Essential Nepali Phrases to Greet, Navigate, and Dine Like Local
1 Dec 2023 Chandra Gurung
Nepali phrases and words that every tourist and traveler should know. Are you looking for something like that? Do you also want to greet Nepali locals in their style and offer respect that touches their soul and heart?
Well, without a delay, read below to understand how these Nepali phrases can make you greet, navigate, and dine like locals in Nepal.
What are the basic phrases in Nepali to Greet?
1. Namaste- Hello/Greetings
Basic Nepali Phrases you must learn before visiting Nepal begin with “Namaste.” This go-to Nepali word is one of the Nepali traditional ways to greet someone with hello, and greetings.
When you use Namaste especially by joining your two hands together and bowing down a little, it’s another feeling of introducing yourself to Nepali locals.
So, how would you pronounce Namaste?
Here is a phonetic breakdown of Nepali greetings Namaste,
Na.mas.tay:
As you begin your conversation with Namaste, this sweet gesture will interconnect you with your Nepalese heart.
People become close to those who understand their native culture and language, so get one step closer to exploring Nepal and Nepali phrases.
2. ‘Dhanyabaad’ – Thank you
Thankfulness defines a person, isn’t it? If you are grateful for the treats and hospitality you receive, don’t feel shy to add some thank you notes.
Extend your gratitude to your Nepali friend by saying,
/Dhan. yah. baad/
Just keep trying to pronounce it right.
Which is a Nepali word meaning, thank you. He/ she will be more than happy to listen to that word from you, especially in your native accent.
3. Sanchai Hunu hunxa- How are you? /Are you fine?
Asking about how people are doing often tends to give a sense of closeness between you two. You are one step closer to connecting and referring to someone’s feelings and interacting on a more intimate level by saying,
सन्चै हुनुहुन्छ? /sahn-chai hoo-noo-hoon-cha/
Bravo, you can pronounce it well. A general sense of affection and endearment is what this Nepali phrase will promote. Do practice with a friend or voice search to improve mistakes and keep going.
You do not have to master it at all on the first try, but your efforts will mean a lot to people around you. As Nepalese are good at heart and will accompany you in guiding you, better not shy to ask them for any sort of help in case, you need it.
4. Tapai ko naam ke ho? : What is your Name?
(तपाईंको नाम के हो?) Begin with introducing yourself to others, that’s what we do. Yes, asking who they are, and their name can help us connect to them in a more friendly way.
/Tah.pai. Ko. naa.am. K. ho.?/
So, when you ask someone’s name make them comfortable enough to be expressive of who they are. Besides words, gestures, and your attributes are what the other person would be interested in. Did you ever take it that way?
In a response, you can say,
Mero naam Chandra (Your Name) ho. Which means, My name is Chandra.
Some other Greetings Basics you can Learn
| Greetings | Nepali Meaning |
| Good Morning | Subha Prabhat ( शुभ प्रभात) |
| Good Night | Subha Ratri ( शुभ रात्री) |
| Have a Good day | Shubha Din ( शुभ दिन) |
| See you later | Pachi Bhetaula ( पछि भेटौला) |
| Nice to meet you | Tapai lai bhetera khushi lagyo ( तपाईँलाई भेटेर खुशी लाग्यो) |
| What’s up? | K chha ( के छ?) |
Nepali Phrases to Ask for direction and Navigate like Local
As you proceed with the greetings, now you can ask for the place, you want to go, with any locals available to talk.
1. Kaha chha? : Where is (Place Name)?
As previously learned, better be polite and get closer to someone, before you can excuse and ask them your destination.
Google Maps do guide you, but sometimes, the help of local is better off roads and the regional network issues exist. This can be a chance when you can connect with someone, to ask about nearby local restaurants, hotels, bus stops, or other stations in Nepal.
The proximity to asking someone to navigate you, does that overwhelm you?
It is better to get directions if you are lost in a crowd, and even unaware of a particular location in Nepal. So, use a Nepali phrase like Nepal kaha chha? , meaning, Where is Nepal?
2. Bato kasto chha? How is the road?
बाटो कस्तो छ? : As you navigate on your own in an unfamiliar environment, you are just curious about what the path unveils.
Better ask a local how is the road in this essential Nepali phrase, Bato kasto chha?
To prepare yourself ahead of uncertainties and challenges.
3. Ticket kaha pauncha: Where can I get a ticket?
If you need information regarding bus tickets or any other permits, you can simply ask. Kaha pauncha? Add something you want beforehand to get accurate suggestions. Just say with me,
Ticket /Kaa.haa. Paa. uhn. chha/ (टिकट कहाँ पाइन्छ?)
4. Yo bato thik ho? : Is this the right way?
Whenever you are a first-timer, you are always checking if you are on the right path. You can raise a question to a local, by using the Nepali phrase,
Yo bato thik ho? (यो बाटो ठीक हो?)
Dine in a Nepali style with Selected words and Phrases
The first basic rule is to always greet the staff and follow table etiquette when ordering food and drinks in Nepal.
1. Malai (Food) dinu hos: Order your Desired Food
Look through the menu or even ask for the Menu saying, Menu dinu hos. Then, order your desired food in a similar pattern.
Be patient with your order, and do not forget to convey any of your preferences. Communication is key, and do not hesitate. Enjoy your Nepali meals packed with flavors.
2. (Food) Kasto chha: Inquire about Food
You can inquire about your desired dish, and ask for any recommendation from the staff when dining. To ensure a pleasant experience with your meal, you can inquire before ordering by asking,
Momo Kasto Chha? That means, How are the Momos, here?
3. Mitho chha: Delicious
Any food tastes good with Nepali spices. If you also enjoy the taste and want to appreciate the staff, you can always say delicious, in Nepali phrase,
Mitho chha, also means tasty, and you enjoy the food.
4. Mero bill dinuhos: Request your bill
Before you leave, you will order your bill. To request your check-in Nepali restaurant, you can say,
“Mero bill dinu hos”
Pay your bill by reviewing the bill, and also communicate your idea if you want to split the bill or choose digital payment methods. Inquire with staff if any miscommunication, by asking,
मलाई बुझाउनुहोस् (malai bujhaunu hos)
Additional Nepali phrases for Flavors
Find some Nepali phrases and words tourists can learn to describe flavors and culinary delights in Nepal.
| Flavors | Nepali Meaning |
| Spicy | पीरो (piro) |
| Salty | नुनिलो (nunilo) |
| Sour | अमिलो (amilo) |
| Sweet | मीठो (mitho) |
| Bitter | तीतो (tito) |
How can you learn Nepali?
Learning a different language can be a challenging task. But things get easier when you know what to do next. Here are some tips on how you can learn Nepali at your convenience.
- Start with Basic Nepali words and phrases
- Engage yourself with Nepali content, movies
- Practice speaking what you learn
- Enroll in Nepali language course
- Make the most of free language learning app and resource
- Learn from the mistakes
- Carefully notice native Nepali-speaking vocabulary and grammar
- Embrace Nepali culture and lifestyle
Conclusion
Learning a new language demands practice but mistakes, cannot be denied. And when you fuel your enthusiasm with genuine effort in learning, you can surely learn essential Nepali phrases. Before visiting any place, acquaint yourself with brief research and familiarize yourself with the language and context of Nepal.
Whether you want to navigate independently in Nepali territory or explore it, we have a solution. Make sure you can ask for directions, and transport options, and connect with locals through basic Nepali phrases. Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Nepal?
Don’t let the language be a cause to hold back. Visit our website and learn more about how you can uninterruptedly, explore the Nepalese landscape and Himalayas.
