If you are planning to visit Nepal, you might wonder what to do if the people in the places you visit or stay do not know English. How will you interact with them? Alternatively, you might just want to learn the common Nepali words and phrases of the Nepali language. This blog is perfect for you. As we will be discussing some common Nepali phrases, you will be able to interact with the locals more effectively and have a better trekking or tour experience during your visit to Nepal.
Table of Contents
Namaste (Hello)
The first word we use when we meet someone elder or younger we greet them with Namaste which means hello. Like we do handshakes to say hello in other countries in Nepal, we do namaste by joining hands and then bowing a little and saying Namaste.
Sanchae hunu huncha (How are you)
Sanchae hunu huncha is another Nepali word we use after namaste is Sanchae hunu huncha which means how are you? And to reply I am fine we use sanchae chu.
Dhanyanad (Thank you)
When someone does a good thing for us or we just want to greet them respectfully suppose as the bus drivers who picked us, or the waiters where we had dinner, or any place where you want to thank them you can just say Dhanyabad with a smile.
Ke Gardai hunu huncha (What are you doing?)
When you are trekking or visiting different places and you are curious about something that people are doing then you can ask Ke gardae hunu huncha Dai (If boy) Didi (If girl) and if older then Ama (mother) or Ba (Father).
Yaha Khana Paincha hola? (Is there food available?)
Another word which you will use most often is while visiting the restaurants or the tea houses or hotels and you want to ask if there is food available or not then you can say Yaha khana paincha hola?
Ho/hoina (Yes/No)
If you agree with someone then say ho or hajur ho in a respectful way and if you disagree then you say hoina.
Khana Khanu Vayo (Have you had your lunch or Dinner?)
If you want to ask anyone if they have had their dinner or lunch you will simply say Khana khanu vayo hajurle?
Ramailo Cha (It’s fun/enjoyable)
When you’re enjoying the trek, scenery, or local festival, express your joy by saying: Ramailo cha!
It means “It’s fun” or “I’m enjoying it.”
Maile Thaha Chaina (I don’t know)
If you’re confused or unsure about something, you can say: Maile thaha chaina, which means “I don’t know.”
Ma Nepali Sikdai Chhu (I am learning Nepali)
Want to impress locals and show your effort to learn? Say: Ma Nepali sikdai chhu – “I am learning Nepali.”
People will appreciate your effort and may even help you practice!
Malai Maaf Garnus (I’m sorry / Excuse me)
If you accidentally bump into someone or want to say “sorry” politely, say Malai maaf garnus.
Kati Ho? (How much is it?)
If you are shopping in local markets or buying souvenirs? You’ll want to know the price.
Simply ask Kati ho?
Tapaiko Naam Ke Ho? (What is your name?)
Want to get to know someone’s name? Ask Tapaiko naam ke ho? To answer your name, say Mero naam(your name). – “My name is(your name)
Yo Ke Ho? (What is this?)
Curious about local food, tools, or items in a market? Just point and say Yo ke ho? – “What is this?”.
Jam Jam (Lets go)
Nepali people say jam jam several times while walking. If your guide says Jam Jam means its time to walk, lets get started.
Trekking Words You Should Know
When you’re on a trekking adventure, these terms will help:
- Bato – Trail or path
- Ukaalo – Uphill
- Oraalo – Downhill
- Thado – Steep
- Thakai – Tired
- Syaabas – Well done / Good job!
Useful Directions
If you’re lost or asking for directions:
- “Tir kha” jane bato kata ho? – “ Is this a road to Tir Kha?”
- Sidha jaanus – Go straight
- Baya tira – To the left
- Daha tira – To the right
Relations
- Dai – Elder Brother
- Vai – Younger Brother
- Didi – Elder Sister
- Bahini – Younger Sister
- Buwa – Father (also for old person)
- Aama – Mother (also for old women)
- Kaka – uncle (brother of father)
- Mama – uncle (brother of mother)
Learning even a few Nepali words will not only help you get around but also show the locals that you respect their culture. Nepali people are warm, kind, and always eager to help Your effort to speak their language will make them smile.
Are you traveling to Nepal soon?
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which common Nepali words and phrases do you think will be important for your next Nepal visit (Tour, Trek)?
