When traveling to Nepal, it's handy to know some basic words and phrases to navigate everyday situations. Here are 40 essential Nepalese (Nepali) words and phrases for travelers:
Namaste (नमस्ते) - Hello / Goodbye
Dhanyabaad (धन्यवाद) - Thank you
Maaph garnuhos (माफ गर्नुहोस्) - Excuse me / I'm sorry
Hajur (हजुर) - Yes? / Pardon?
Hoina (होइन) - No
Ho (हो) - Yes
Kati ho? (कति हो?) - How much is it?
Mero naam ... ho (मेरो नाम ... हो) - My name is ...
Tapaiiko naam ke ho? (तपाईंको नाम के हो?) - What is your name?
Ma ... bata aeko chu (म ... बाट आएको छु) - I am from ...
Pani (पानी) - Water
Khaanaa (खाना) - Food
Toilet / Sahuchalay (सहुचलय) - Toilet
Sasto (सस्तो) - Cheap
Mahango (महँगो) - Expensive
Hotel (होटल) - Hotel
Bus park (बस पार्क) - Bus stop
Kahaan? (कहाँ?) - Where?
Yahaan (यहाँ) - Here
Tyahaan (त्यहाँ) - There
Kun bus? (कुन बस?) - Which bus?
Kahile? (कहिले?) - When?
Aja (आज) - Today
Bholi (भोलि) - Tomorrow
Abhi (अभि) - Now
Pachhi (पछि) - Later
Ramro (राम्रो) - Good
Naramro (नराम्रो) - Bad
Thik cha (ठिक छ) - Okay / It's fine
Madat (मद्दत) - Help
Doctor (डाक्टर) - Doctor
Bato (बाटो) - Road or Path
Daai (दाई) - Older Brother (informal address for older men)
Didi (दिदी) - Older Sister (informal address for older women)
Bhaai (भाई) - Younger Brother (also used for men of similar age)
Bahini (बहिनी) - Younger Sister (also used for women of similar age)
Khushi lagyo (खुशी लाग्यो) - I am happy / It's pleasing
Maile bujhina (मैले बुझिन) - I don't understand
Feri bhetaunla (फेरि भेटौंला) - See you again
Sutra (सुत्र) - Thread (commonly bought as a memento or for religious purposes)
Speaking Nepali can be a rewarding experience, and while locals generally appreciate tourists trying to speak the language, there are a few things to be aware of:
Tone and Pronunciation: Nepali is not a tonal language like Chinese, but proper pronunciation is still essential. Some words may have different meanings with slight changes in pronunciation.
Formality Levels: Nepali has formal and informal ways of addressing people. For instance, the informal "timi" and the formal "tapai" both mean "you." As a rule of thumb, when in doubt, use the formal version, especially when addressing elders or strangers.
Respectful Address: "Daai" (older brother) and "Didi" (older sister) are informal but respectful ways to address men and women who are older than you. Similarly, "Bhaai" and "Bahini" are used for those younger or of a similar age. Using these can endear you to locals.
Nods for Yes and No: Nepalis often tilt their head in a to-and-fro motion (like a figure eight) to signify "yes." A side-to-side head shake, which might mean "no" in many cultures, can also mean "yes" in Nepal. It can be confusing initially, but you'll get used to it with observation.
Gender and Number: Nepali verbs are conjugated according to the gender and number of the subject, and this extends to adjectives as well. So, the verb form or adjective might change based on who you're talking about.
Regional Variations: As with many languages, you'll encounter regional dialects and variations. Especially in remote areas, the local dialect might differ significantly from standard Nepali.
Use of English: English is taught in schools, and especially in urban areas and among the younger generation, you'll find many who understand or speak English. In tourist-heavy areas, most people in the industry will have a good command of English.
