Common Nepali Salutations

While travelling in any foreign country it is important to learn some local phrases that might help your exploration. People will be fascinated and as a result more likely to help you acquire necessary information that you might require.

Majority of Nepali can understand English to the extent that they can share you with the information you might be seeking, but it is always good gesture to learn some local phrases and use them to greet people and ask for important information. Here below are the list of 15 Nepali phrases that you should learn while being in Nepal:

1. “Namaste” – “Hello”

“Namaste” simply mean greetings. While saying it is suggested to bring your open hand on the center of your chest, join it as while clapping position and bow slightly. You can say “Namaste” to anyone. It is like saying “Hello”.

2. “Tapaai laai kasto chha” – “How are you?”

It is a quite difficult one to say but trust us that it is the polite way of saying “How are you?”. It showcases the reverence to the locals and we are pretty sure that locals will react in respectful way too.

3. “Hunchha/Hudaina” – “Yes/no”

Knowing how to say Yes or No can get you in and out of lots of things. This is simple yet important phrase you should be familiar with.

4. “Dhanyabaad” – “Thank you”

Acknowledging the people’s help and expressing gratitude is one beautiful thing everyone must learn to do. Learning to say “Dhanyabaad” in local phrase one beautiful way to express your thankfulness to locals in their native language.

5. “…… kaahaa chha” – “Where is ……….. ?”

While navigating to get to your destination you might have to converse with people who can not speak English. This phrase will help you find and choose the right path or direction which can get you to your destination. Just add your destination or desired place to go in the beginning and complete question.

6. “Kati bajyo” – “What is the time?”

When your phone battery dies and you have no idea what the time is, this phrase might save you from loosing the last bus going to the city.

7. “Maaf garnu hos” – “Sorry”

Being humble is one of the characteristics of decent man. Though “Sorry” transcends the language barrier as even native speakers mostly say “sorry” instead of “Maaf garnu hos”, it is always better to know than to not know.

8. “……. jaaney baato kun ho?” – “What is the way to go to …….?”

When you are trying to find out the way to go to specific way and are puzzled by the absence of the path that google or apple map shows. This quick phrase will might save your day.

9. “Yo baato kata jaanchha?” – “Which place does this way go?”

This phrase is similar to previous one but its different slightly. It inquires about the place that the particular way might take you. When you encounter junction with plethora of options of way to embark on this quick phrase will help you to understand where each path might take you.

10. “…… aauna kati baaki chha?” – “How long before I get ……?”

When you are walking and walking and walking indefinitely and want to know when you are going to get there. This phrase will address your concern and enthusiasm.

11. “Najikai pasal kaha chha?” – “Where is the nearest shop?”

You forgot to pack your energy bar and want to get a quick snack, or you got some bruises and want to cover you wound with band aid. This phrase will help you locate nearest local shop which will have these amenities for you.

12. “Yo thaau raamro chha” – “This place is beautiful”

This phrase will surely bring smile on the face of the local you are saying this to. Appreciating the beauty of their place will make them happy for sure. This phrase will be a good weapon on your arsenal to use which will foster good will towards among the locals.

13. “Vetera Khusi laagyo” – “Nice meeting you”

This is also a good way to be nice to the people you meet. It shows how you are happy to have met with that person. These small things are very much appreciated in Nepal as well.

14. “Yeslaai kati paisa ho?” – “How much for this?”

It is an important phrase that is a must while you are shopping. Make sure you learn this phrase before you set to explore local markets.

15. “Khana khaanu bhayo?” – “Did you have your meal?”

This phrase is also used widely amongst Nepalese people. Mostly used amongst acquaintances this phrase will surely focuses to bring intimacy, respect and friendliness.