Essential Nepali Phrases for Visitors

Embarking on a journey to Nepal? Embracing the local culture is key to a fulfilling experience. Familiarizing yourself with some common Nepali phrases can open doors and hearts. In this guide, we’ll equip you with essential expressions to enhance your interaction with the warm and welcoming people of Nepal.

Greetings and Pleasantries

1. Namaste: Hello/Hi. This is the most common greeting in Nepal and is used in all situations. It literally means “I bow to the divine in you.”
2. Dhanyabaad: Thank you (pronounced dhuh-nyuh-bah-d).
3. Kasto cha?: How are you? (pronounced kah-stoh cha).
4. Thik cha: I am fine (pronounced th-eek cha).
5. Subha Prabhat/Namaskar: Good morning (pronounced soo-bh uh prah-bhaht/nuh-muh-skar).
6. Subha Diuso/Namaskar: Good afternoon (pronounced soo-bh uh dew-soh/nuh-muh-skar).
7. Subha sandhya/Namaskar: Good evening (pronounced soo-bh uh sun-dhyuh/nuh-muh-skar).
8. Pachi bhetaula: See you later (pronounced pa-chee beh-tau-luh).
9. Namaste: Goodbye (pronounced nuh-muh-stey).

Useful Phrases

1. Tapaiko naam ke ho?: What is your name? (pronounced tuh-pie-koh naam kay ho).
2. Mero naam … ho: My name is … (pronounced muh-roh naam … ho).
3. Maaph garnuhos: Excuse me/pardon me/sorry (pronounced mah-ahf gur-noo-hoss).
4. Maile bhujhina: I don’t understand (pronounced my-leh boojh-ee-nah).
5. Maile bhujhe: I understand (pronounced my-leh boojh-hey).
6. Kati ho?: How much is it? (pronounced kah-tee ho).
7. Tapai kahan jaanuhuncha?: Where are you going? (pronounced tuh-pie kah-hahn jah-nuh-hoon-cha).
8. Mलाई … chahincha: I need … (pronounced muh-lai … cha-hin-cha).
9. Tapai lai ke chahincha?: What do you need? (pronounced tuh-pie lai keh cha-hin-cha).
10. Ke ho yo?: What is this? (pronounced keh ho yo).
11. Yo khoi?: Where is this? (pronounced yo khoi).

Numbers

1. Ek: One (pronounced ek).
2. Duई: Two (pronounced doo-ee).
3. Teen: Three (pronounced teen).
4. Char: Four (pronounced chaar).
5. Panch: Five (pronounced panch).
6. Chha: Six (pronounced chhah).
7. Satt: Seven (pronounced saat).
8. Aath: Eight (pronounced aath).
9. Nau: Nine (pronounced now).
10. Das: Ten (pronounced dass).