Nepal is not only a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also a burgeoning hub for businesses, particularly in sectors like tourism, handicrafts, and IT. As the business interactions between Nepal and the rest of the world increase, understanding some basic Nepali phrases can be very beneficial for business professionals. This article aims to equip you with essential Nepali phrases that will help you in various business contexts, from formal meetings to casual networking events.

Greetings and Basic Courtesies

In any business setting, politeness and proper greetings are crucial. Nepali business culture values respect and courtesy, so it is important to know some basic phrases.

– To say “Hello”, you can use “Namaste” (नमस्ते) or “Namaskar” (नमस्कार). Both are formal and show respect. You can use these greetings at any time of day.

– When meeting someone for the first time, it’s polite to say “Tapaainlai kasto cha?” (तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?) which means “How are you?” in a formal manner.

– In a business setting, it’s also polite to thank someone. You can say “Dhanyabaad” (धन्यवाद) which means “Thank you”.

Introducing Yourself and Others

Being able to introduce yourself and your colleagues properly can set a positive tone for the rest of the conversation.

– To introduce yourself, you can say “Mero naam [your name] ho” (मेरो नाम [your name] हो), which translates to “My name is [your name].”

– If you need to introduce someone else, you can say “Yo ho [person’s name]” (यो हो [person’s name]), which means “This is [person’s name].”

Discussing Business

When it comes to the nitty-gritty of business discussions, knowing specific phrases can be very helpful.

– To ask about a meeting or appointment, you might say “Hamro bheta hune mithi kahile ho?” (हाम्रो भेट हुने मिति कहिले हो?), which means “When is our meeting scheduled?”

– If you want to discuss business directly, you can say “Biznesko kura garaun” (व्यापारको कुरा गरौं), which translates to “Let’s talk business.”

– In case you need to negotiate, you might use “Mulya kati ho?” (मूल्य कति हो?), asking “What is the price?”

Making Appointments

Setting up meetings is a common necessity in business. Here are phrases that might come in handy.

– To propose a meeting, you could say “Hamro bheta ko lagi samay milaunuhos” (हाम्रो भेट को लागि समय मिलाउनुहोस्), meaning “Please arrange a time for our meeting.”

– To confirm an appointment, you might say “Yo samay ma bheta confirm chha” (यो समय मा भेट कन्फर्म छ), which translates to “The meeting is confirmed at this time.”

Networking and Building Relationships

Building strong relationships is key in Nepali business culture. Here are some phrases that can help you connect with your Nepali counterparts.

– To express appreciation, you might say “Tapaiko sahayog ko lagi dhanyabaad” (तपाईको सहयोग को लागि धन्यवाद), which means “Thank you for your support.”

– If you want to continue the relationship, you might say “Feri bhetaula” (फेरि भेटौंला), which translates to “Let’s meet again.”

Concluding Business Meetings

Properly concluding a meeting can leave a lasting impression.

– To end a meeting formally, you can say “Bhetaeko laagi dhanyabaad” (भेटेको लागि धन्यवाद), meaning “Thank you for the meeting.”

– If you wish to express hope to meet again, you could use “Pheri bhetaunuparcha” (फेरि भेटौनुपर्छ), which means “We should meet again.”

Handling Difficult Situations

In business, not all interactions are smooth. Here are phrases that might help in less-than-ideal situations.

– If there’s a misunderstanding, you might say “Maaph garnuhos, mero bujhaai ma dosh cha” (माफ गर्नुहोस्, मेरो बुझाई मा दोष छ), which translates to “Sorry, there was a misunderstanding on my part.”

– To resolve conflicts, you might suggest, “Yo samasya laai kasaari hal garne?” (यो समस्या लाई कसरी हल गर्ने?), asking “How can we solve this problem?”

Understanding and using these phrases not only helps in effective communication but also shows respect towards the Nepali culture, which can greatly influence the success of your business interactions. Remember, language is not just a tool for communication but also a bridge that connects different cultures and fosters mutual understanding and respect.