Words are Amazing in Nepal
If you’re anything like me, then you like to learn a few words whenever you visit a new country. Learning Nepali words was extra difficult for everyone. Because the words are written in characters (not letters like used to in the U.S./UK or in English Language) the translations are often spelled 100 different ways. Trying to read them took a lot of practice on my end. Most people always try to learn “Hello” “Thank you” and “Delicious.” If you know those three words and can smile, then you can survive anywhere. The thing is, so few foreigners speak Nepali, which makes speaking it even more fun. Locals rarely expect tourists to know their language and when they do it makes them giggle and laugh. It’s so easy to form immediate connections in Nepal if you learn just a few basic words and phrases. Here’s the Nepali words and sayings I use the most.
Must Know Nepali Words
Hello – Namaste
Please – Kri.pie.ya
Thank you – Dhan.ya.bad
You’re welcome – Swag.gat.tum
Delicious – Mi.tho.cha
Yes – Ho
No – Hoi.na
Beautiful – Ramro
How much is it? – Ka.ti ho?
I want to go to ______. – Ma _____ mah jahn chu.
Can I take your photo? – Photo khic.nu hun.cha?
Basic Nepali Greetings
In Nepal, greetings are important. In New York, we basically barge up to people and start asking questions. That’s rude in Nepal. Even after years, I still have a really hard time remembering to go through all the niceties before beginning the actual conversation. It’s proper to always do a formal greeting of “Namaste” along with prayer hands. The higher you raise your hands; the more respect you show. Your thumbs between your eyebrows is the ultimate sign of respect. It’s also proper to bow a little.
Hello – Na.ma.ste
Goodbye – Na.ma.ste
Is everything okay? – Thik cha?
I’m okay – Thik cha
Is everything good? – Ram.ro cha?
I’m good – Ram.ro cha
My name is… – Mero nom … ho
Good morning – Shu.bha.bi.hani
Good night – Shu.bha.rah.tri
Manners in Nepali
While most Nepali people will be ecstatic that you tried to say anything at all in Nepali, they’ll be especially happy if you say it politely. The second saying I learn in every language is “Thank you.” In Nepali, I find “Please” goes a long way as well. For instance, say a taxi is trying to charge you triple the rate. Instead of getting angry and yelling, I’ll usually say the rate that I know is fair and when they shake their head no, I’ll throw in some prayer hands and say “Please” in a sweet voice. Works every time.
Thank you – Dhan.ya.bad
Please – Kri.pi.ya
You’re welcome – Swag.gat.tum
Pardon? – Ha.jur?
Excuse me – Excuse me (they use English)
Can I take your photo? – Photo khic.nu hun.cha?
Beautiful – Ram.ro
I love your country a lot – Ma.lai ta.pie ko desh sa.rai man par.yo
Nepali Words Used When Eating
Something I love about Nepal is that asking “Have you eaten?” is the same as asking “How are you?” As someone who loves to eat and is constantly thinking about what I’ll have for my next meal, I can appreciate this connection. If you’ve eaten, it means you’re good. If you haven’t, you’ll probably be rushed to a restaurant or someone will start cooking for you. Food is important in Nepal so using some etiquette will really impress people. When you are served food in a homestay, ask the cook if you may eat. When offered seconds, it’s polite to say yes, but it’s also rude to waste food, so I recommend asking for just a little each time.
Have you eaten? – Khah.nah khah.nu bha.yo?
May I eat? – Kha.nah khan.chu?
It’s delicious – Mi.tho.cha
Give me/I’d like – De.nus
Here/Take this – Le.nus
A little – Ali ali
I’m full – Bha.yo
Hot (for food and drinks) – Ta.to
Cold (for food and drinks) – Chi.sho
Water – Pa.ni
Tea – Chia
Not spicy – Nah pi.ro
I can’t eat … (I’m allergic to …) – May.lai kha.nu hu.dai.nah …
How much is it? – Ka.ti ho?
Respectful Nepali Words
There is a Nepali word for every relationship there is. I won’t go into specifics but even “my aunt on my mother’s side” has a specific word. Terms of respect are important in Nepal. Using them properly shows people that you respect them and their culture. The thing is, you don’t just call your family these terms. You use them for everyone. Even strangers. Say a waiter at a restaurant (a male who is slightly older than you) brings you a drink. It would be polite to say “Thank you big brother.”
Mother – Ama
Father – Baba
Grandmother – Bah.jai
Grandfather – Bah.je
Elder Sister – Di.di
Younger Sister – Ba.hi.ni
Elder Brother – Dai
Younger Brother – Bhai
Little Girl – Na.nu
Little Boy – Ba.bu
Friend – Sah.thi
Nepali Words for Feelings
One of the major attractions in Nepal is trekking in the Himalaya. While most guides speak wonderful English, it’s sometimes fun to tease each other in Nepali. My guides often skip ahead of me and look back with a big smile while asking if I’m tired. These sayings can also be helpful if you’re in a far off area where English isn’t widely spoken. Being able to tell someone you’re cold or hungry can be helpful for getting extra blankets or trying to arrange a meal.
- I’m cold – Jah.do lahg.yo
- I’m hot – Gar.mi lahg.yo
- I’m hungry – Bhok lahg.yo
- I’m thirsty – Py.as lahgyo
- I’m happy – Khu.si lahg.yo
- I’m tired – Tha.kai lahg.yo
- I’m sick – Bi.rah.mi bha.ye
Yes & No
Obviously, knowing how to say yes and no is helpful in any country. In Nepal, there’s a few versions of yes and no. If someone asks you “Do you have a pen?” the answer is “Chiyna” (I don’t have.) If someone asks if you want more food, the answer is “Bhayo” (I’m full/done). Of course, if you say yes or no, everyone will understand what you are trying to say.
Yes – Ho
Okay – Huncha
No – Hoi-na
I don’t have – Chai.na
Done – Bhayo
Directions in Nepali
Directions are mostly useful if you are outside a major city and are lost. I use these words with locals on trekking trails if I’m not with a guide and find myself confused. They’re also handy for taxis in major cities if you are outside the main tourist area. A helpful hint to remembering left and right is to make a “b” and a “d” with your thumb and index finger. Your left hand makes a “b” for “bhaiya” and your right makes a “d” for “daiya.” Make sure to pronounce them clearly or repeat them back to make sure you heard it properly as they sound very similar. Hand gestures help a great deal.
I want to go to… – Ma … mah jahn chu.
I’m lost – Ma har.aye
Please help – Sa.ha.yog gar.nus
Left – Bhai.ya
Right – Dai.ya
Straight – Sid.ha
Uphill – U.kah.lo
Downhill – U.ral.lo
Must Learn Important Nepali Words And Sentences
If you’re traveling to Nepal for vacation, then you might need to learn Nepali words and phrases in Nepali to communicate well. Learning some of the commonly spoken words of the places where you are traveling, will help you enjoy your visit more.
Talking or communicating with people in their native language is wonderful. Knowing other languages decreases the communication barrier. Though a sweet smile can help you everywhere, words will make your expression clear, so others can know about you and you can know about others.
Here in this article, we will help you to learn:
Important Nepali vocabulary
Nepali Numbers
Family Relations and genders in Nepali
Names of Popular animals and birds found in Nepal
Names of popular Nepali food and drinks
Nepali language is a branch of Indo-Aryan language and is similar to Sanskrit and Hindi language. People in Nepal have more than 100 different regional, local and community languages. But Nepali is the official and widely spoken language in Nepal. With globalization in the world, many Nepalese people can speak the English language fluently. And some can understand but cannot reply in English. So to communicate with people of Nepal, it can be helpful if you learn Nepali. Though, you can feel most of the sentences that Nepalese are speaking are mixed up with English words.
Some of the commonly used English words in the Nepali language are time, road, photo, toilet, bathroom, water tank (as tanky in Nepali), pen, vest, t-shirt, color, pants, jacket, etc. The names of electronic devices and technical terms are also similar to English but not all, though people can usually understand if you use English words for Nepali equivalent.
Here, we have collected some of the most important words and expressions that are mostly used in Nepal.
If you are soon traveling to Nepal, then this is something you should learn!
Let’s start with some common words used for Greetings in Nepali and their translation:
- Hi, Hello! -> Namaskar (नमस्कार), Namaste (नमस्ते)
- Good morning! -> Shuva pravat (शुभ प्रभात)
- Good Afternoon -> Shuva diin (शुभ दिन)
- Good evening! -> Shuva saanjh (शुभ साँझ)
- Goodnight! -> Shuva Ratri (शुभ रात्री)
- Bye! -> Bidaa hau (बिदा हौ)
- See you again! -> Pheri Bhetaula (फेरी भेटौँला)
- Thank you! -> Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद)
Important Words/Vocabulary
Traveling to some unknown places, where you do not understand their language is quite uncomfortable. But Nepalese people are helpful to guests as guests are treated equivalent to Gods. “Atithi Devo Bhawa”, which means “Guests are Gods” can be felt through their welcoming of guests and helpfulness towards tourists.
Yes -> Ho (हो)
No -> Hoina (होइन)
Maybe -> Sayad (शायद)
OK -> hunchha (हुन्छ)
Thank you! -> Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद)
You’re welcome! -> Tapailai swagat chha (तपाईलाई स्वागत छ)
Excuse me -> Kshama garnuhola (क्षमा गर्नुहोला), kshama pau (क्षमा पाउ)
I’m sorry -> Kshama garnuhola (क्षमा गर्नुहोला), Dukha Lagyo (दु:ख लाग्यो)
I have -> Ma sanga chha (म सँग छ)
I don’t have -> Ma sanga chhaina (म सँग छैन)
We have -> Haami sanga chha (हामी सँग … छ)
We don’t have -> haami sanga chhaina (हामी सँग … छैन)
Something -> Kehi Chha (केही छ)
Nothing -> Kehi Pani Chhaina (केही पनि छैन)
Where -> Kaha (कहाँ), Kata (कता)
Why -> Kina (किन)
How -> Kasari (कसरी)
When -> Kahiley (कहिले)
Who -> Ko (को), Kasley (कसले)
Don’t Mind -> Dukha na mannu (दु:ख नमान्नु)
Let’s go -> Jaou (जाऔं)
Introducing yourself in Nepali
After learning these words, you surely can introduce yourself to Nepalese people. You can answer their questions as well as ask them.
What’s your name? -> Tapai Ko naam k ho? (तपाईको नाम के हो?)
My name is … -> Mero naam … ho. (मेरो नाम … हो ।)
Where are you from? -> Tapai Kaha Bata aaunu vayeko? (तपाईं काहाँ बाट आउनु भएको?)
I’m from … -> Ma … aaeko hu. (म … आएको हुँ ।)
How old are you? -> Tapai Ko Umer Kati ho? (तपाईंको उमेर कति हो?)
I’m … years old. -> Ma… barsa ko bhaye. (म … बर्ष को भए।)
Are you married? -> K Tapai Bibahit hunhunchha? (के तपाई बिबाहितहुनुहुन्छ?)
I am married -> Mero bibaha bhayeko chha. (मेरो बिबाह भएको छ ।)
I am not married. -> Mero bibaha bhayeko chhaina. (मेरो बिबाह भएको छैन।)
Do you speak English? -> K tapaai English bolnu hunchha? (के तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्नु हुन्छ?)
Mine -> Mero (मेरो)
You: Hajur (हजुर) / Tapai (तपाईं) / Timi (तिमी) / Ta (त) (Hajur is used for Elders or people who are superior to us. Tapai is also used for elders but it is considered a lower form of respect than Hajur, although both are used alternatively. Timi is used for friends of the same age and juniors and Ta is used with a very close friend and to juniors, though Ta is not considered as a form of respect.)
Family Relations and Genders Words in Nepali
Here are some of the words that are used to specify the relations and gender of the person in Nepali. You can use these words while talking to people to get closer to them. When you see an elderly person who seems to be more than the age of 60-70, you can call him or her Bajey (Grandfather) or Bajeyi (Grandmother). It is common to show respect using elderly relations if they are older to you in age.
Grandfather -> HajurBuwa (हजुरबुबा )
Grandmother -> HajurAama (हजुरआमा)
Mother -> Aama (आमा)
Father -> Buwa (बुवा)
Elder Brother -> Dai (दाई)
Younger Brother -> Bhai (भाई)
Elder Sister -> Didi (दिदी)
Younger Sister -> Bahini (बहिनी)
Brother’s Wife -> Bhauju (भाउजु)
Paternal Uncle -> Thulbuwa / Kaka (Nowadays commonly English word “Uncle” is used for Paternal Uncle) (ठुलबुवा / काका)
Paternal Uncle’s Wife -> Thuli Aama / Kaki (ठुली आमा / काकी)
Mother’s Sister -> Thuli Aama, Sani Aama (ठुली आमा/ सानी आमा)
Maternal Uncle -> Mama (मामा)
Maternal Uncle’s Wife -> Maiju (माइजु)
Son -> Chhora (छोरा)
Daughter -> Chhori (छोरी)
Boy -> Kta (केटा)
Man -> Purus (पुरुष)
Girl -> Keti (केटी)
Women -> Mahila (महिला)
Friend -> Saathi (साथी)
Some Useful Translation of Phrases
Here are some of the translations of English words into Nepalese and how to speak them. You may hear these words in your visit to Nepal and maybe you will be able to reply to them in Nepali also after learning these words. You might see many people mix English words with Nepali while speaking. Words such as time, light, toilet, road, etc are commonly used in Nepali in place of original Nepali words.
Welcome -> Swagatam (स्वागतम्)
How are you? -> Tapaaii lai kasto cha? / Timi lai kasto cha?)(तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ? / तिमीलाई कस्तो छ?)
I’m fine -> Malaai sanchai cha. (मलाइ सन्चै छ ।)
Pleased to meet you -> Tapailai bhetera khushii laagyo. (तपाईलाई भेटेर खुशी लाग्यो)
Good luck! -> Subhakamana (शुभ कामना)
Have a nice day -> Din Subha Bitos (दिन शुभ बितोस्)
Bon appetit / Have a nice meal -> Ramrari khanu hola. (राम्ररी खानु होला)
Bon voyage / Have a safe journey -> Shubha yatra (शुभ-यात्रा)
Where are you going? -> Tapai kata jaadai hunhunchha? (तपाईं कता जाँदै हुनुहुन्छ?)
I’m going to ….-> Ma … Jaadai chhu. (म … जाँदैछु।)
I understand -> Maile bujhey (मैले बुझेँ)
I don’t understand -> Maile bujhina (मैले बुझिन)
I don’t know -> Malaai thaha chaina (मलाई थाहा छैन)
Please say that again -> Pheri bhannus (फेरि भन्नुस्)
Do you speak Nepali? -> K tapain Nepali bolnuhunchha? (के तपाइ नेपाली बोल्नुहुन्छ?)
Speak to me in Nepali? -> Ma sanga nepali ma bolnus. (म सँग नेपालीमा बोल्नुस।)
How do you say … in Nepali? -> Tapain le Nepalima … lai kasari bhannu hunchha? (तपाईंले नेपालीमा …. लाई कसरी भन्नुहुन्छ?)
How much is this? -> Yo kati ko ho? (यो कति को हो?)
Where is this place? -> Yo thau kaha chha? (यो ठाउँ काहाँ छ?)
Sorry -> Maapha garnus. (माफ गर्नुस्)
Where’s the restroom/bathroom? -> Sauchalaya kata chha. (शौचालय कता छ?)
Get well soon -> Chadai Niko hunu hos. (चाँडै निको हुनुहोस्)
Help! -> Sahayog garnus. (सहयोग गर्नुस्) / or Maddat garnuhos. (मद्दत गर्नुहोस।)
Stop! -> Roknuhos (रोक्नुहोस्)
Call the police! -> Prahari Bolaunuhos (प्रहरी बोलाउनुहोस्)
Happy New Year -> Nayabarsha ko subhakamana. (नयाँ वर्षको शुभकामना)
Happy Birthday -> Janmadin ko Subhakamana. (जन्मदिनको शुभकामना)
Congratulations -> Badhai chaa! (बधाई छ!)
I’m hungry -> Malai bhok lagyo. (मलाई भोट लाग्यो)
Let’s eat some food -> Kehi Khana Khau. (केही खाना खायौ)
Eat -> Khanu (खानु)
Food -> Khana (खाना)
Forest -> Ban (बन) / or Jungle (जङ्गल)
Food and Drinks:
Nepalese food is delicious, you can taste them during your visit to Nepal. Here we have added some of the daily consuming foods in Nepal. Though you will have a wide range of food choices than listed here, in Nepal. Some of the names of Nepali food cannot be translated. So, you have to have a visit to know the names of the rest of the unique food of Nepal:
Rice -> Bhaat (भात)
Bread -> Roti (रोटी)
Vegetables -> Tarkari (तरकारी)
Water -> Paani (पानी)
Tea -> Chiya (चिया)
Coffee -> Coffee (कफी)
Potato -> Aalu (आलु)
Onion -> Pyaz (प्याज)
Mango -> Aaap (आँप)
Apple -> Shyau (स्याउ)
Orange -> Suntala (सुन्तला)
Banana -> Kera (केरा)
Pulses soup -> Daal (दाल)
Meat -> Maashu (मासु)
Chicken Meat -> Kukhura ko Maashu (कुखुराको मासु)
Mutton -> Khasi ko Maashu (खसीको मासु)
Buff Meat -> Bhaisi ko Maashu (भैसीको मासु)
Momo Dumplings -> Momo (म:म:)
Noodles -> Chauchau (चाउचाउ)
Tomato -> Golveda (गोलभेडा)
Green Vegetables -> Saag (साग)
Pickle -> Achaar (अचार)
Spinach -> Paalung (पालुङ)
Milk -> Doodh (दुध)
Ghee -> Ghiu (घिऊ)
Curd/Yogurt -> Dahi (दही)
Names of Popular Animals and Birds Found in Nepal
Nepal is rich in flora and fauna and home to thousands of different species. There are various rare and endangered wild animals and plants in Nepal. The country is geographically diverse with high Himalayas and plains of terai. And you may see some common animals roaming in the streets. A cow is believed as the most sacred animal.
Cow -> Gaai (गाई)
Buffalo -> Bhaisi (भैंसी)
Dog -> Kukur (कुकुर)
Tiger -> Baagh (बाघ)
Leopard -> Chituwa (चितुवा)
Elephant -> Haati (हात्ती)
Rhino -> Gaida (गैडा)
Deer -> Hariin (हरिण)
Hen -> Kukhura (कुखुरा)
Cat -> Biralo (बिरालो)
Crow -> Kaag (काग)
Bird -> Chara (चरा)
Animal -> Janawar (जनावर)
Horse -> Ghoda (घोडा)
Donkey -> Gadha (गधा)
Goats -> Bakhra (बाख्रा)
Rabbit -> Kharayo (खरायो)
Mouse -> Muso (मुसो)
Peacock -> Mayur (मयूर)
Pigeon -> Parewa (परेवा)
Parrot -> Suga (सुगा)
Bat -> Chamero (चमेरो)
Snake -> Sarpa (सर्प)
Monkey -> Baadar (बादर)
Butterfly -> Putali (पुतली)
Mosquito -> Machchhar (मच्छर)
Yak -> Chauri Gaai (चौरी गाई)
Sheep -> Bheda (भेडा)
Names of Electronic Devices and Other Common Terms
Fan -> Pankha (पंखा)
Electricity -> Bidhut (विधुत)
Wire -> Taar (तार)
Light -> Ujyalo (उज्यालो)
Book -> Kitab (किताब)
Door -> Dhoka (ढोका)
Window -> Jhyal (झ्याल)
House -> Ghar (घर)
Palace -> Durbar (दरवार)
Vehicle -> Gaadi (गाडी)
Clothes -> Kapda (कपडा)
Hot -> Taato (तातो)
Cold -> Chiso (चिसो)
Mountain -> Himal (हिमाल)
Shoes -> Jutta (जुत्ता)
Current, freezer, heater, bulb, mobile, TV, computer, phones, etc are not translated into Nepali and only English words are used for these things.
Learn Nepali Numbers
If you will stay in Nepal, you might buy something from local shops and markets or pay for tickets or passes, then you may use Nepali currency “Rupees” to pay for them. It won’t be difficult to know Nepali currency as it is printed in both Nepali and English in both the front and backside. You can learn these numbers to tackle the problem if you face any with Nepali numbers.
Zero -> Shunya (शुन्य) (0 = 0)
One -> Ek (एक) (1 = १)
Two -> Dui (दुई) (2 = २)
Three -> Tin (तीन) (3 = ३)
Four -> Char (चार) (4= ४)
Five -> Paanch (पाँच) (5 = ५)
Six -> Chha (छ) (6 = ६)
Seven -> Saat (सात) (7 = ७)
Eight -> Aath (आठ) (8 = ८)
Nine -> Nau (नौ) (9 = ९)
Ten -> Dus (दस) (10 = १०)
Eleven -> Yeghara (एघार) (11 = ११)
Twelve -> Baahra (बाह्र) (12 = १२)
Thirteen -> Tehra (तेह्र) (13 = १३)
Fourteen -> Chaudha (चौध) (14 = १४)
Fifteen -> Pandhra (पन्द्र) ( 15= १५)
Sixteen -> Sola (सोल) (16 = १६)
Seventeen -> Satra (सत्र) (17=१७)
Eighteen -> Athara (अठार) (18=१८)
Nineteen -> Unnais (उन्नाइस) (19=१९)
Twenty -> Bis (बिस) (20 = २०)
Thirty -> Tees (तिस) (30 = ३०)
Fourty -> Chalis (चालिस) (40 = ४०)
Fifty -> Pachaas (पचास) (50 = ५०)
Sixty -> Saathee (साठी) (60 = ६०)
Seventy -> Sattari (सत्तरी) (70 = ७०)
Eighty -> Ashi (अस्सी) (80 = ८०)
Ninety -> Nabbey (नब्बे) (90 = ९०)
One hundred -> Saya (सय) (100 = १००)
Five hundred -> Paanch Saya (पाँच सय) (500 = ५००)
One thousand -> Ek Hajaar (एक हजार) (1000 = १०००)
One million -> Dus Lakh (दस लाख) (10,00,000 = १०,००,०००)
If you learn Nepali and even talk with Nepali people, they will love you and welcome you from the heart.
Do you want more content to learn Nepali? Just leave a comment and we can suggest more resources like the book, audio & video, etc.
Other Nepali Expressions You May Need…
“What’s to be done?” and “What happened?” are very common Nepali expressions that you may overhear people saying daily. These are just fun to know since you’ll hear them so often. Nepali people are extremely laid back so whenever something is going wrong, you’ll likely see someone shrug, say “Ke garne?” and go back to drinking their tea.
What’s to be done – Ke gar.ne?
What happened – Ke bha.yo?
Oh well – Tei.ta
One minute – Ek chin
