* कहानी (kahani): This is the most common and general term for "story".
* कथा (katha): This word is slightly more formal and often used for stories with a moral or religious significance.
* बात (baat): This word translates to "story" but is usually used for casual anecdotes or personal experiences.
* आख्यायिका (akhyayika): This word refers to a narrative or tale, particularly one that is fictional.
The best word to use will depend on the specific story and the context in which it is being told.