Nepali Words Every Tourist Should Know

Must Learn Important  Nepali  Words And Sentences

If you’re traveling to Nepal for vacation, then you might need to learn Nepali words and phrases in Nepali to communicate well. Learning some of the commonly spoken words of the places where you are traveling, will help you enjoy your visit more.

Talking or communicating with people in their native language is wonderful. Knowing other languages decreases the communication barrier. Though a sweet smile can help you everywhere, words will make your expression clear, so others can know about you and you can know about others.

Here in this article, we will help you to learn:

1. Important Nepali vocabulary

2. Nepali Numbers

3. Family Relations and genders in Nepali

4. Names of Popular animals and birds found in Nepal

5. Names of popular Nepali food and drinks

Nepali language is a branch of Indo-Aryan language and is similar to Sanskrit and Hindi language. People in Nepal have more than 100 different regional, local and community languages. But Nepali is the official and widely spoken language in Nepal. With globalization in the world, many Nepalese people can speak the English language fluently. And some can understand but cannot reply in English. So to communicate with people of Nepal, it can be helpful if you learn Nepali. Though, you can feel most of the sentences that Nepalese are speaking are mixed up with English words.

Some of the commonly used English words in the Nepali language are time, road, photo, toilet, bathroom, water tank (as tanky in Nepali), pen, vest, t-shirt, color, pants, jacket, etc. The names of electronic devices and technical terms are also similar to English but not all, though people can usually understand if you use English words for Nepali equivalent.

Here, we have collected some of the most important words and expressions that are mostly used in Nepal.

If you are soon traveling to Nepal, then this is something you should learn!

Let’s start with some common words used for Greetings in Nepali and their translation:

• Hi, Hello! -> Namaskar (नमस्कार), Namaste (नमस्ते)
• Good morning! -> Shuva pravat (शुभ प्रभात)
• Good Afternoon -> Shuva diin (शुभ दिन)
• Good evening! -> Shuva saanjh (शुभ साँझ)
• Goodnight! -> Shuva Ratri (शुभ रात्री)
• Bye! -> Bidaa hau (बिदा हौ)
• See you again! -> Pheri Bhetaula (फेरी भेटौँला)
• Thank you! -> Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद)

Important Words/Vocabulary

Traveling to some unknown places, where you do not understand their language is quite uncomfortable. But Nepalese people are helpful to guests as guests are treated equivalent to Gods. “Atithi Devo Bhawa”, which means “Guests are Gods” can be felt through their welcoming of guests and helpfulness towards tourists.

1. Yes -> Ho (हो)

2. No -> Hoina (होइन)

3. Maybe -> Sayad (शायद)

4. OK -> hunchha (हुन्छ)

5. Thank you! -> Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद)

6. You’re welcome! -> Tapailai swagat chha (तपाईलाई स्वागत छ)

7. Excuse me -> Kshama garnuhola (क्षमा गर्नुहोला), kshama pau (क्षमा पाउ)

8. I’m sorry -> Kshama garnuhola (क्षमा गर्नुहोला), Dukha Lagyo (दु:ख लाग्यो)

9. I have -> Ma sanga chha (म सँग छ)

10. I don’t have -> Ma sanga chhaina (म सँग छैन)

11. We have -> Haami sanga chha (हामी सँग … छ)

12. We don’t have -> haami sanga chhaina (हामी सँग … छैन)

13. Something -> Kehi Chha (केही छ)

14. Nothing -> Kehi Pani Chhaina (केही पनि छैन)

15. Where -> Kaha (कहाँ), Kata (कता)

16. Why -> Kina (किन)

17. How -> Kasari (कसरी)

18. When -> Kahiley (कहिले)

19. Who -> Ko (को), Kasley (कसले)

20. Don’t Mind -> Dukha na mannu (दु:ख नमान्नु)

21. Let’s go -> Jaou (जाऔं)

Introducing yourself in Nepali

After learning these words, you surely can introduce yourself to Nepalese people. You can answer their questions as well as ask them.

1. What’s your name? -> Tapai Ko naam k ho? (तपाईको नाम के हो?)

2. My name is … ->  Mero naam … ho. (मेरो नाम … हो ।)

3. Where are you from? -> Tapai Kaha Bata aaunu vayeko? (तपाईं काहाँ बाट आउनु भएको?)

4. I’m from … -> Ma … aaeko hu. (म … आएको हुँ ।)

5. How old are you? -> Tapai Ko Umer Kati ho? (तपाईंको उमेर कति हो?)

6. I’m … years old. -> Ma… barsa ko bhaye. (म … बर्ष को भए।)

7. Are you married? -> K Tapai Bibahit hunhunchha? (के तपाई बिबाहितहुनुहुन्छ?)

8. I am married -> Mero bibaha bhayeko chha. (मेरो बिबाह भएको छ ।)

9. I am not married. -> Mero bibaha bhayeko chhaina. (मेरो बिबाह भएको छैन।)

10. Do you speak English? -> K tapaai English bolnu hunchha? (के तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्नु हुन्छ?)

11. Mine -> Mero (मेरो)

12. You: Hajur (हजुर) / Tapai (तपाईं) / Timi (तिमी) / Ta (त) (Hajur is used for Elders or people who are superior to us. Tapai is also used for elders but it is considered a lower form of respect than Hajur, although both are used alternatively. Timi is used for friends of the same age and juniors and Ta is used with a very close friend and to juniors, though Ta is not considered as a form of respect.)

Family Relations and Genders Words  in Nepali

Here are some of the words that are used to specify the relations and gender of the person in Nepali. You can use these words while talking to people to get closer to them. When you see an elderly person who seems to be more than the age of 60-70, you can call him or her Bajey (Grandfather) or Bajeyi (Grandmother). It is common to show respect using elderly relations if they are older to you in age.

1. Grandfather -> HajurBuwa (हजुरबुबा )

2. Grandmother -> HajurAama (हजुरआमा)

3. Mother -> Aama (आमा)

4. Father -> Buwa (बुवा)

5. Elder Brother -> Dai (दाई)

6. Younger Brother -> Bhai (भाई)

7. Elder Sister -> Didi (दिदी)

8. Younger Sister -> Bahini (बहिनी)

9. Brother’s Wife -> Bhauju (भाउजु)

10. Paternal Uncle -> Thulbuwa / Kaka (Nowadays commonly English word “Uncle” is used for Paternal Uncle) (ठुलबुवा / काका)

11. Paternal Uncle’s Wife -> Thuli Aama / Kaki (ठुली आमा / काकी)

12. Mother’s Sister -> Thuli Aama, Sani Aama (ठुली आमा/ सानी आमा)

13. Maternal Uncle -> Mama (मामा)

14. Maternal Uncle’s Wife -> Maiju (माइजु)

15. Son -> Chhora (छोरा)

16. Daughter -> Chhori (छोरी)

17. Boy -> Kta (केटा)

18. Man -> Purus (पुरुष)

19. Girl -> Keti (केटी)

20. Women -> Mahila (महिला)

21. Friend -> Saathi (साथी)

Some Useful Translation of Phrases

Here are some of the translations of English words into Nepalese and how to speak them. You may hear these words in your visit to Nepal and maybe you will be able to reply to them in Nepali also after learning these words. You might see many people mix English words with Nepali while speaking. Words such as time, light, toilet, road, etc are commonly used in Nepali in place of original Nepali words.

1. Welcome -> Swagatam (स्वागतम्)

2. How are you? -> Tapaaii lai kasto cha? / Timi lai kasto cha?)(तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ? / तिमीलाई कस्तो छ?)

3. I’m fine -> Malaai sanchai cha. (मलाइ सन्चै छ ।)

4. Pleased to meet you -> Tapailai bhetera khushii laagyo. (तपाईलाई भेटेर खुशी लाग्यो)

5. Good luck! -> Subhakamana (शुभ कामना)

6. Have a nice day -> Din Subha Bitos (दिन शुभ बितोस्)

7. Bon appetit / Have a nice meal -> Ramrari khanu hola. (राम्ररी खानु होला)

8. Bon voyage / Have a safe journey -> Shubha yatra (शुभ-यात्रा)

9. Where are you going? -> Tapai kata jaadai hunhunchha? (तपाईं कता जाँदै हुनुहुन्छ?)

10. I’m going to ….-> Ma … Jaadai chhu. (म … जाँदैछु।)

11. I understand -> Maile bujhey (मैले बुझेँ)

12. I don’t understand -> Maile bujhina (मैले बुझिन)

13. I don’t know -> Malaai thaha chaina (मलाई थाहा छैन)

14. Please say that again -> Pheri bhannus (फेरि भन्नुस्)

15. Do you speak Nepali? -> K tapain Nepali bolnuhunchha? (के तपाइ नेपाली बोल्नुहुन्छ?)

16. Speak to me in Nepali? -> Ma sanga nepali ma bolnus. (म सँग नेपालीमा बोल्नुस।)

17. How do you say … in Nepali? -> Tapain le Nepalima … lai kasari bhannu hunchha? (तपाईंले नेपालीमा …. लाई कसरी भन्नुहुन्छ?)

18. How much is this? -> Yo kati ko ho? (यो कति को हो?)

19. Where is this place? -> Yo thau kaha chha? (यो ठाउँ काहाँ छ?)

20. Sorry -> Maapha garnus. (माफ गर्नुस्)

21. Where’s the restroom/bathroom? -> Sauchalaya kata chha. (शौचालय कता छ?)

22. Get well soon -> Chadai Niko hunu hos. (चाँडै निको हुनुहोस्)

23. Help! -> Sahayog garnus. (सहयोग गर्नुस्) / or  Maddat garnuhos. (मद्दत गर्नुहोस।)

24. Stop! -> Roknuhos (रोक्नुहोस्)

25. Call the police! -> Prahari Bolaunuhos (प्रहरी बोलाउनुहोस्)

26. Happy New Year -> Nayabarsha ko subhakamana. (नयाँ वर्षको शुभकामना)

27. Happy Birthday -> Janmadin ko Subhakamana. (जन्मदिनको शुभकामना)

28. Congratulations -> Badhai chaa! (बधाई छ!)

29. I’m hungry -> Malai bhok lagyo. (मलाई भोट लाग्यो)

30. Let’s eat some food -> Kehi Khana Khau. (केही खाना खायौ)

31. Eat -> Khanu (खानु)

32. Food -> Khana (खाना)

33. Forest -> Ban (बन) / or Jungle (जङ्गल)

Food and Drinks:

Nepalese food is delicious, you can taste them during your visit to Nepal. Here we have added some of the daily consuming foods in Nepal. Though you will have a wide range of food choices than listed here, in Nepal. Some of the names of Nepali food cannot be translated. So, you have to have a visit to know the names of the rest of the unique food of Nepal:

1. Rice -> Bhaat (भात)

2. Bread -> Roti (रोटी)

3. Vegetables -> Tarkari (तरकारी)

4. Water -> Paani (पानी)

5. Tea -> Chiya (चिया)

6. Coffee -> Coffee (कफी)

7. Potato -> Aalu (आलु)

8. Onion -> Pyaz (प्याज)

9. Mango -> Aaap (आँप)

10. Apple -> Shyau (स्याउ)

11. Orange -> Suntala (सुन्तला)

12. Banana -> Kera (केरा)

13. Pulses soup -> Daal (दाल)

14. Meat -> Maashu (मासु)

15. Chicken Meat -> Kukhura ko Maashu (कुखुराको मासु)

16. Mutton -> Khasi ko Maashu (खसीको मासु)

17. Buff Meat -> Bhaisi ko Maashu (भैसीको मासु)

18. Momo Dumplings -> Momo (म:म:)

19. Noodles -> Chauchau (चाउचाउ)

20. Tomato -> Golveda (गोलभेडा)

21. Green Vegetables -> Saag (साग)

22. Pickle -> Achaar (अचार)

23. Spinach -> Paalung (पालुङ)

24. Milk -> Doodh (दुध)

25. Ghee -> Ghiu (घिऊ)

26. Curd/Yogurt -> Dahi (दही)

Names of Popular Animals and Birds Found in Nepal

Nepal is rich in flora and fauna and home to thousands of different species. There are various rare and endangered wild animals and plants in Nepal. The country is geographically diverse with high Himalayas and plains of terai. And you may see some common animals roaming in the streets. A cow is believed as the most sacred animal.

1. Cow -> Gaai (गाई)

2. Buffalo -> Bhaisi (भैंसी)

3. Dog -> Kukur (कुकुर)

4. Tiger -> Baagh (बाघ)

5. Leopard -> Chituwa (चितुवा)

6. Elephant -> Haati (हात्ती)

7. Rhino -> Gaida (गैडा)

8. Deer -> Hariin (हरिण)

9. Hen -> Kukhura (कुखुरा)

10. Cat -> Biralo (बिरालो)

11. Crow -> Kaag (काग)

12. Bird -> Chara (चरा)

13. Animal -> Janawar (जनावर)

14. Horse -> Ghoda (घोडा)

15. Donkey -> Gadha (गधा)

16. Goats -> Bakhra (बाख्रा)

17. Rabbit -> Kharayo (खरायो)

18. Mouse -> Muso (मुसो)

19. Peacock -> Mayur (मयूर)

20. Pigeon -> Parewa (परेवा)

21. Parrot -> Suga (सुगा)

22. Bat -> Chamero (चमेरो)

23. Snake -> Sarpa (सर्प)

24. Monkey -> Baadar (बादर)

25. Butterfly -> Putali (पुतली)

26. Mosquito -> Machchhar (मच्छर)

27. Yak -> Chauri Gaai (चौरी गाई)

28. Sheep -> Bheda (भेडा)

Names of Electronic Devices and Other Common Terms

1. Fan -> Pankha (पंखा)

2. Electricity -> Bidhut (विधुत)

3. Wire -> Taar (तार)

4. Light -> Ujyalo (उज्यालो)

5. Book -> Kitab (किताब)

6. Door -> Dhoka (ढोका)

7. Window -> Jhyal (झ्याल)

8. House -> Ghar (घर)

9. Palace -> Durbar (दरवार)

10. Vehicle -> Gaadi (गाडी)

11. Clothes -> Kapda (कपडा)

12. Hot -> Taato (तातो)

13. Cold -> Chiso (चिसो)

14. Mountain -> Himal (हिमाल)

15. Shoes -> Jutta (जुत्ता)

Current, freezer, heater, bulb, mobile, TV, computer, phones, etc are not translated into Nepali and only English words are used for these things.

Learn Nepali Numbers

If you will stay in Nepal, you might buy something from local shops and markets or pay for tickets or passes, then you may use Nepali currency “Rupees” to pay for them. It won’t be difficult to know Nepali currency as it is printed in both Nepali and English in both the front and backside. You can learn these numbers to tackle the problem if you face any with Nepali numbers.

1. Zero -> Shunya (शुन्य) (0 = 0)

2. One -> Ek (एक) (1 = १)

3. Two -> Dui (दुई) (2 = २)

4. Three -> Tin (तीन) (3 = ३)

5. Four -> Char (चार) (4= ४)

6. Five -> Paanch (पाँच) (5 = ५)

7. Six -> Chha (छ) (6 = ६)

8. Seven -> Saat (सात) (7 = ७)

9. Eight -> Aath (आठ) (8 = ८)

10. Nine -> Nau (नौ) (9 = ९)

11. Ten -> Dus (दस) (10 = १०)

12. Eleven -> Yeghara (एघार) (11 = ११)

13. Twelve -> Baahra (बाह्र) (12 = १२)

14. Thirteen -> Tehra (तेह्र) (13 = १३)

15. Fourteen -> Chaudha (चौध) (14 = १४)

16. Fifteen -> Pandhra (पन्द्र) ( 15= १५)

17. Sixteen -> Sola (सोल) (16 = १६)

18. Seventeen -> Satra (सत्र) (17=१७)

19. Eighteen -> Athara (अठार) (18=१८)

20. Nineteen -> Unnais (उन्नाइस) (19=१९)

21. Twenty -> Bis (बिस) (20 = २०)

22. Thirty -> Tees (तिस) (30 = ३०)

23. Fourty -> Chalis (चालिस) (40 = ४०)

24. Fifty -> Pachaas (पचास) (50 = ५०)

25. Sixty -> Saathee (साठी) (60 = ६०)

26. Seventy -> Sattari (सत्तरी) (70 = ७०)

27. Eighty -> Ashi (अस्सी) (80 = ८०)

28. Ninety -> Nabbey (नब्बे) (90 = ९०)

29. One hundred -> Saya (सय) (100 = १००)

30. Five hundred -> Paanch Saya (पाँच सय) (500 = ५००)

31. One thousand -> Ek Hajaar (एक हजार) (1000 = १०००)

32. One million -> Dus Lakh (दस लाख) (10,00,000 = १०,००,०००)

If you learn Nepali and even talk with Nepali people, they will love you and welcome you from the heart.

Do you want more content to learn Nepali? Just leave a comment and we can suggest more resources like the book, audio & video, etc.

Useful Phrases

[Source : Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation]