Key Relative Pronouns in Nepali

Nepali grammar includes several relative pronouns, which create a relationship between two clauses or phrases within a sentence. Some common relative pronouns in Nepali are:

• जस्तो (Jasto): Meaning “like” or “similar to,” this pronoun refers to something that possesses similar characteristics or qualities.
• जसको (Jasko): With a meaning similar to “whose” in English, this Nepali relative pronoun connects a noun to the preceding clause by denoting possession.
• जब (Jab): Translating to “when,” this pronoun connects an action or event occurring at the same time as another event.

Using ‘जस्तो (Jasto)’ in Nepali Sentences

To understand the application of जस्तो (Jasto) in Nepali grammar, let’s consider a few examples:

1. त्यो केटी आफ्ना कथा सुनाउँछ, जस्तो सपना मा मौजुद छ (Tyō keṭī āphnā kathā sunāuñcha, jastō sapanā mā maujud cha) – She tells her stories as if she’s present in her dreams.
2. उसको आवाज़ एक हिरो जस्तो सुनिएको थियो (Usko āvāz ek hirō jastō sunīyeko thiyo) – His voice sounded like a hero’s.

In these examples, जस्तो (Jasto) is used to indicate similarity, highlighting the resemblance of one thing to another.

Applying ‘जसको (Jasko)’ in Nepali Sentences

The relative pronoun जसको (Jasko) serves to denote possession or ownership. To better comprehend its usage, let’s analyze a couple of sentences:

1. म उसले भेटेको मान्छे छु, जसको मोटरसाइकल हो (Ma usle bheṭēkō mānche chu, jasko mōṭarsāikal hō) – I am the person he met, whose motorcycle it is.
2. उसले आफ्नो सफलता आफ्ना आमाको प्रार्थना जसको कारण सम्झेर नै गरेको हो (Usle āphnō saphalatā āphnā āmākō prārthanā jasko kāraṇ samjhera nai garekō hō) – He attributed his success to his mother’s prayers, whose reason he considered.

In each instance, जसको (Jasko) indicates the relationship of possession between the two parts of the sentence.

Utilizing ‘जब (Jab)’ in Nepali Sentences

Finally, we’ll examine जब (Jab), which expresses the concept of “when.” Consider the following examples for a deeper understanding of its function:

1. जब तिमी नेपाल आउँछौ, हामी पूरै देशमा घुम्ने (Jab timī nepāl āa’un̄chau, hāmī pūrai dēśamā ghumnē) – When you come to Nepal, we will travel the entire country.
2. जब तिमी संगीतमा रमञ्च नदेखाउ, तब म नाच्न थाल्छु (Jab timī sangītmā ramanca nadēkhāu, tab ma nāchan thālchu) – When you don’t show enthusiasm in music, then I start dancing.

In each example, जब (Jab) is used to connect the relevant action or event to the specific time it occurs.

To sum up, a thorough grasp of relative pronouns in Nepali grammar is crucial to creating well-formed and complex sentences. By understanding and utilizing जस्तो (Jasto), जसको (Jasko), and जब (Jab), you will not only enhance your proficiency in the Nepali language but also gain a greater appreciation for its intricacies.