can generally communicate in English and Hindi, while Marathi is also widely used locally.

Because Mumbai Airport serves domestic and international travelers, English is particularly useful for signs, airline services, immigration-related interactions, and tourist facilities.

You do not need to speak Marathi to navigate Mumbai Airport as an international visitor.

Can You Visit Mumbai Without Speaking Marathi?

Yes. You can easily visit Mumbai without speaking Marathi.

English is commonly used in tourism and professional settings, while Hindi is widely understood across the city. Major hotels, airports, tourist attractions, and many restaurants have staff who can communicate in English.

For a smoother experience, travelers can save important addresses and destinations in written form and use a translation app when necessary.