Yes, no and the essentials in Nepali
The small words that carry half of every conversation, and the ones that rescue it. Play the ten Nepali words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Nepali phrases in this lesson
- होHO
- Yes
- होइनHO-in
- No
- ठीक छTHIK chha
- Okay
- बुझिनbu-JHINA
- I don't understand
- तपाईंलाई अङ्ग्रेजी आउँछ?ta-PAI-lai ang-RE-ji A-unchha
- Do you speak English?
- फेरि भन्नुस्PHE-ri BHAN-nus
- Can you repeat that?
- बिस्तारै बोल्नुस्bis-TAA-rai BOL-nus
- Slowly, please
- यो के हो?YO KE ho
- What is this?
- मलाई ... चाहिन्छma-LAI ... CHAA-hin-chha
- I need...
- मलाई मद्दत गर्नुहुन्छ?ma-LAI mad-DAT gar-nu-HUN-chha
- Can you help me?
The basic yes. You will also hear "हजुर" (HA-jur) which is a respectful yes used toward elders or authority. A gentle head wobble side to side also signals agreement, which often surprises first-time visitors.
Used to negate a statement, "it is not." To refuse an offer, "छैन" (CHHAIN, "there is not") or "पर्दैन" (par-DAIN, "no need") sounds more natural and less abrupt.
Literally "it is right/fine." This is extremely common in Nepali conversation. You will hear it constantly. The "ठ" sound is an aspirated "t" made with the tongue on the roof of the mouth.
A complete short sentence: "I did not understand." Follow it with "फेरि भन्नुस्" (PHE-ri BHAN-nus, "please say it again") to ask for a repeat. Speak slowly and clearly when you use this.
English is taught in many Nepali schools and is common among younger people and those in the tourism industry. In mountain villages this may get a shy smile rather than a fluent response.
Literally "say it again".
Literally "speak slowly".
Literally "to me ... is needed".