Learning a new language opens doors to understanding different cultures, forming new relationships, and experiencing the world in a unique way. Nepali, the official language of Nepal, is spoken by over 17 million people in Nepal and around the world. Whether you’re planning a trek through the Himalayas, volunteering in a rural village, or simply eager to learn a new language, mastering some basic Nepali phrases can greatly enhance your experience. This article aims to equip you with essential phrases and expressions that will help you navigate daily interactions in Nepal.
Greetings and Politeness
In any culture, greetings are fundamental to polite and respectful interactions. Nepali is no different. Here are some basic greetings and polite expressions:
Namaste (नमस्ते) – Hello/Goodbye
Namaste is a versatile greeting that can be used to say both “hello” and “goodbye.” It’s accompanied by a slight bow and hands pressed together in front of the chest, a gesture known as the “Anjali Mudra.”
Subha Prabhat (शुभ प्रभात) – Good Morning
Use this phrase to greet someone in the morning.
Subha Ratri (शुभ रात्रि) – Good Night
This is a polite way to say good night.
Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद) – Thank you
Expressing gratitude is important. Use “Dhanyabad” to thank someone.
Kripaya (कृपया) – Please
Adding “kripaya” before a request makes it polite.
Maaf garnuhos (माफ गर्नुहोस्) – Sorry/Excuse me
Use this phrase to apologize or to get someone’s attention politely.
Basic Conversations
Once you’ve mastered greetings, you can move on to some basic conversational phrases. These will help you engage in simple dialogues:
Tapai ko naam ke ho? (तपाईंको नाम के हो?) – What is your name?
Use this phrase to ask someone their name.
Mero naam … ho. (मेरो नाम … हो।) – My name is …
Respond with your name.
Tapai kasto hunuhuncha? (तपाईं कस्तो हुनुहुन्छ?) – How are you?
A common way to ask someone how they are.
Ma sanchai chu. (म सन्चै छु।) – I am fine.
Respond to “How are you?” with this phrase.
Tapai kahaan basnu huncha? (तपाईं कहाँ बस्नुहुन्छ?) – Where do you live?
Ask someone where they live with this phrase.
Ma … maa baschhu. (म … मा बस्छु।) – I live in …
Respond with your location.
Numbers and Counting
Knowing numbers is crucial, whether you’re shopping, traveling, or simply trying to understand prices. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in Nepali:
1 – Ek (एक)
2 – Dui (दुई)
3 – Tin (तीन)
4 – Char (चार)
5 – Paanch (पाँच)
6 – Chha (छ)
7 – Saat (सात)
8 – Aath (आठ)
9 – Nau (नौ)
10 – Das (दस)
Common Phrases for Travel
When traveling, knowing specific phrases can make your journey much smoother. Here are some travel-related expressions:
Yatra (यात्रा) – Journey/Travel
Refers to any form of travel or journey.
Gaadi kata cha? (गाडी कहाँ छ?) – Where is the bus?
Use this to ask for the location of a bus.
Yahaa samma kati cha? (यहाँसम्म कति छ?) – How much is it to here?
Useful when negotiating fares.
Shauchalaya kata cha? (शौचालय कहाँ छ?) – Where is the toilet?
Important for personal comfort.
Hawaaijahaj (हवाईजहाज) – Airplane
If you need to refer to an airplane.
Hotel kata cha? (होटेल कहाँ छ?) – Where is the hotel?
To find your accommodation.
Shopping and Dining
Shopping and dining are integral parts of experiencing a new culture. Here are some phrases that will help you:
Yo kati ko ho? (यो कति को हो?) – How much is this?
Use this to ask the price of an item.
Sasto garnus (सस्तो गर्नुहोस्) – Please make it cheaper
A common phrase for bargaining.
Malai yo manparyo (मलाई यो मनपर्यो) – I like this
To express your liking for an item.
Khaja (खाजा) – Snacks
Refers to light snacks or a small meal.
Khaja kasto cha? (खाजा कस्तो छ?) – How is the food?
Ask about the quality or taste of the food.
Paani dinuhos (पानी दिनुहोस्) – Please give water
To ask for water.
Emergency Phrases
In case of emergencies, knowing how to ask for help in the local language is essential. Here are some emergency phrases:
Sahayog garnuhos! (सहयोग गर्नुहोस्!) – Help!
To call for help.
Police lai bolau! (पुलिसलाई बोलाऊ!) – Call the police!
Use this in case you need police assistance.
Ma birami chu (म बिरामी छु) – I am sick
To inform someone that you are not feeling well.
Doctor ko aawashyak cha (डाक्टरको आवश्यकता छ) – I need a doctor
Use this if you need medical assistance.
Aago lagyo! (आगो लाग्यो!) – Fire!
To alert people in case of a fire.
Days of the Week
Knowing the days of the week can be very useful when planning activities. Here are the days in Nepali:
Sunday – Aaitabar (आइतबार)
Monday – Sombar (सोमबार)
Tuesday – Mangalbar (मंगलबार)
Wednesday – Budhabar (बुधबार)
Thursday – Bihibar (बिहीबार)
Friday – Shukrabaar (शुक्रबार)
Saturday – Sanibar (शनिबार)
Months of the Year
The Nepali calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar, but here are the Gregorian calendar months in Nepali:
January – January (जनवरी)
February – February (फेब्रुअरी)
March – March (मार्च)
April – April (अप्रिल)
May – May (मे)
June – June (जुन)
July – July (जुलाई)
August – August (अगस्ट)
September – September (सेप्टेम्बर)
October – October (अक्टोबर)
November – November (नोभेम्बर)
December – December (डिसेम्बर)
Expressing Time
Knowing how to tell and ask for the time is very helpful. Here are some phrases related to time:
Kati bajyo? (कति बज्यो?) – What time is it?
To ask for the current time.
… bajyo (बज्यो) – It is … o’clock
To state the time.
Bholi (भोलि) – Tomorrow
Refers to the next day.
Aaja (आज) – Today
Refers to the current day.
Hijo (हिजो) – Yesterday
Refers to the previous day.
Common Verbs
Here are some common verbs that you can use to form simple sentences:
Jaane (जाने) – To go
Khaane (खाने) – To eat
Padhne (पढ्ने) – To read
Lekhne (लेख्ने) – To write
Herne (हेर्ने) – To see/watch
Bolaune (बोलाउने) – To call
Garne (गर्ने) – To do
Bolne (बोल्ने) – To speak
Conclusion
Learning these basic Nepali phrases will not only help you communicate more effectively but also show respect for the local culture and people. Practice these phrases regularly, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Language learning is a process, and the more you practice, the more comfortable you will become. Enjoy your journey into the Nepali language and culture!
