How to Say “Who is That?” in Nepali
The phrase “Who is that?” in Nepali is:
उहाँ को हो? (Pronounced as: uhā̃ ko ho?)
Breaking Down the Phrase
Let’s look at each word in the phrase:
- उहाँ (uhā̃): This is the respectful or formal word for “he/she/that person” in Nepali. It is often used for elders or people you want to show respect to.
- को (ko): This means “who” in English. It is used to ask about a person’s identity.
- हो (ho): This is the verb “is” in Nepali, used to state or ask about identity or existence.
So, when you put it together, उहाँ को हो? literally translates to “Who is he/she/that (person)?”
Variations and Informal Forms
Nepali, like many languages, has formal and informal ways of addressing people. If you are speaking to friends or people your own age, you can use the informal version:
ऊ को हो? (Pronounced as: ū ko ho?)
Here, ऊ (ū) is the informal word for “he/she/that person” and is commonly used when talking about someone of the same age or younger, or in casual settings.
Pronunciation Tips
Getting the pronunciation right is important for clear communication. Here are some tips:
- The “uhā̃” in उहाँ has a nasal sound at the end, which is common in Nepali.
- The “ko” is pronounced as in “coat” without the “t”.
- The “ho” is pronounced like “hoe” in English.
Practicing with audio resources or native speakers, such as through language learning platforms like Talkpal, can help you perfect your pronunciation.
Using the Phrase in Conversation
Here are some example situations where you might use “Who is that?” in Nepali:
- You see someone in a group photo and want to know their name: उहाँ को हो?
- At a family gathering, you notice a new face: ऊ को हो?
- While walking in a village, you ask your guide about a passerby: उहाँ को हो?
After asking, you might follow up with questions like “What is his/her name?” (उहाँको नाम के हो? – uhā̃ko nām ke ho?)
Essential Nepali Vocabulary for Identifying People
To extend your conversation, here are some useful words and phrases:
- नाम (nām): Name
- मित्र (mitra): Friend
- परिवार (parivār): Family
- शिक्षक (shikshak): Teacher
- विद्यार्थी (vidyārthī): Student
Combining these words with the phrase “Who is that?” will help you gain more information during your interactions.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to remember and use new phrases is through consistent practice. Try using “Who is that?” with friends who speak Nepali, or practice with language partners online. Talkpal and other language learning platforms offer interactive tools to reinforce your speaking and listening skills, making it easier to integrate new vocabulary into your daily conversations.
Conclusion
Knowing how to ask “Who is that?” in Nepali opens up opportunities for meaningful interactions and deeper cultural understanding. By learning both the formal (उहाँ को हो?) and informal (ऊ को हो?) versions, you can navigate different social situations with ease. Remember to practice often, use additional vocabulary to expand your conversations, and make use of resources like Talkpal to accelerate your learning journey. With these tools, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Nepali conversation basics!
