Learning a new language is always an exciting journey, and Nepali, the official language of Nepal, is no exception. One of the essential aspects of mastering any language is understanding how to form and use imperative tenses. Imperatives in Nepali are particularly interesting because they not only convey commands but also carry nuances of politeness, urgency, and formality. In this article, we’ll delve into forming and using imperative tenses in Nepali, providing you with the necessary tools to give commands, make requests, and offer suggestions effectively.
Understanding Imperatives in Nepali
In Nepali, imperative sentences are used to issue commands, requests, or instructions. Like in English, the subject is often implied rather than explicitly stated. For example, in English, we say “Sit down,” rather than “You sit down.” Similarly, in Nepali, the subject (you) is understood.
However, Nepali imperatives are unique in their use of different levels of politeness and formality. This is particularly important in a society where social hierarchy and respect play significant roles.
Basic Formation of Imperatives
The simplest form of the imperative is constructed from the verb stem. The verb stem is the base form of the verb without any tense or aspect markers. For example, the verb “to eat” is “खानु” (khānu), and its stem is “खा” (khā).
Here is a basic structure:
– Verb Stem + (optional) Politeness Marker
Examples:
– “Sit” becomes “बस” (bas).
– “Stand” becomes “उठ” (uṭh).
– “Speak” becomes “भन” (bhan).
Politeness and Formality
Nepali imperatives can be modified to express different levels of politeness and formality. There are three main levels: informal, formal, and highly formal.
Informal: This is used with close friends, younger people, or those of equal status.
– Simply use the verb stem: खा (khā) for “eat.”
Formal: This is used with people you are not very familiar with or those of higher status.
– Add “नु” (nu) or “न” (na) to the verb stem: खानु (khānu) for “please eat.”
Highly Formal: This is used in very respectful contexts or with elders and superiors.
– Add “होस” (hos) to the verb stem: खानुहोस (khānu hos) for “please eat.”
Examples:
– Informal: “खा” (khā) – Eat.
– Formal: “खानु” (khānu) – Please eat.
– Highly Formal: “खानुहोस” (khānu hos) – Please eat (very respectfully).
Negative Imperatives
Negative imperatives are used to tell someone not to do something. In Nepali, these are formed by adding “न” (na) before the verb stem.
Examples:
– “Don’t eat” becomes “नखाउ” (nakhaū).
– “Don’t sit” becomes “नबस” (nabas).
– “Don’t speak” becomes “नभन” (nabhan).
To make the negative imperative more polite, you can use the same politeness markers as mentioned above:
– Informal: “नखाउ” (nakhaū) – Don’t eat.
– Formal: “नखानु” (nakhānu) – Please don’t eat.
– Highly Formal: “नखानुहोस” (nakhānu hos) – Please don’t eat (very respectfully).
Imperatives in Different Contexts
Commands and Orders
Commands are direct and often abrupt. They are usually given in the informal form unless a higher level of respect is required.
Examples:
– “Come here!” – “यहाँ आओ!” (yahā̃ āo!)
– “Go there!” – “त्यहाँ जा!” (tyahā̃ jā!)
Requests and Suggestions
Requests and suggestions are softer and more polite. They are typically given in the formal or highly formal form.
Examples:
– “Please sit down.” – “बस्नुहोस।” (basnuhos.)
– “Please speak.” – “भन्नुहोस।” (bhannuhos.)
Instructions and Directions
When giving instructions or directions, the formal form is commonly used to ensure clarity and politeness.
Examples:
– “Turn left.” – “बायाँ मोड्नुहोस्।” (bāyā̃ moḍnuhos.)
– “Go straight.” – “सिधा जानुहोस्।” (sidhā jānuhos.)
Common Imperative Verbs in Nepali
To help you get started, here is a list of common verbs in their imperative forms at different levels of politeness:
Informal:
– Eat – “खा” (khā)
– Sit – “बस” (bas)
– Stand – “उठ” (uṭh)
– Speak – “भन” (bhan)
– Come – “आ” (ā)
– Go – “जा” (jā)
Formal:
– Eat – “खानु” (khānu)
– Sit – “बस्नु” (basnu)
– Stand – “उठ्नु” (uṭhnu)
– Speak – “भन्नु” (bhannu)
– Come – “आउनु” (āunu)
– Go – “जानु” (jānu)
Highly Formal:
– Eat – “खानुहोस” (khānu hos)
– Sit – “बस्नुहोस” (basnuhos)
– Stand – “उठ्नुहोस” (uṭhnuhos)
– Speak – “भन्नुहोस” (bhannuhos)
– Come – “आउनुहोस” (āunuhos)
– Go – “जानुहोस” (jānuhos)
Practical Applications
Understanding how to form and use imperative tenses in Nepali is incredibly useful in various practical situations. Here are some scenarios where these forms are commonly applied:
Traveling in Nepal
When traveling, you often need to ask for directions, make requests, and follow instructions. Knowing the imperative forms can make these interactions smoother.
Examples:
– “Please show me the way.” – “बाटो देखाउनुहोस।” (bāṭo dekhāunuhos.)
– “Stop here.” – “यहाँ रोक्नुहोस।” (yahā̃ roknuhos.)
Shopping and Dining
Whether you’re in a market or a restaurant, giving commands and making polite requests is essential.
Examples:
– “Give me that.” – “त्यो दिनुहोस।” (tyo dinuhos.)
– “Bring the menu.” – “मेनु ल्याउनुहोस।” (menu lyāunuhos.)
Social Interactions
In social settings, using the correct level of politeness in your imperatives can help you build better relationships and show respect.
Examples:
– “Please come in.” – “भित्र आउनुहोस।” (bhitra āunuhos.)
– “Have a seat.” – “बस्नुहोस।” (basnuhos.)
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of imperative tenses in Nepali, try these practice exercises:
1. Convert the following sentences into informal imperatives:
– “You eat.”
– “You sit.”
– “You come here.”
– “You speak.”
Answers:
– Eat – “खा” (khā)
– Sit – “बस” (bas)
– Come here – “यहाँ आ” (yahā̃ ā)
– Speak – “भन” (bhan)
2. Convert the following sentences into formal imperatives:
– “You go.”
– “You stand.”
– “You bring.”
– “You write.”
Answers:
– Go – “जानु” (jānu)
– Stand – “उठ्नु” (uṭhnu)
– Bring – “ल्याउनु” (lyāunu)
– Write – “लेखनु” (lekhnu)
3. Convert the following sentences into highly formal imperatives:
– “You eat.”
– “You sit.”
– “You speak.”
– “You come.”
Answers:
– Eat – “खानुहोस” (khānu hos)
– Sit – “बस्नुहोस” (basnuhos)
– Speak – “भन्नुहोस” (bhannuhos)
– Come – “आउनुहोस” (āunuhos)
Conclusion
Mastering the use of imperative tenses in Nepali is a crucial step in becoming proficient in the language. By understanding the levels of politeness and formality, you can navigate social interactions with ease and show respect to those around you. Whether you’re traveling, shopping, dining, or engaging in social activities, the ability to give commands, make requests, and offer suggestions in Nepali will enhance your communication skills and enrich your cultural experience. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll find yourself using Nepali imperatives naturally and confidently. Happy learning!
