10 Useful Nepali Phrases That Every Traveler Should Know

Traveling to Nepal? Reading this blog means the answer is ‘Yes’.

Nepal’s first language is Nepali. Despite that, English is apparently understood by the majority of Nepalese. Even the illiterate fellow can speak a broken English (words jumbling randomly), which can be understood if heard carefully. Then, why Nepali?

The answer is simple. Speaking Nepali with Nepalese may give you an extra advantage. People become eager to share the information they know and help you in need if you speak the way they do. And, that is a natural phenomenon.

For instance, if you are from French-speaking countries and any outside traveler tells you ‘Bonjour’, you will certainly be excited to talk with him.

Here are some essential Nepali words and phrases, which are easy to read and memorize and also helpful for you throughout your stay in Nepal.

Let’s get into it.

‘Namaste’- Hello

‘Namaste’ literally means ‘Hello’. You can say ‘Namaste’ to anyone anywhere in Nepal. This is a common way of greeting.

If you want to add flavor to your ‘Namaste’, bow slightly joining your both open palms in a clapping gesture in front of your chest and say ‘Namaste’.

I believe you are going to rock it.

‘Kasto cha?’- How are you?

Asking about others’ feelings will help you come close to them.

‘Namaste’ is common everywhere; but if you follow it with ‘Kasto cha?’, people are surely going to fall in love with you. Sorry for exaggeration, but I am sure it is going to impact somewhere in your hospitality.

In a more polite way, you can say, ‘Namaste. Tapailai Kasto cha?’.

‘Huncha / Hudaina’- ‘Yes/no’

I don’t expect that anybody will come up with yes/no questionnaire with you.

But, in case anybody tells you to do something, bow your head with ‘Huncha / Hudaina’ depending on the question.

‘Huncha’ = Yes

‘Hudaina’ = no

‘Yeslaai katee paisaa ho?’- ‘How much does this cost?’

This is, perhaps, the important phrase to know.

If you are in a market or any other shops where you want to purchase something, then this phrase is going to be a boon.

It is easy to pronounce. Repeat with me ‘Yeslaai Katee paisaa ho?’

FANTASTIC! YOU GOT IT…

‘Dhanyabaad’ – Thank you

Gratitude is the best thing to show not only in Nepal but anywhere in the world. If you want to extend warm thanks for any favor done to you, it is better to use ‘Dhanyabaad’.

Next time you extend gratitude to your mom, say ‘Dhanyabaad’. I believe she is going to kiss you on your forehead.

‘Mitho cha’ – It’s tasty.

By the time you taste delicious Nepali cuisines, I am sure you would want to say this.

Try saying it in a delicious expression, ‘Hmm… Mitho cha’ for authentic laud to the food.

In case the food is more than delicious add ‘Dherai’ before ‘Mitho cha’, which means the food is very tasty.

‘Hmm…Dherai Mitho cha’. PERFECT.

‘…….. kaahaa cha?’ –Where is ……?

Being a stranger, you may not know the location of the place you wanted to visit.

If that is the situation, this phrase is going to help you a lot.

Ask the passerby saying ‘(name of the place) kaahaa cha?’.

‘Vetera khusee laagyo’-nice to meet you.

Appreciating the meet with any person is a wonderful way to reflect a positive attitude. After a short talk with anybody, it is better to end with the phrase ‘nice to meet you’ which in Nepali translates to ‘Vetera Khusee laagyo’.

REPEAT MULTIPLE TIMES TO MEMORISE IT.

‘maaf garnu hos’- sorry.

While trying to be perfect all the time, you are sure to commit mistakes. Nothing is so bad about it because we all are humans and mistakes are on our blood (so to speak).

I’m not exaggerating the situation, but acknowledging your mistakes is always good. Feel sorry for anything wrong you do and say ‘Maaf garnu hos’. I am sure Nepali people will forgive you.

It is worth repeating this phrase again and again and memorizing it. Errors are committed unintentionally.

‘Yo thaau raamro cha’-this place is beautiful.

I am sure you will want to say this as you set sail on a mountainous vivacity. Appreciating the beauty of the place you visit will help you come close to the villagers.

They are amiable by nature and saying ‘yo thaau raamro cha’ will trigger their friendly nature. For sure, this phrase is going to work in your favor.