Hello in Nepal

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Are you traveling to Nepal on your next vacation? Do you want to learn the languages and simple gestures of Nepal to have a more personalized experience? Keep on reading this article to learn basic Nepali greetings, gestures, and etiquettes that will help you visit Nepal like a local.

Nepal is a popular tourist destination where you can experience fascinating culture, tradition, antique landmarks, temples. The country is also most popular in the world for its stunning natural splendors, including breathtaking mountains, trekking trails, Himalayan vistas and more.

Therefore, travelling to Nepal is indeed a wonderful way to spend your vacation. And if you learn some general greetings and gestures, it will add more value to your journey and help you experience of a lifetime. The knowledge of Nepalese gestures and languages will help you respect the hospitality of the Nepalese people and in return you will receive much more love and respect from the locals.

English is not a commonly spoken language in Nepal and only youngsters can communicate in English. Thus, you will have a great advantage if you know and use Nepalese phrases while communicating with elderly people. This will certainly enrich your travel experience in Nepal.

Common Greetings in Nepali

When people meet with someone, they will generally say hi or hello. However, In Nepal, instead of saying hello, you can say Namaste or Namaskar.

Greetings: Hello

Nepali translation: नमस्कार

Pronunciation: Namaskāra

If you meet a Nepalese, you can greet them by saying Namaskar. The word is used as a formal greeting in Nepali culture. You can pronounce it as Na-mas-kar, which means hello in Nepal. Learning this simple word can help you feel welcome among the locals. You can say it, especially when you are greeting an elder. The alternative form of the word is Namaste. You can use the word to greet people, elders and people of authority during your Nepal travel.

Farewell: Good night

Nepali translation: शुभ रात्री

Pronunciation: Śubha rātrī

Subha ratri is another important word that can help make your communication pleasant. The word subha means to wish someone a good night, and using this will create a sense of affection and strengthen your relationship with the Nepalese.

Greeting: Good morning

Nepali translation: शुभ – प्रभात

Pronunciation: Śubha – pra – bhāta

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Greeting your friend in the morning by saying subha-prabhat will cherish their mood. During breakfast, you can say the word to your friends and fellow travelers.

Farewell: Goodbye

Pronunciation: Alavidā

Saying goodbye to a friend is just as important as greeting someone. Goodbye in Nepali means Alavida; you say the word when you are leaving or if someone else is leaving. Wishing someone goodbye in Nepali makes a profound impact as it indicates you wish them well and want to meet again.

Expression: Good Luck

Nepali translation: भाग्यले साथ दिओस्

Pronunciation: Bhāgyalē sātha di’ōs

If you want to wish someone good luck in their journey in Nepal, you should use the word Bhāgyalē sātha di’ōs. It is a form of good expression, and you wish the best for someone and hope they achieve what they are working for.

More Phrases Used for Greetings in Nepali

The Nepali language is deeply rooted in their distinct cultural heritage. To communicate and involve yourself with the local people, you must grasp more than just greeting in Nepali. Learning Nepali phrases help you immerse yourself in the authentic Nepalese experience. Here are a few phrases you can learn and use during your visit to Nepal.

English: How are you?

Pronunciation: kastō cha?

When you meet a person, you should greet them by saying Namaste, and it should be followed by asking about their wellness. You can ask about someone’s well-being and health by saying kasto cha? How are you? By asking about someone, you will make them feel you care about them.

English : I’m fine

Pronunciation: Ma ṭhika chu

If someone asks how you are in Nepali, you answer it by saying Ma thik chu, which translates to I’m fine. The exchange of these phrases in Nepali customs indicates good manners and relations.

English: Thank you

Pronunciation: Dhan-ya-vaad

Thank you in Nepali translates to Dhanyabad. The word is frequently used while exchanging greetings during meetings in Nepal. It is regarded as a gesture and sign that you admire efforts made by someone. Also, it sparks a sense of motivation and a positive attitude.

English: Sorry Or Excuse Me

Pronunciation: Māpha garnuhōs

Apart from greeting and expression, you must also know how to apologize in Nepali. If you have accidentally made a mistake, you can express a sincere apology by saying Māpha agarnuhōs. You must not make any mistake in its pronunciation and say it might ruin your impression.

English: Yes

Pronunciation: Hō

During your stay in Nepal, there will be a situation when you must agree on a decision. So, to demonstrate your consent or agree with a decision, you can say ho, which means yes. Just use the word ho, when you feel like saying yes. This is one of the most straightforward Nepali words you can use.

English: No

Pronunciation: Hō’īna

No is another important word that can come in hand on several occasions. Although most people will understand the meaning of No, some local people in remote areas might need help understanding English. So, in such cases, you can say the word Hō’ī-na, to express your disagreement on something.

English: See You Again

Pronunciation:Phēri bhēṭaulā

After meeting someone, you must bid them farewell and ask about any future chances of meeting. It might be difficult for you if you meet someone and cannot ask them to meet again in Nepali. In such a scenario, if you want to see you again, you can say Phēri bhēṭaulā. By learning this simple phrase, you can make a long-lasting relationship with people you meet during your visit to Nepal.

English: I don’t understand / I understand.

Pronunciation: Maile Bhujhina/Maile Bhujhe

During your travels, you might need help comprehending certain things. To express you didn’t understand something, you can use the phrase maile bujhina, which means I don’t understand. On the other hand, you can use maile bujhe but only if you understand. If you can understand these phrases, you will be able to communicate and understand the native people of Nepal.

Pronunciation: Tapaiko nāma kē hō

English: What is your name?

You can formally ask someone’s name by saying Tapaiko naam ke ho, which translates to What is your name in English. From this phrase, you can identify the person’s name. It will help build communication in a friendly manner.

Pronunciation: Mero Naam

English: My name is

If someone asks your name instead, you can answer the question by saying mero naam, which means my name is. Your communication with the people in Nepal will be more accessible if you know their names and they know yours.

Greeting and Etiquette

You should be mindful of the local customs and traditions to show respect and appreciation for the Nepali people and their way of life. Greetings and etiquette play a crucial role in this, as they are a way to show respect and establish a positive relationship with the locals. Here is some etiquette you can follow to make a positive impression and create meaningful connections with the people you meet in Nepal.

• Always greet the oldest person first.
• When you greet someone with Namaste, join your palms before your chest.
• You can also initiate a handshake with your right hand as a formal way of greeting someone as well.
• Avoid greeting the local people with a kiss or a hug if you don’t know them personally.
• You can add “ji” while addressing someone by their name to be more respectful. For example, Namaste and Ram-ji.
• Do not point at someone with your finger, it is considered to be rude.
• Do not touch water bottles with your lips, and be careful while sharing your food and utensils.
• Avoid passing items and food with your left hand. It would be best to always use your right hand to offer things and both hands to receive them.
• Take off your shoes and dress modestly while entering temples and religious sites. Also, dress modestly.

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