Whether you’re in Nepal to trek the Himalayas or to visit Kathmandu, here are some handy phrases you should know from Kathmandu local, Bibek Neupane.
Photo © Mahadev Rojas Toras
Most locals in the trekking regions of Nepal don’t understand English. Luckily, there are only few important Nepalese phrases you need to learn.
Nepali Greetings
Hi! : Namaste
Thank you: Dhanyabaad
Sorry: Maaf pau
How are you? : Tapai lai kasto chha?
All’s well with me: Malai sab thick chha.
Have you eaten your meal yet? Khana khanu bhayo?
Have you eaten your snacks/Breakfast yet? Khaja khanu bhayo?
What’s your name? Tapai ko naam ke ho?
My name is _____ : Mero naam _____ ho.
How to Address Others in Nepal
Babu: To address a young boy.
Nanu/Nani: To address a young girl.
Dai: (Big brother) To address a male person of your age or someone elder than you.
Bhai: (Small brother) To address a male person who is significantly younger than you.
Didi: (Elder sister) To address elder or same aged female.
Baini: (Younger sister) To address a younger female.
Bajey: Male Senior citizen (Dai if you are above 60)
Bajai: Female senior citizen (Didi if you are above 60)
Useful Trekking Terms
Porter: Bhariya
Road/trail/path: Baato
Uphill way: Ukaalo baato
Downhill: Oraalo
Neither uphill nor downhill: Terso baato
Cliff: Bheer
Animal: Janawar
Everything’s OK: Thik cha
Let’s go: Zoom zoom or jum jum
Quickly, quickly: Chito Chito
Up, up: Matte Matte
I am hungry: Malai Bhok lagyo
I am thirsty: Malai Pyaas Lagyo
I feel sick: Malai Sancho bhayena
My leg is in pain: Khutta Dukhyo
I am tired: Malai Thakai Lagyo
Yes/ok: Hoon chha
No/Not ok: Hoon na
How long will it take to reach there/<Place Name>: Tyaha <Place Name> pugna kati berr laag chha?
Where can I find ____? : ______ kata paain chha?
Which way to _______?: _______ janey baato kun ho?
I think I am lost! Ma haraye chhu
I need a place to stay: Malai baas basnu paryo
Where can I get some food? Yaha Khana Kata Paain chha?
Which is the shorter/Longer way? Kun Baato Chhoto/Laamo Cha?
From where can I get a public transportation to ____? : ____ janey gaadi kata bata paain chha?
General Terms
Dal-Bhat: Staple food of Nepal with rice, vegetables and lentils.
Paani: Water
Kati paisa? How much money?
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