Learning a new language involves getting to grips with many essential expressions, particularly those related to time and quantities. For English speakers learning Nepali, understanding how to express these concepts can greatly enhance both your comprehension and communication skills while interacting with native speakers. In this article, we will delve into various expressions in Nepali that will help you discuss time-related topics and quantify objects or subjects effectively.

Understanding Time in Nepali

Time is a fundamental part of daily conversations, and Nepali has a distinct way of expressing it. The basic way to ask for the time in Nepali is by saying “कति बज्यो?” (Kati bajyo?), which translates to “What time is it?”.

When telling time, hours and minutes are expressed in a straightforward manner:
– 3:00 is said as “तीन बजे” (Teen baje).
– 2:15 is expressed as “दुई बजेर पन्ध्र मिनेट” (Dui bajer pandhra minute).

For half hours, the term ‘साढे’ (saadhe) is used:
– 4:30 would be “साढे चार” (Saadhe chaar).

When referring to time in terms of day parts, you might want to use:
– Morning: “बिहान” (Bihaan)
– Afternoon: “दिउँसो” (Diunso)
– Evening: “साँझ” (Saanjh)
– Night: “रात” (Raat)

For example, to say ‘It is morning at seven o’clock’, you would say “बिहान सात बजे हो” (Bihaan saat baje ho).

Days of the Week and Months in Nepali

Days of the week are crucial when planning or discussing schedules. In Nepali, the days from Sunday to Saturday are:
– Sunday: आइतबार (Aaitbaar)
– Monday: सोमबार (Sombaar)
– Tuesday: मङ्गलबार (Mangalbaar)
– Wednesday: बुधबार (Budhabaar)
– Thursday: बिहीबार (Bihibaar)
– Friday: शुक्रबार (Shukrabaar)
– Saturday: शनिबार (Shanibaar)

To say ‘I have a meeting on Monday’, you would say “म सोमबार को बैठकमा छु” (Ma sombaar ko baithakmaa chu).

Months in Nepali are also different from Gregorian calendar months:
– January: माघ (Maagh)
– February: फागुन (Phaagun)
– March: चैत (Chait)
– April: बैशाख (Baishaakh)
– May: जेठ (Jeth)
– June: असार (Asaar)
– July: श्रावण (Shraavan)
– August: भदौ (Bhadau)
– September: आश्विन (Aashwin)
– October: कार्तिक (Kartik)
– November: मंसिर (Mangsir)
– December: पुष (Push)

For example, to say ‘My birthday is in October’, you would say “मेरो जन्मदिन कार्तिक मा हो” (Mero janmadin Kartik ma ho).

Expressing Quantities in Nepali

Discussing quantities is another vital aspect of language, especially when shopping or cooking. In Nepali, numbers are used along with units of measurement. To say ‘two kilograms of apples’, you would say “दुई किलो स्याउ” (Dui kilo syaau).

Other common measurements include:
– Liter: लिटर (Liter)
– Meter: मिटर (Mitar)
– Piece: टुक्रा (Tukra)

For example, ‘three meters of cloth’ is said as “तीन मिटर कपडा” (Teen mitar kapada).

Using Comparatives and Superlatives

When comparing quantities or discussing extremes, comparatives and superlatives are used. For example:
– ‘More than five’ is expressed as “पाँच भन्दा बढी” (Paanch bhanda badhi).
– ‘The most beautiful’ is “सबैभन्दा सुन्दर” (Sabaibhanda sundar).

Conclusion

Understanding how to express time and quantities in Nepali will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your ability to engage in meaningful conversations with native speakers. With practice, these expressions will become second nature, allowing you to navigate through daily life, make plans, and share experiences in Nepal more effectively. Remember, practice is key in language learning, so keep using these new expressions in your conversations!