Here we are trying to present few useful phrases in Nepali language which is official language of Nepal. Every travellers should know this.
Useful Phrases
Basic Greetings and Pleasantries
Nepali Transliteration
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 your name?
Mero naam Ann- Marie ho
My name is Ann-Marie
Maaph garnuhos
Excuse me/ pardon me/ sorry
Maile bhujhina
I don’t understand
Maile bhujhe
I understand
Pheri bhetaunla
I hope we meet again
Addressing People / Things
Ann-Marie-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
Tapaii
You
Yo / Tyo
This / That
Verb Bases (Infinitive Form) & Verb Conjugation
Janu To go
Bolnu To speak
Aunu To come
Roknu To stop
Basnu To sit
Hidnu To walk
Khannu To eat
Khelnu To play
Rakhnu To put
Sutnu To sleep
Garnu To do
Hernu To see
Dinu To give
Pewnu To drink
Linu To take
Oothnu Rise/wake up
Kinnu To buy
Question Words
Ke
What
Kahaang
Where
Kati
How much
Kina / kinabhane
Why / because
Kasko
Whose
Kahile
When
Kun
Which
Kasari
How
Kasto
How (of quality)
You might also like to read: Some Useful phrases in Newar (Nepal Bhasa)
Food Adjectives
Mitho / namitho
Tasty / Not tasty
Bhuteko
Fried
Umaaleko
Boiled
Noonilo
Salty
Gooliyo
Sweet
Amilo
Sour
Tito
Bitter
Piro
Spicy
Food Items
Tarkari / Vegetables
Gajur / Carrots
Kaulee / Cauliflower
Bandakobi / Cabbage
Alu / Potato
Makai / Corn
Saag / Spinach
Kerau / Peas
Parsi / Pumpkin
Pyaaj / Onion
Lasun / Garlic
Kaankro / Cucumber
Simee / Beans
Coursani / Chili
Adhuwa / Ginger
Bhatamas / Soybean
Golbheraa / Tomato
Dhal / Lentil
Bhadam / Peanut
Kaju / Cashew
Mohar / Honey
Bhat / Rice
Dudh / Milk
Daihee / Yogurt
Pauroti / Bread (Loaf)
Chapati / Bread (flat round)
Tel / Oil
Noon / Salt
Chinni / Sugar
Pani / water
Umaleko pani / Boiled water
Raksi / Alcohol
Toomba / Millet beer
Chyang / Rice beer
Ras / Juice
Useful Nouns
Bato / Road
Pul / Bridge
Des / Country
Bajar / Market
Kotha / Room
Gau / Village
Khola / River
Pasal / Shop
Khanna / Food
Ghar / House
Mithai / Sweets
Koseli / Gift
Topee / Hat
Jhola / Bag, pack
Git / Song
Kitaab / Book
Manche / Person
Mancheharu / People
Chorachori / Children
Bideshi / Foreigner
Pariwar / Family
Dharma / Religion
Numbers
1 / ek
6 / cha
15 / pandhra
50 / pachaase
2 / dui
7 / saat
20 / beece
60 / sathi
3 / tin
8 / aath
25 / pacheece
70 / sattari
4 / char
9 / nau
30 / teece
80 / assi
5 / panchs
10 / das
40 / chaleece
90 / nabbe
100 / ek saye
200 / dui saye
1000 ek hazar
Expressions of Time
Aaja / Today
Hijo / Yesterday
Bholi / Tomorrow
Ghanta / Hour
Din / Day
Haptaa / Week
Mahina / Month
Barsa / Year
Bihaana / Morning
Diunso / Afternoon
Beluka / Evening
Raatri / Night
Subha raatri
Good night
Kati bhajyo?
What time is it?
Ek bhajyo
One o’ clock