Common Nepali words and Phrases

Nepal is home to more than 100 ethnic groups and 120+ languages spoken in various parts of the country. If you are traveling to Nepal for Trekking to the Himalayas or spending some time in the local villages then Learning some basic Nepali words and phrases will leave a good impression on you to the villagers and it’s a beautiful gesture to speak their native language. Especially in remote villages as most of the old people don’t understand and speak proper English speaking some short Nepali words can be very useful and also leave a good initial impression.

Even if you are not able to grasp some of the Nepali language, it’s not that you won’t be able to travel through Nepal as most Nepalese people do speak and understand English however learning a few commonly used Nepalese words can be very handy in your journey. Knowing these words and phrases enhances your journey, ensuring a wonderful experience. 

In this article, we have mentioned some of the most commonly used Nepali words and phrases you should know before visiting Nepal, such as (Namaste - Hello), (Dhanyabaad - Welcome), and so on. We hope this will enhance your trek experience to the Himalayas of Nepal.

 

Nepali man carrying daily rations and goods on a hand-woven basket (Doko)

 

Commonly used phrases in daily conversations.

• Namaste - Hello, Greetings, I greet the god within you.
• Dhanybad - Thank you!
• Swāgat cha - you’re welcome. 
• Sanchai cha? - How are you?
• Thikai cha - Am fine thank you.
• Mero naam …… ho - My name is ……
• Maaph garnuhos - i am sorry.
• Malai bhok/tirkha lagyo - I’m hungry/thirsty.
• Khyal rakhnu - Take care.
• Good Bye - Namaste
• Thakai Lagyo - I’m tired
• Nindra Lagyo - I’m sleepy

 

Some Commonly used Nepali words.

Basics

• Pani - Water
• Khana -  Meal
• Dal Bhat - Rice and pulse
• Sasto - Cheap
• Mahango - Expensive 
• Paisa - Money
• Mitho - Delicious
• Ramro - Beautiful 
• Ho/Haina - Yes/No 
• Baya/Daya - Left/Right
• Yo/ Tyo - This/ That
• Kam - Less
• Dherai - More
• Hunxa/ la - Agree
• Hudaina/ nai - Disagree
• Kapada - Clothes
• Jutta - Shoes
• K? - What
• Kata? - Where
• Kaile? - When
• Ko? - Who
• Didi - Older sister
• Baini - Younger sister
• Kt/Kta - She/he
• Dai - Older Brother
• Bhai - Younger Brother
• Mandir - Temple
• Khola - River
• Jharana - Waterfall
• Pul - Bridge
• Jhola - Bag

 

Commercial Words

• Paisa - Money
• Kati ho? - How much?
• Sasto - Cheap 
• Mahango - Expensive
• Ramro cha - I like it.
• Ma yo Kinxu - I’ll buy this one
• Man Paryo - loved it
• Man parena - Didn't like it

 

Transportation (Vehicles)

• Ma Janxu - I’ll go
• Gadi - Vehicle
• Bus - Bus
• Tyaksi - Taxi
• Rail - Train
• Bike - Motorcycle
• Cycle - Bicycle
• Indrive/Pathao - Uber
• Vada - Fare

 

Security / Emergency / Health

• Doctor Bolaidinus - Call a doctor for me
• Ambulance Bolaunus - Call an ambulance
• Hospital kata chha? - Where is the hospital?
• Malai sancho chhaina - i’m not feeling well
• Yaha Dukhxa - It’s hurting here
• Prahari - Police
• Khatara - Danger

 

Food and Eatery

• Bhok Lagyo - I’m Hungry
• Tirkha Lagyo - I’m thirsty
• Mitho - Delicious 
• Mitho chhaina - Not very tasty
• Ma sakahari ho - i’m vegetarian
• Piro - Spicy
• Gulio - Sweet
• Tito - Bitter
• Amilo - Sour
• Tato xa - It’s too hot
• Dahi - Yoghurt
• Masu - Meat
• Chiya - Tea
• Rakshi - Beer/whisky (alcohol) 

 

Fruits and Vegetables

• Shyau - Apple
• Kera - Banana
• Kharbuja - Watermelon
• Suntala - Orange (Tangerine)
• Anar - Pomegranate
• Aap - Mango
• Ukhu - Sugarcane
• Golveda - Tomato
• Mula - Radish
• Gajar - Carrot
• Pyaj - Onion
• Lasun - Garlic
• Kakro - Cucumber

Dates and Hours

• Kati Bajyo? - What time is it?
• Kaile? - When
• Kata? - Where
• Hijo - yesterday
• Asti - Day before yesterday
• Voli - Tomorrow
• (Bihana/Diuso /Belka) - (Morning/afternoon/evening)

In sum up, I would recommend international tourists to check out some Nepalese conversation books for better ideas. Don’t forget to go through Nepali etiquette and mannerisms to have a comfortable interaction with the locals during the journey. 

Also note that it’s not compulsory to know all these words and phrases before visiting Nepal however this will help a lot throughout your journey. 

Recommended article: Best Treks in Nepal

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Safe Travels…