Namaste! Simple Nepali Phrases Every Traveler (and Local) Should Know
Rakesh Rajbhat
Embarking on an adventure to the breathtaking land of Nepal, or simply looking to connect more with its vibrant local culture? One of the most rewarding ways to enrich your experience is by learning a few simple Nepali phrases. While many in tourist areas speak some English, making an effort to speak Nepali, even just the basics, can open doors, bring smiles, and offer a deeper understanding of Nepali culture. This guide offers basic Nepali for beginners, covering essential greetings like "Hello" in Nepali (Namaste), common courtesies such as "Thank you" in Nepali (Dhanyabad), simple questions, and a few common Nepali words that will be incredibly useful phrases for visiting Nepal. We'll also include phonetic spellings to make this an easy way to learn Nepali conversation basics.
Why Learn a Little Nepali?
- Show Respect: Locals appreciate the effort, and it shows your interest in their culture.
- Deeper Connections: Even a few words can break the ice and lead to more meaningful interactions.
- Easier Navigation: Useful for shopping, asking for directions, and daily encounters.
- Richer Travel Experience: It enhances your overall journey and understanding of Nepali traditions.
Your Essential Nepali Phrasebook:
Here are some key phrases categorized for easy learning. We've included a phonetic guide to help with pronunciation. (Note: Nepali is written in the Devanagari script, but we'll focus on phonetics here.)
A Quick Note on Phonetics:
- 'aa' sounds like the 'a' in "father"
- 'a' sounds like the 'u' in "but" or 'a' in "sofa" (a short, neutral vowel)
- 'i' sounds like the 'i' in "pit"
- 'ee' sounds like the 'ee' in "see"
- 'u' sounds like the 'u' in "put"
- 'oo' sounds like the 'oo' in "boot"
- 'e' sounds like the 'e' in "bed"
- 'ai' sounds like the 'ai' in "aisle" or "eye"
- 'o' sounds like the 'o' in "go"
- 'au' sounds like the 'ow' in "cow"
- Consonants are generally similar to English, but 'th' is a hard 't' sound (like in "top"), and 'dh' is a softer 'd' sound with a bit of breath. Rolled 'r's are common.
1. Greetings & Common Courtesies:
- Hello / Greetings:
- Nepali: नमस्ते (Namaste)
- Phonetic: Na-mas-tey
- Note: This is the most common greeting, often accompanied by pressing your palms together in front of your chest and a slight bow.
- Hello (more formal):
- Nepali: नमस्कार (Namaskar)
- Phonetic: Na-mas-kaar
- Thank you:
- Nepali: धन्यवाद (Dhanyabad)
- Phonetic: Dha-nya-baad
- Thank you very much:
- Nepali: धेरै धेरै धन्यवाद (Dherai dherai dhanyabad)
- Phonetic: Dhe-rai dhe-rai dha-nya-baad
- You're welcome:
- Nepali: स्वागत छ (Swagatam chha)
- Phonetic: Swaa-ga-tam chha
- Excuse me / Sorry:
- Nepali: माफ गर्नुहोस् (Maaf garnuhos)
- Phonetic: Maaf gar-nu-hos
- Good morning:
- Nepali: शुभ प्रभात (Subha prabhat)
- Phonetic: Su-bha pra-bhaat
- Good evening:
- Nepali: शुभ सन्ध्या (Subha sandhya)
- Phonetic: Su-bha san-dhyaa
- Good night:
- Nepali: शुभ रात्री (Subha ratri)
- Phonetic: Su-bha raa-tree
- Goodbye / See you again:
- Nepali: फेरि भेटौँला (Pheri bhetaunla)
- Phonetic: Phe-ree bhe-taun-laa
2. Simple Questions:
- How are you? (formal):
- Nepali: तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ? (Tapailai kasto chha?)
- Phonetic: Ta-paa-ee-laai kas-to chha?
- How are you? (informal, to someone younger or same age):
- Nepali: तिमीलाई कस्तो छ? (Timilai kasto chha?) or కే छ? (K chha?) - What's up?
- Phonetic: Ti-mee-laai kas-to chha? / Kay chha?
- What is your name? (formal):
- Nepali: तपाईंको नाम के हो? (Tapaiko naam ke ho?)
- Phonetic: Ta-paa-ee-ko naam kay ho?
- Where is the toilet / bathroom?
- Nepali: शौचालय कहाँ छ? (Sauchalaya kaha chha?)
- Phonetic: Sau-chaa-la-ya ka-haan chha?
- How much is this? / What is the price?
- Nepali: यसको कति पैसा पर्छ? (Yesko kati paisa parchha?) or कति हो? (Kati ho?)
- Phonetic: Yes-ko ka-tee pai-saa par-chha? / Ka-tee ho?
- Do you speak English? (formal):
- Nepali: तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ? (Tapai Angreji bolnuhunchha?)
- Phonetic: Ta-paa-ee An-gre-jee bol-nu-hun-chha?
3. Useful Responses & Common Nepali Words:
- Yes:
- Nepali: हो (Ho) / हुन्छ (Hunchha - means okay/will do)
- Phonetic: Ho / Hun-chha
- No:
- Nepali: होइन (Hoina) / हुँदैन (Hudaina - means not okay/won't do)
- Phonetic: Hoi-na / Hu-dai-na
- Okay / Alright / Good:
- Nepali: ठीक छ (Thik chha) / राम्रो (Ramro - good/beautiful)
- Phonetic: Theek chha / Raam-ro
- My name is [Your Name]:
- Nepali: मेरो नाम [Your Name] हो (Mero naam [Your Name] ho)
- Phonetic: Me-ro naam [Your Name] ho
- I am fine:
- Nepali: म ठीक छु (Ma thik chhu) or सन्चै छु (Sanchai chhu)
- Phonetic: Ma theek chhoo / San-chai chhoo
- I don't understand:
- Nepali: मैले बुझिन (Maile bujhina)
- Phonetic: Mai-ley bu-jhi-na
- Water:
- Nepali: पानी (Paani)
- Phonetic: Paa-nee
- Food:
- Nepali: खाना (Khana)
- Phonetic: Khaa-naa
- Delicious!:
- Nepali: मिठो छ! (Mitho chha!)
- Phonetic: Mee-tho chha!
4. Numbers (1-10):
- Ek (एक - eyk)
- Dui (दुई - doo-ee)
- Tin (तीन - teen)
- Char (चार - chaar)
- Paanch (पाँच - paanch)
- Chha (छ - chha)
- Saat (सात - saat)
- Aath (आठ - aath)
- Nau (नौ - nau)
- Das (दश - das)
Practice These Nepali Phrases!
The best way to learn Nepali language basics is to practice! Try these mini-scenarios:
- Scenario 1: Meeting someone new.
- You: Namaste!
- Them: Namaste!
- You: Tapailai kasto chha? (How are you?)
- Them: Ma thik chhu. Tapailai? (I am fine. And you?)
- You: Ma pani thik chhu. Dhanyabad. (I am also fine. Thank you.) Tapaiko naam ke ho? (What is your name?)
- Them: Mero naam [Their Name] ho. (My name is [Their Name].)
- You: Mero naam [Your Name] ho. Pheri bhetaunla! (My name is [Your Name]. See you again!)
- Scenario 2: Shopping.
- You (pointing to an item): Namaste. Yesko kati paisa parchha? (Hello. How much is this?)
- Shopkeeper: Paanch say rupiya. (Five hundred rupees.)
- You: Dhanyabad. (Thank you.)
- Scenario 3: Ordering food.
- You: Namaste. Ek plate momo, kripaya. (Hello. One plate of momos, please.)
- (After eating) You: Mitho chha! Dhanyabad. (Delicious! Thank you.)
Keep Learning and Exploring!
Learning even a few Nepali phrases will greatly enhance your experience in Nepal and show your respect for the local culture. Don't be afraid to try them out; Nepalis are generally very friendly and appreciative of any effort to speak their language. There are many resources online and language apps that can help you continue your journey to speak Nepali. Enjoy the Nepali conversation practice!
Now, put your new knowledge to the test! Head over to our website to play the "Nepali Phrase Whiz" quiz and earn points!
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