Learning a new language is an exciting journey, and if you’ve chosen Nepali, you’re in for a rich cultural and linguistic experience. Nepali, the official language of Nepal, is spoken by over 16 million people worldwide. At the A1 level, or beginner level, it’s essential to build a strong foundation with basic vocabulary and phrases. This article will guide you through some fundamental Nepali words and expressions that will help you get started on your language-learning journey.

Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions

One of the first things you’ll need to know in any language is how to greet people and be polite. Here are some essential Nepali greetings and polite expressions:

1. **Namaste** (नमस्ते) – Hello/Goodbye
2. **Dhanyabad** (धन्यवाद) – Thank you
3. **Kripaya** (कृपया) – Please
4. **Sanchai hunuhunchha?** (सन्चै हुनुहुन्छ?) – How are you?
5. **Sanchai chu.** (सन्चै छु) – I am fine.
6. **Tapai lai kasto chha?** (तपाईलाई कस्तो छ?) – How are you? (formal)
7. **Malai sancho chha.** (मलाई सन्चो छ) – I am well.
8. **Maaf garnus.** (माफ गर्नुस्) – Excuse me/Sorry

Numbers and Counting

Numbers are fundamental in any language. Here are the basic numbers in Nepali from one to ten:

1. **Ek** (एक) – One
2. **Dui** (दुई) – Two
3. **Tin** (तीन) – Three
4. **Char** (चार) – Four
5. **Panch** (पाँच) – Five
6. **Chha** (छ) – Six
7. **Saat** (सात) – Seven
8. **Aath** (आठ) – Eight
9. **Nau** (नौ) – Nine
10. **Das** (दश) – Ten

Understanding these numbers will help you with basic counting, telling time, and even shopping.

Common Nouns

Building your vocabulary with common nouns will help you form basic sentences. Here are some everyday nouns in Nepali:

1. **Pani** (पानी) – Water
2. **Khana** (खाना) – Food
3. **Ghar** (घर) – House/Home
4. **Manche** (मान्छे) – Person
5. **Keta** (केटा) – Boy
6. **Keti** (केटी) – Girl
7. **Kitab** (किताब) – Book
8. **Kagaj** (कागज) – Paper
9. **Kursi** (कुर्सी) – Chair
10. **Mech** (मेच) – Table

Basic Verbs

To start forming sentences, you’ll need some basic verbs. Here are a few essential verbs in Nepali:

1. **Hunu** (हुनु) – To be
2. **Garnu** (गर्नु) – To do
3. **Khaanu** (खानु) – To eat
4. **Pinu** (पिउनु) – To drink
5. **Aaunu** (आउनु) – To come
6. **Jaanu** (जानु) – To go
7. **Bolnu** (बोल्नु) – To speak
8. **Liknu** (लेख्नु) – To write
9. **Padnu** (पढ्नु) – To read
10. **Heru** (हेर्नु) – To see/watch

Pronouns

Pronouns are essential for referring to people and objects. Here are the basic pronouns in Nepali:

1. **Ma** (म) – I
2. **Timi** (तिमी) – You (informal)
3. **Tapai** (तपाई) – You (formal)
4. **U** (ऊ) – He/She (informal)
5. **Wahaa** (उहाँ) – He/She (formal)
6. **Haami** (हामी) – We
7. **Tiniharu** (तिनीहरू) – They

Basic Adjectives

Adjectives help describe nouns and give more information. Here are some common adjectives in Nepali:

1. **Ramro** (राम्र) – Good
2. **Naramro** (नराम्र) – Bad
3. **Thulo** (ठूलो) – Big
4. **Sano** (सानो) – Small
5. **Naya** (नयाँ) – New
6. **Purano** (पुरानो) – Old
7. **Sasto** (सस्तो) – Cheap
8. **Mahango** (महँगो) – Expensive
9. **Mitho** (मिठो) – Tasty
10. **Chiso** (चिसो) – Cold

Days of the Week

Knowing the days of the week is very useful. Here are the days of the week in Nepali:

1. **Aaitabar** (आइतबार) – Sunday
2. **Sombar** (सोमबार) – Monday
3. **Mangalbar** (मंगलबार) – Tuesday
4. **Budhabar** (बुधबार) – Wednesday
5. **Bihibar** (बिहीबार) – Thursday
6. **Sukrabar** (शुक्रबार) – Friday
7. **Sanibar** (शनिबार) – Saturday

Common Phrases

Here are some common phrases that will help you navigate daily conversations:

1. **Kati ho?** (कति हो?) – How much is it?
2. **Mero naam … ho.** (मेरो नाम … हो) – My name is …
3. **Malai thaaha chhaina.** (मलाई थाहा छैन) – I don’t know.
4. **Yo hoina.** (यो होइन) – This is not.
5. **Pheri bhetaula.** (फेरी भेटौला) – See you again.
6. **Hajur!** (हजुर) – Yes! (respectful)
7. **Ho** (हो) – Yes
8. **Hoina** (होइन) – No
9. **Yo k ho?** (यो के हो?) – What is this?
10. **Timro ghar kata ho?** (तिम्रो घर कहाँ हो?) – Where is your house?

Simple Sentences

Combining the vocabulary you’ve learned, you can start forming simple sentences. Here are a few examples:

1. **Ma ghar ma chu.** (म घर मा छु) – I am at home.
2. **U kitab padchha.** (ऊ किताब पढ्छ) – He/She reads a book.
3. **Tapai pani pinu hunchha?** (तपाई पानी पिउनुहुन्छ?) – Do you drink water?
4. **Haami bhat khanchhau.** (हामी भात खान्छौं) – We eat rice.
5. **Yo mero kura ho.** (यो मेरो कुरा हो) – This is my thing.

Practice and Application

Language learning is most effective when you practice regularly and use what you’ve learned in real-life situations. Here are some tips to help you practice and apply your new Nepali vocabulary:

1. **Flashcards**: Create flashcards with the Nepali word on one side and the English translation on the other. Review them daily.
2. **Language Exchange**: Find a language exchange partner who speaks Nepali and wants to learn English. You can help each other practice.
3. **Labeling**: Label items around your house with their Nepali names. This helps reinforce vocabulary through visual association.
4. **Listening Practice**: Listen to Nepali music, watch Nepali movies or YouTube videos, and try to pick out the words you know.
5. **Speaking Practice**: Try to use Nepali words and phrases in your daily conversations, even if it’s just greeting someone or asking simple questions.

Conclusion

Learning Nepali at the A1 level is a rewarding experience that opens up new cultural and linguistic horizons. By mastering these basic words and phrases, you’ll be well on your way to building a solid foundation in the language. Remember, consistency and practice are key to language learning success. Keep exploring, keep practicing, and enjoy your journey into the beautiful world of the Nepali language!

Happy learning!