Exercises on Nepali Syntax: Word Order in Sentences

Nepali syntax, with its unique sentence structures and word orders, can be both fascinating and challenging for learners. Unlike English, Nepali typically follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order, which can initially seem perplexing to those accustomed to the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure. Understanding and mastering this fundamental aspect of Nepali grammar is crucial for effective communication and comprehension. Through these exercises, you will gain a deeper insight into the patterns and rules that govern word placement in Nepali sentences, enabling you to construct coherent and grammatically correct statements. These exercises are designed to progressively build your proficiency in Nepali syntax by focusing on various sentence components and their correct arrangement. By practicing different types of sentences – from simple declarative ones to more complex constructions – you will enhance your ability to think and formulate thoughts in Nepali. Whether you are a beginner looking to grasp the basics or an advanced learner aiming to refine your skills, these exercises will provide you with the necessary tools to navigate the intricacies of Nepali word order with confidence.

Exercise 1

1. म *विद्यालय* जान्छु (place).

2. उसले *खाना* खायो (noun for food).

3. म *किताब* पढ्दैछु (object related to reading).

4. उनीहरू *पार्क* जान्छन् (place for relaxation).

5. मैले *साइकल* किनें (object related to transportation).

6. त्यो *कुकुर* दौडिरहेको छ (animal).

7. हामीले *सिनेमा* हेर्यौं (place to watch movies).

8. उनले *पानी* पिए (liquid to drink).

9. म *घर* फर्किएँ (place where you live).

10. उसले *गितार* बजायो (musical instrument).

Exercise 2

1. म *स्कूल* जान्छु (जाने ठाउँ)।

2. ऊ *खाना* खान्छ (खाने कुरा)।

3. मैले *पानी* पिएँ (पिउने कुरा)।

4. उसले *किताब* पढ्छ (पढ्ने कुरा)।

5. उनीहरू *खेल* खेल्छन् (खेल्ने कुरा)।

6. हामी *गाउँ* जान्छौं (जाने ठाउँ)।

7. तिमीले *फलफूल* किन्यौ (किन्ने कुरा)।

8. उसले *गीत* गाइन् (गाउने कुरा)।

9. मैले *फूल* टिपेँ (टिप्ने कुरा)।

10. उनले *सुर्य* देखे (हेर्ने कुरा)।

Exercise 3

1. म बिहान *स्कूल* जान्छु (Place where students go).

2. ऊ आफ्नो *मित्र* लाई भेट्न गयो (Person who is a friend).

3. हामीले *खाना* खानुपर्छ (Something you eat).

4. उनीहरूले *किताब* पढिरहेका छन् (Object you read).

5. म *सानो* बच्चा हुँ (Opposite of big).

6. उनी *घर* मा बस्छिन् (Place where you live).

7. कुकुरले *भुक्यो* (What a dog does).

8. उनले *राम्ररी* काम गरिन् (Well, in a good manner).

9. हामी *नेपाल* मा बस्छौं (A country in South Asia).

10. उसले *जुत्ता* लगायो (Footwear).