Learning a new language opens doors to understanding different cultures and experiences. Nepali, the official language of Nepal, is spoken by over 20 million people. Whether you’re planning a visit, have friends or family who speak the language, or simply wish to expand your linguistic skills, learning basic Nepali vocabulary can significantly enhance your communication abilities. This guide focuses on daily-use vocabulary in Nepali, providing you with essential words and phrases that are regularly used in everyday conversations.

Greetings and Polite Expressions

Greetings are crucial in Nepali culture, reflecting respect and good intentions. Starting a conversation with a polite greeting can set a positive tone.

– Namaste – A common greeting equivalent to hello. It also has a deeper meaning, implying “I bow to the divine in you.”
– नमस्ते! तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
– Subha prabhat – Good morning.
– सुभ प्रभात! तपाईंलाई भेटेर खुशी लाग्यो।
– Subha sandhya – Good evening.
– सुभ सन्ध्या! तपाईंको दिन कस्तो रह्यो?

Polite expressions also play a significant role in day-to-day interactions.
– Dhanyabad – Thank you.
– धन्यवाद, मलाई यो सहयोग मन पर्‍यो।
– Maf garnuhos – Please forgive/excuse me.
– माफ गर्नुहोस्, म अलिक ढिला भएँ।
– Tapaiko naam ke ho? – What is your name?
– तपाईंको नाम के हो?

Essential Questions

Asking questions is fundamental in any language to gather information and engage in meaningful conversations.
– Tapaainlai kasto cha? – How are you?
– तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
– Yo kati ho? – How much is this?
– यो कति हो?
– Yaha bato kata ho? – Where is the way here?
– यहाँ बाटो कता हो?

Numbers and Shopping

Knowing numbers is particularly useful, especially for shopping and bargaining.
– Ek (1), Dui (2), Tin (3), Char (4), Panch (5)
– एक, दुई, तीन, चार, पाँच
– Yo kati ho? – How much is this?
– यो कति हो?
– Malai yo kinna man lagyo – I would like to buy this.
– मलाई यो किन्न मन लाग्यो।

Directions and Transportation

Getting around in Nepal requires some knowledge of direction-related vocabulary.
– Baayaa – Left
– कृपया बायाँ फर्कनुहोस्।
– Daayaa – Right
– कृपया दायाँ फर्कनुहोस्।
– Sidha – Straight
– सीधा जानुहोस्।
– Bus park kata cha? – Where is the bus station?
– बस पार्क कता छ?

Food and Dining

Food is an integral part of Nepali culture, and knowing how to order or inquire about food can enhance your dining experience.
– Khana – Food
– खाना मिठो छ।
– Pani – Water
– कृपया मलाई पानी दिनुहोस्।
– Menu kripaya – Menu, please.
– मेनु कृपया।

Emergencies and Health

It’s crucial to know some basic phrases to use in emergencies or health issues.
– Sahayog garnus – Please help.
– सहयोग गर्नुस्, म बिरामी छु।
– Aspatal kata cha? – Where is the hospital?
– अस्पताल कता छ?
– Police lai bolau – Call the police.
– पुलिसलाई बोलाउ।

Conclusion

Mastering these daily-use Nepali words and phrases can significantly ease your communication in Nepal, helping you build stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of the culture. Practice regularly, and don’t hesitate to engage in conversations with native speakers to enhance your fluency. Remember, learning a language is a journey, and every word you learn is a step forward.