Help and emergencies in Nepali
The words you hope to never need. 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
- गुहार!gu-HAR
- Help!
- डाक्टर बोलाउनुस्DAK-tar bo-LA-u-nus
- Call a doctor
- प्रहरीpra-HA-ri
- Police
- औषधि पसलAU-sha-dhi PA-sal
- Pharmacy
- अस्पतालas-pa-TAL
- Hospital
- म हराएँma ha-RA-en
- I'm lost
- मलाई राम्रो छैनma-LAI RAM-ro CHHAIN
- I don't feel well
- चोरियोcho-RI-yo
- It was stolen
- यो आपतकाल होYO aa-PAT-kaal HO
- It's an emergency
- मलाई एक्लै छोड्नुस्ma-LAI EK-lai CHHOD-nus
- Leave me alone
Shout loudly and clearly. "बचाउनुस्!" (ba-CHA-u-nus, "save me!") is also used. Nepalis respond strongly to genuine distress calls. Do not hesitate to call out in a crowd if you need help.
The emergency ambulance number in Nepal is 102. In Kathmandu, CIWEC Clinic and Grande International Hospital are well-regarded for travelers. Travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Nepal Police emergency number is 100. Tourist Police (पर्यटन प्रहरी, par-YA-tan pra-HA-ri) are stationed in major tourist areas and speak some English. They handle theft and traveler issues specifically.
Pharmacies are common in Nepali towns and many medications sold by prescription elsewhere are available over the counter. Always check expiry dates on purchases. Look for a green cross sign.
Major hospitals are concentrated in Kathmandu. In remote trekking areas there are health posts (स्वास्थ्य चौकी, SWAS-thya CHAU-ki) but facilities are basic. Serious cases are evacuated by helicopter.
The nasal ending "एँ" is characteristically Nepali. If lost in Kathmandu's winding alleys, look for a landmark stupa or temple and ask: "दरबार स्क्वायर कहाँ छ?" Locals are generally very willing to help.
Literally "I am not well." Altitude sickness (उचाइको बिमारी, u-CHAI-ko bi-MA-ri) is a serious risk above 3,000 meters. If you feel headache, nausea, or dizziness on a trek, descend immediately.
File a report at the nearest police station for insurance purposes. Tourist Police in Kathmandu and Pokhara handle foreigner theft cases. Keep your police report reference number carefully.
Literally "leave me alone".