Nepal, a country known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, attracts both tourists and volunteers from around the world. To fully embrace the Nepalese way of life, acquiring a basic understanding of the Nepali language can be highly fulfilling. Whether you are preparing for a journey, engaging in volunteer work, or simply eager to broaden your linguistic skills, this comprehensive guide offers a range of essential Nepali keywords to facilitate your language learning journey.
- How to Learn Nepali Fast: If you are keen on acquiring the fundamental aspects of the Nepali language in a short span of time, there are numerous efficient techniques at your disposal. You can make use of language learning applications, enroll in online courses, or contemplate the option of engaging a personal tutor. Additionally, immersing yourself in the language by practicing on a daily basis and engaging in conversations with native speakers can greatly expedite your learning journey.
- Nepali Language Basics: Prior to delving into more complex language principles, begin by mastering the fundamentals. Acquire knowledge of common greetings such as “Namaste” (Hello) and “Dhanyabad” (Thank you). Get acquainted with numbers, days of the week, and crucial phrases that will assist you in navigating everyday interactions.
- Nepali for Beginners: When beginning your journey, do not feel daunted. The process of learning Nepali as a beginner can be both pleasant and achievable. Start with basic vocabulary and then progress steadily. Pay close attention to pronunciation, as accurate articulation is essential in Nepali.
- Nepali Phrases: Nepali expressions hold great importance in effective communication. Incorporating phrases such as “Kasto Cha?” (How are you?) and “Tapaiiko Naam Ke Ho?” (What is your name?) can enhance the depth and pleasure of your interactions.
- Nepali Words: Enhance your lexicon by acquiring Nepali terms associated with everyday items, locations, and actions. This will empower you to communicate more proficiently and participate in simple dialogues.
- Learn Nepali Online: In the modern era of technology, accessing online materials to study Nepali has become convenient. There are various websites and applications available that provide in-depth lessons, pronunciation assistance, and interactive activities to enhance your proficiency in the language.
- Speak Nepali: Regularly engage in speaking Nepali, whether it be in front of a mirror or with a language exchange partner, as consistent practice is key. Speaking aloud aids in enhancing both your pronunciation and confidence when engaging in conversations with native speakers.
- Learn Basic Nepali Language for Volunteers: Prior to volunteering in Nepal, it is advisable to learn some basic Nepali phrases as it can greatly enrich your experience. Engaging with the local population in their native language can facilitate stronger bonds and mutual comprehension.
- Nepali Conversation: Participating in Nepali dialogues, even at a fundamental stage, can result in significant exchanges and cultural integration. Do not hesitate to make errors; the residents will value your attempt to converse in their language.
- Nepali Language Resources: Discover a range of language learning materials, encompassing textbooks, audio courses, and online forums. Immerse yourself in Nepali media, such as movies, music, and books, to enhance and refine your language proficiency.
Conclusion: Acquiring a basic understanding of Nepali can be a fulfilling endeavor that enhances your experiences in Nepal and fosters meaningful interactions with its people. Whether you are a traveler, a volunteer, or simply passionate about languages, the journey to mastering Nepali is an exciting and culturally enriching one. Embrace the challenge, practice diligently, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Nepali culture through its language. Namaste!
| Greetings / Civilities | |
| Hello, Goodbye | namaste |
| Thank you | dhanyabaad |
| How are you? | Tapaain laaee kasto chha? |
| What is your name? | Tapaainko naam ke ho? |
| My name is ‘Bijaya’. | mero naam ‘Bijaya’ ho. |
| I hope we meet again. | Pheri bhetaunlaa. |
| Please speak more slowly. | Bistaarai bolnuhos. |
| Do you speak English? | Tapaain angrejee boln saknuhunchha? |
| Yes, I speak English. | Ho, ma angrejee bolchhu. |
| I only speak a little English. | Ma ali ali angrejee bolchhu. |
| I can speak a little Nepali. | Ma ali ali Nepali bolchhu. |
| Please say it again. | Pheri bhannuhos. |
| Excuse me, sorry | maaph garnuhos |
| Where are you going? | Kahaan jaane? |
| To ‘Patan’ | ‘Patan’ma |
| I want to change money. | Ma paisaa saatna chaahanchhu. |
| May I take a photo? | Ke ma tasbeer khichna sakchhu? |
| Could you take my photo? | Mero tasbeer khichna saknu hunchha? |
| Health / Hospital | |
| altitude sickness | lekh laagyo |
| accident | durghatanaa |
| asthma | damko byathaa/ damko biraami |
| bleeding | ragat aaunu |
| blood pressure | Rakta chaap |
| contraceptive | garbha nirodhak |
| injection | sooee |
| ointment | malam |
| test | jaanch |
| health | swastha |
| constipation | disaa banda/ dishaa kadaa |
| common cold | rughaa |
| cough | khokee |
| a cut/ wound | ghaau |
| medicine | aushadhi |
| dehydration | paaneeko maatraa kamti bhayeko. |
| food poisoning | khaanaa kharaab. |
| indigestion | Apach |
| doctor | Daaktar |
| faint | Murchhaa parnu |
| malaria | Aulo |
| cholera | Haijaa |
| sprain | Markaaee |
| sore throat | ghaantee dukheko |
| headache | taauko dukhnu |
| toothache | daanta dukhyo |
| dentist | daantako daaktar |
| I have a cold. | Malaaee rugaa laageko chha. |
| Gravely ill | sikeesta biraamee |
| fever | Joro |
| Where is the health post/ clinic/ hospital? | Chikitsaalay/ aspataal kahaan chha? |
| Where is the chemist/ pharmacy? | Aushadi pasal kahaan chha? |
| Where is the dentist? | Daanto ko daaktar kahaan chha? |
| I have to see a doctor. | Ma daaktarkomaa jaanu chha. |
| I have caught a fever. | Malaaee joro aayo. |
| Did you take any medicine? | Aushadhi khaanu bhayo? |
| I am feeling fine now. | Ahile ma theek bhayeko mahasus gareko chhu. |
| People | |
| boy | Ketaa |
| girl | Ketee |
| man | manchhe/ mard |
| woman | swasni manchhe/ aimaaee |
| On the move – Trekking | |
| beside the trail | baato chheu |
| on the trail | Baatomai |
| off the trail | baato baahira |
| near the trail | baato najik |
| Let’s go slowly. | Bistarai jaau. |
| Let’s stay here. | Yaha basau. |
| Stomach ache | pet dukhyo |
| slippery trail | chiplo baato |
| tent | Tripaal |
| Which is the way to ‘Jomsom’? | ‘Jomsom’ jaane baato kun ho? |
| Where have you come from? | Tapaain kahaanbaata aaunubhaeko ho? |
| From ‘Jomsom’. | ‘Jomsom’baata. |
| It takes four hours. | Haameelaaee chaar ghantaa laagchha. |
| Where can I spend the night? | Baas basna kahaan paainchha? |
| What time do we start our trek? | Kati baje trek shuru garne? |
| How many hours will it take? | Kati ghantaa laagchha? |
| About four hours. | Chaar ghantaa jati laagchha. |
| How is the trail? | Baato kaso chha? |
| Good, but steep. | Raamro,taraukaalo. |
| Is food available there? | Tyahaan khaanaa paainchha? |
| Shopping | |
| How much? | Kati paisa? / kati ho? |
| Please give it to me more cheaply. | Ali shastomaa dinos. |
| It’s too expensive. | Dherai mahango bhayo. |
| Please reduce the price. | Mol ali kam grarnuhos. |
| I can only give you (amount) rupees. | Ma (rupees) maatrai dina sakchhu. |
| What is the price of this? | Yesko mol kati ho? |
| What is your last price? | Antim daam kati ho? |
| Was this made inNepal? | Yo Nepaalmaa baneko ho? |
| I need….. | malaaee……. chaahinchha. |
| I don’t need…… | malaaee…… chaahindaina. |
| What is this? | Yo ke ho? |
| Hotel | |
| Is there a place to stay here? | Yahaan baas basna paainchha? |
| I need a room. | Ma eutaa kotha chaahanchhu. |
| How much for one night? | Ek raatko kati ho? |
| Can I see a room? | Ma kothaa herna sakchhu? |
| Please bring water/ boiled water. | Paanee/ umaaleko paanee lyaaidinos. |
| This room is dirty. | Yo kothaa phohar/ mailaa chha. |
| Do you have a room? | Kothaa paainchha? |
| I would like a single/ double room. | Malaaee ekjanaakolaagi/ duijanaakolaagi kothaa chhaheenchha. |
| Hiring | |
| I want to rent a bicycle. | Ma saikal bahaalmaa lina chahanchhu. |
| How much do you charge? | Kati bhaada linu hunchha? |
| I am looking for a bank. | Ma baink khojeeraheko chhu. |
| What time does it open/ close? | Kati baje khulchha/ banda hunchha? |
| Where is the American Express office? | American Express ko aphis kahaan chha? |
| Where can I exchange my money? | Ma paisaa kahaan saatna sakchhu? |
| Can you give me smaller change for this? | Malaaee yesko khujura dina saknuhunchha? |
| I want to change my traveller’s cheque. | Ma mero travalars chek saatna chahanchhu. |
| Police | |
| Today I lost my bag and passport. | Aaja mero jholaa ra raahadaanee haraayo. |
| Someone stole my bag. | Mero jholaa choree bhayo. |
| My bike got stolen. | Mero baaik choree bhayo. |
| My passport number….. | Mero raahadaaneeko nambar….. |
| I had Rs. 3000 and US$ 200 in my wallet. | Mero jholaamaa teen hazaar Nepaalee rupaiyaan ra duee saya Amereekee dallar thiyo. |
| Where is the police station? | Pulis stesan kahaan chha? |
| Months | |
| April-May | Baishaakh |
| May-June | Jeth/ Jestha |
| June-July | Asaar |
| July-August | Saaun/ Sraawan |
| August-September | Bhaadra |
| September-October | Ashoj |
| October-November | Kaartik |
| November-December | Mangsir |
| December-January | Pus |
| January-February | Maagh |
| February-March | Phaalgun |
| March-April | Chaitra |
| Days | |
| Sunday | Aaitabar |
| Monday | Sombaar |
| Tuesday | Mangalbaar |
| Wednesday | Budhabaar |
| Thursday | Bihibaar |
| Friday | Shukrabaar |
| Saturday | Shanibaar |
| today | aaja |
| tomorrow | bholi |
| day after tomorrow | parsee |
| yesterday | hijo |
| in the morning | bihaana |
| in the afternoon | diunso |
| in the evening | belukaa |
| at night | raati |
| tomorrow morning | bholi bihaana |
| this evening | aaja belukaa |
| day after tomorrow morning | parsee bihaana |
| Time | |
| hour | ghantaa |
| immediately | bittikai |
| time, period | belaa |
| afternoon | diunso |
| day | din |
| evening | belukaa |
| week | haptaa |
| night | raatee |
| year | barsha |
| always | sadhain |
| instant | tak |
| now | ahile |
| What time is it? | Kati bajyo? |
| 1 o’clock | ek bajyo |
| 10 o’clock | dasha bajyo |
| morning | bihaana |
| minute | Mine |
| English Phrase | Nepali Translation |
| Hello/ Goodbye | Namaste |
| How are you? | Tapain-lai kasto chha? |
| Excuse me | Hajur |
| Please (give me) | Dinuhos |
| Please (you have) | Khanuhos |
| Thank you | Dhanyabad |
| English Phrase | Nepali Translation |
| I | Ma |
| Yes (I have) | Cha |
| No (I don’t have) | Chhaina |
| OK | Theekcha |
| Where? | Kaha? |
| Here | Yaha |
| There | Tyaha |
| Good/ Pretty | Ramro |
| Do you speak English? | Tapai angreji bolna saknu hunchha? |
| I only speak a little Nepali. | Ma ali ali Nepali bolchhu |
| I understand | Ma bujhchu |
| I didn’t understand | Maile bujhina |
| Please say it again | Pheri bhanuhos |
| Please speak more slowly | Tapai bistarai bolnuhos |
| I don’t need it | Malai chahina |
| I don’t have it | Ma sanga chhaina |
| Wait a minute | Ek chin parkhanos |
| Getting Around | ||
| English Phrase | Nepali Translation |
| How much to get to ……….? | …..kolagi kati paisa lagchha? |
| Is it far from here? | Yaha bata tadha parchha? |
| Can I walk there? | Hidera jana sakinchha? |
| I want to go ……….. | Ma …………. Janchhu |
| Where does this bus go? | Yo bus kaha janchha? |
| How much is it to go to ……..? | ……….jana kati parchha? |
| Accommodation | ||
| English Phrase | Nepali Translation |
| Where is a guesthouse /hotel /campsite/ lodge? | guesthouse/hotel/campsite/lodge kaha chha? |
| What is the address? | Thegana ke ho? |
| Please write down the address | Thegana lekhidinuhos |
| Can I get a place to stay here? | Yaha basne thhau paunchha? |
| May I look at the room? | Kotha herna sakchhu? |
| How much is it per night? | Ek ratko, kati paisa ho? |
| Does it include breakfast? | Bihanako khana samet ho? |
| Trekking | ||
| English Phrase | Nepali Translation |
| Which way is ………………..? | …………………jane bato kata parchha? |
| Is there a village nearby? | Najikai goun parchha? |
| How many hours/ days to …….? | …………. Pugna kati ghanta/din laagchha? |
| Where can I get a porter? | Bhariya kaha payinchha? |
| I want to sleep | Malai sutna man lagyo |
| I’m feeling cold | Malai jado lagyo |
| Please give me water | Malai pani dinuhos |
| Food and Drink | ||
| English Phrase | Nepali Translation |
| I’m a vegetarian | Ma sakahari hun |
| What is this/ that? | Yo/ tyo ke ho? |
| Food/ meal | Khana |
| Bread (loaf) | (Pau) Roti |
| Rice/ cooked rice | Chamal/ bhat |
| Green, leafy vegetable | Sag |
| Meat | Masu |
| Vegetable (cooked) | Tarkari |
| Lentils | Dal |
| Egg | Anda/ phul |
| Fruit | Phal |
| Sugar | Chini |
| Salt | Noon |
| Pepper | Marich |
| Curd | Dhai |
| Milk | Dudh |
| Tea | Chiya |
| Water | Paani |
| Shopping | ||
| English Phrase | Nepali Translation |
| Where is the market? | Bazaar kaha chha? |
| What is it made of? | Kele baneko? |
| How much? | Kati |
| I like this | Malai yo ramro lagyo |
| I don’t like this | Malai yo ramro lagena |
| Money | Paisa |
| Cheap | Sasto |
| Expensive | Mahango |
| Less | Kam |
| More | Badhi |
| Little bit | Alikati |
| Health | ||
| English phrase | Nepali Translation |
| Where can I find a good doctor? | Ramro daktar kaha paincha? |
| Where is the hospital? | Yaha aspatal kaha chha? |
| I don’t feel well | Malai sancho chhaina |
| I have diarrhea | Pakhala lagyo |
| I have altitude sickness | Lek lagyo |
| I have fever | Joro ayo |
| I’m having trouble breathing | Sas pherna sakdina |
| Medicine | Ausadhi |
| Pharmacy | Ausadhi pasal |