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Nepali Language
Primer
Learning a few of the basics is really opens up a
country to the traveler, visitor, tourist and
volunteer worker... Just a little of the language
will help you to get around, to meet people and to
really deepen your experience of a culture. It shows
the locals that you want to learn about them and
care about their country and culture. So start with
these basics...
note: Underlined words are shown as samples only,
you should substitute as necessary
1. Basic Greetings
and Pleasantries
|
Nepali |
English Translation
|
|
Namaste |
Hello, Greetings, I
bless the divine in you |
|
Namaskar |
The more respectful
version of Namaste |
|
Hajur |
All purpose term
meaning yes? Pardon, Excuse me? |
|
(Tapaiilai) Kasto Cha?
|
How are you? |
|
(Malai) Thik Cha |
I am fine |
|
Khana khannu bhaiyo?
|
Have you eaten? (used
often as informal greeting) |
|
Dhanybhad |
Thank you |
|
Tapaiiko naam ke ho?
|
What is you name? |
|
Mero naam Jessica
ho |
My name is Jessica |
|
Maaph garnuhos |
Excuse me/ pardon me/
sorry |
|
Maile bhujhina |
I don’t understand |
|
Maile bhujhe |
I understand |
|
Pheri bhetaunla |
I hope we meet again
|
2.
Addressing people/ things
|
Jessica-ji |
Formal way to address
someone using their name |
|
Aama / Buwa |
Mother / Father, but
also friendly term men/women roughly in your
parents generation |
|
Didi / Bahini |
Older / Younger sister,
but also friendly term used to refer to
other women roughly in your generation |
|
Dhai / Bhai |
Older / Younger
brother, same as above |
|
Nanu / Babu |
Young girl / boy child
|
|
Ma / Hami |
I / We |
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