The Nepali Word for “When”
The standard way to ask “when” in Nepali is by using the word कहिले (pronounced “ka-hi-lay”). This is the direct equivalent of “when” in English and can be used in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal.
How to Pronounce “कहिले”
The pronunciation of कहिले can be broken down as follows:
- क (ka) – as in “car”
- हि (hi) – as in “hit”
- ले (lay) – rhymes with “lay”
Say it smoothly as “ka-hi-lay.”
Using “कहिले” in Different Contexts
“कहिले” can be used to ask about the timing of events, schedules, or appointments. Here are some common example sentences to help you practice:
- तपाईं कहिले जानुहुन्छ? (Tapai kahile januhunchha?) – When are you going?
- उनी कहिले आउँछन्? (Uni kahile aaunchan?) – When will he/she come?
- यो कार्यक्रम कहिले सुरु हुन्छ? (Yo karyakram kahile suru hunchha?) – When does this event start?
- तपाईंको जन्मदिन कहिले हो? (Tapai ko janmadin kahile ho?) – When is your birthday?
Understanding the Structure of Nepali Questions
Nepali generally follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) sentence order. When forming questions with “when,” कहिले usually comes before the main verb or at the beginning of the question for emphasis.
- कहिले + verb + subject/object?
- Subject + कहिले + verb?
Both structures are acceptable, but context and emphasis may determine which is preferred.
Other Useful Time-Related Words in Nepali
To expand your vocabulary, here are some related words that often appear alongside “कहिले”:
- आज (aaja) – today
- भोलि (bholi) – tomorrow
- हिजो (hijo) – yesterday
- समय (samaya) – time
- मिति (miti) – date
Tips for Practicing with Native Speakers
Practice makes perfect! Here are some tips for effectively asking “when” in Nepali:
- Use language learning apps like Talkpal to practice speaking and listening with AI or native speakers.
- Try forming your own questions using “कहिले” about daily routines, events, or plans.
- Watch Nepali videos or listen to conversations to hear how “when” is naturally used in context.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—most Nepali speakers appreciate your effort to learn their language!
Conclusion
Learning how to ask “when” in Nepali using “कहिले” opens the door to richer conversations and deeper cultural understanding. By practicing the examples and tips provided, you’ll quickly become comfortable using this key question word. For more guidance and interactive practice, check out resources like Talkpal, which can help you sharpen your Nepali language skills. Happy learning!
