Starting a journey to learn a new language can be both exciting and daunting. Nepali, the official language of Nepal, is spoken by millions and is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique script. For beginners, getting a grasp of some basic words and phrases can make a significant difference. This article will introduce you to essential Nepali words that will help you navigate everyday conversations and interactions.

Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions

Learning how to greet people is one of the first steps in acquiring a new language. In Nepali, greetings and polite expressions are crucial for making a good impression.

Namaste: This is the most common greeting in Nepali, equivalent to “Hello” or “Hi.” It is used at any time of the day and is accompanied by placing your palms together in front of your chest.

Subha Prabhat: This means “Good morning.” It’s a polite way to start the day when greeting someone.

Subha Sandhya: This means “Good evening.” Use this phrase to greet someone in the evening.

Dhanyabad: This means “Thank you.” It’s always good to show appreciation.

Maaf Garnus: This means “Sorry.” Apologizing politely is important in any culture.

Kripaya: This means “Please.” It is used to make requests more polite.

Introducing Yourself and Others

When you meet new people, it’s important to know how to introduce yourself and ask for their names.

Mero Naam [Your Name] Ho: This means “My name is [Your Name].” It’s the simplest way to introduce yourself.

Tapaiko Naam Ke Ho?: This means “What is your name?” Use this phrase to ask someone their name.

Yo [Person’s Name] Ho: This means “This is [Person’s Name].” Use this when introducing someone else.

Common Questions and Answers

Being able to ask and answer basic questions is a key part of any conversation. Here are some common questions and answers in Nepali.

Tapaiko Subha Bihani Kasari Bhayo?: This means “How was your morning?” It’s a polite way to inquire about someone’s day.

Thik Cha: This means “It’s fine” or “I’m fine.” It’s a common response to questions about well-being.

Tapaiko Ghar Kata Ho?: This means “Where is your house?” or “Where do you live?”

Mero Ghar [Location] Ma Ho: This means “My house is in [Location].”

Tapaiko Kaam K Ho?: This means “What is your job?”

Ma [Your Job] Ho: This means “I am a [Your Job].”

Numbers and Counting

Knowing how to count and use numbers is essential, whether you’re shopping or asking for directions.

1: Ek
2: Dui
3: Tin
4: Char
5: Panch
6: Chha
7: Saat
8: Aath
9: Nau
10: Das

Days of the Week

Understanding the days of the week will help you make plans and understand schedules.

Sunday: Aaitabar
Monday: Somabar
Tuesday: Mangalabar
Wednesday: Budhbar
Thursday: Bihibar
Friday: Sukrabar
Saturday: Sanibar

Common Phrases for Travel

If you are traveling in Nepal, certain phrases will be particularly useful.

Yo Kati Ho?: This means “How much is this?” It’s essential for shopping.

Malai [Food/Item] Chahinchha: This means “I need [Food/Item].”

Saharat Haru Kata Ho?: This means “Where are the toilets?” An important question when traveling.

Saharat Haru Kata Chha?: This means “Where are the restrooms?”

Yaha Bata [Location] Kasari Janchha?: This means “How do I get to [Location] from here?”

Bus Park Kata Chha?: This means “Where is the bus park?”

Dining and Food

Food is a big part of culture, and knowing some basic terms can enhance your dining experience.

Bhat: This means “Rice.” A staple in Nepali cuisine.

Dal: This means “Lentil soup.” Often served with rice.

Tarkari: This means “Vegetable curry.”

Masu: This means “Meat.”

Pani: This means “Water.”

Chiya: This means “Tea.” Very popular in Nepal.

Roti: This means “Bread.”

Mitho Chha: This means “It is delicious.” Use this to compliment the food.

Important Verbs

Verbs are the action words that drive sentences. Here are some common Nepali verbs and their meanings.

Khaanu: This means “To eat.”

Pinu: This means “To drink.”

Jaannu: This means “To go.”

Aunu: This means “To come.”

Bolnu: This means “To speak.”

Siknu: This means “To learn.”

Leeknu: This means “To write.”

Padhnu: This means “To read.”

Weather and Nature

Talking about the weather is a common icebreaker in many cultures. Here are some weather-related terms.

Pani Pariraheko Chha: This means “It is raining.”

Hiu Paryo: This means “It snowed.”

Garmi Chha: This means “It is hot.”

Jado Chha: This means “It is cold.”

Hawa Chali Raheko Chha: This means “It is windy.”

Emergency Phrases

Knowing some emergency phrases can be crucial in difficult situations.

Sahayog Garnuhos: This means “Please help.”

Polis Lai Bolau: This means “Call the police.”

Doctor Lai Bolaunuhos: This means “Call the doctor.”

Malai Birami Lagyo: This means “I am feeling sick.”

Aago Laageko Chha: This means “There is a fire.”

Shopping and Bargaining

Shopping can be more enjoyable if you know how to communicate effectively.

Yo Kati Ho?: This means “How much is this?”

Mahango Chha: This means “It is expensive.”

Sasto Garnuhos: This means “Make it cheaper.”

Ma Yo Lanchhu: This means “I will take this.”

Ma Yo Kinchu: This means “I will buy this.”

Family and Relationships

Talking about family and relationships can help you connect with others on a personal level.

Aama: This means “Mother.”

Baa: This means “Father.”

Didi: This means “Elder sister.”

Bhai: This means “Younger brother.”

Budi: This means “Wife.”

Shree Mann: This means “Husband.”

Sathi: This means “Friend.”

Chhora: This means “Son.”

Chhori: This means “Daughter.”

Directions and Locations

Knowing how to ask for directions can be very useful, especially if you are new to an area.

Yaha: This means “Here.”

Tyaha: This means “There.”

Daya: This means “Right.”

Baaya: This means “Left.”

Sidha: This means “Straight.”

Uta: This means “That way.”

Yata: This means “This way.”

Purba: This means “East.”

Paschim: This means “West.”

Uttar: This means “North.”

Dakshin: This means “South.”

Time and Schedules

Being able to talk about time is crucial for planning and understanding schedules.

Samaya: This means “Time.”

Kati Bajyo?: This means “What time is it?”

Bajyo: This means “It is [hour] o’clock.”

Bihana: This means “Morning.”

Dinko: This means “Afternoon.”

Beluka: This means “Evening.”

Raat: This means “Night.”

Feelings and Emotions

Expressing your feelings and understanding others’ emotions can help you build deeper connections.

Khushi: This means “Happy.”

Dukhi: This means “Sad.”

Risako: This means “Angry.”

Dar Lagyo: This means “Scared.”

Thakai Lagyo: This means “Tired.”

Jado Bhayo: This means “Cold.”

Garmi Bhayo: This means “Hot.”

Health and Well-being

Talking about health and well-being is essential, especially if you need medical assistance.

Birami: This means “Sick.”

Swastha: This means “Healthy.”

Dukhyo: This means “It hurts.”

Ausadhi: This means “Medicine.”

Doctor: This means “Doctor.”

Hospital: This means “Hospital.”

Technology and Communication

In today’s digital age, knowing some technology-related vocabulary can be helpful.

Telephone: This means “Telephone.”

Mobile: This means “Mobile phone.”

Internet: This means “Internet.”

Email: This means “Email.”

Sampark: This means “Contact.”

Sandesh: This means “Message.”

Miscellaneous Useful Words

Lastly, here are some additional words that can come in handy in various situations.

Ho: This means “Yes.”

Hoina: This means “No.”

Hoina: This also means “Is not” (context-dependent).

Sakchhau: This means “Can.”

Chhaina: This means “Don’t have.”

Thik: This means “Okay” or “Fine.”

Aba: This means “Now.”

Pachi: This means “Later.”

Chito: This means “Fast.”

Dhilo: This means “Slow.”

By familiarizing yourself with these essential Nepali words and phrases, you’ll be better equipped to handle basic conversations and navigate your way through everyday situations in Nepal. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and practice is key. Keep using these words in your daily interactions, and you’ll find yourself becoming more confident and fluent over time. Happy learning!