Learn Nepali Words & Sentences for Beginners

Most first-time visitors to Nepal do not try to learn any Nepali before they arrive. They assume everyone in tourist areas speaks English, so why bother? This thinking is understandable and also slightly unfortunate, because the single greatest thing you can do to change the quality of your experience in Nepal has nothing to do with your itinerary, your gear, or which agency you booked your trek through. It is learning about 50 words of Nepali.

That sounds like an exaggeration. It is not. Nepali people do not expect foreigners to speak their language. When a foreigner says "Namaste" with their palms pressed together, or says "Dhanyabaad" after receiving something, or asks "Kati ho?" in a market while pointing at a piece of fruit, something shifts in the interaction. The person's face changes. There is a moment of genuine surprise, then genuine warmth. You have crossed a threshold that most tourists never approach.

120+

Languages spoken
within Nepal's borders

67%

Nepalis who speak
Nepali as first language

~50

Words needed to
meaningfully connect

1.16M

Tourists in Nepal 2025
most never try Nepali

📖 Quick Pronunciation Guide

"aa" - Long open "ah" like the "a" in "father," not the short "a" in "cat"
"dh" - Softer "d" sound with a small puff of breath
"th" - NOT the English "th" (as in "the"). It is a "t" with a puff of air
"Tapai" - Respectful "you" for anyone you do not know well or older than you
"Timi" - Casual "you" for friends or younger people. When in doubt, use Tapai.

Section 1: Greetings and Basic Courtesies

🙏 Start Here : Learn These First

Start here. These are the words that serve you in every single interaction in Nepal. Learn these ten things and you are already significantly more prepared than most visitors.

Hello / Goodbye / I respect you

नमस्ते

Namaste : Na-ma-stay

The most important word in Nepal. Press your palms together at your chest and bow your head slightly. Works at any time of day in any context with anyone. You will say this hundreds of times per trip. It will never stop working.

Thank you

धन्यवाद

Dhanyabaad : Dhan-ya-baad

Non-negotiable. Say it every time someone helps you, serves food, answers a question, or does anything on your behalf. Add "Dherei" before it for "Thank you very much."

Excuse me / I'm sorry / Pardon me

माफ गर्नुहोस्

Maaf garnuhos : Maaf gar-nu-hos

One of the most versatile phrases in the entire language. Use to get attention, squeeze past in a crowd, apologize, or signal you didn't understand.

How are you? (respectful)

तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?

Tapailai kasto cha? : Ta-pai-lai kas-to cha?

Response: "Ma thik chu" (I'm fine) or "Ma sanchai chu" (I'm well/healthy)

Yes (formal) / Excuse me? / Pardon?

हजुर

Hajur : Ha-jur

A multi-purpose word with no direct English equivalent. Used to say "yes," "I'm listening," "could you repeat that?" and "pardon?" depending on context and tone.

See you again

फेरि भेटौँला

Pheri bhetaula : Phe-ri bhe-taau-la

More than a casual goodbye. This implies genuine hope to meet again. Warmer than any English equivalent.

What is your name? / My name is...

तपाईंको नाम के हो? / मेरो नाम _____ हो

Tapai ko naam ke ho? / Mero naam _____ ho

"Mero naam Josh ho" means "My name is Josh." Your name does not need translation.

📊 How Often You Will Use Each Phrase Category (per day of travel)

Estimated daily usage based on typical 2-week Nepal tourist experience including city, market, and trekking days.

Section 2: Essential Daily Phrases

English	Nepali Script	Pronunciation	When to Use
How much is it?	कति हो?	Kati ho?	Every market, shop, street food stand
Too expensive	अति महँगो छ	Ati mahango cha	Opening move in negotiation. Say calmly.
Please make it cheaper	सस्तो गर्नुस	Sasto garnus	Follow-up in price bargaining
Okay / Alright	हुन्छ	Huncha	Responding to offers, confirming plans
No / Doesn't exist	छैन / होइन	Chaina / Hoina	Refusing or when something unavailable
There is / Yes, available	छ	Cha	"Pani cha?" : Is there water? "Cha" : Yes.
Where is it?	कहाँ छ?	Kahaa cha?	Toilet, hospital, ATM, hotel, temple
I don't understand	मैले बुझिन	Maile bujhina	Say clearly, without embarrassment
Please speak slowly	बिस्तारै बोल्नुस्	Bistaarai bolnus	Pair with "Maile bujhina"
Do you speak English?	अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?	Angrezi bolnuhuncha?	When you have reached the limit of your Nepali
I need [thing]	मलाई _____ चाहियो	Malai _____ chahiyo	"Malai pani chahiyo" : I need water
I am from [country]	म _____ बाट आएको	Ma _____ bata aako	"Ma America bata aako" : I'm from America

Practice These Phrases

Try writing everyday Nepali phrases yourself

Type phrases such as Namaste, Dhanyabad, or Tapai lai kasto chha? using English letters and instantly convert them into Nepali script.

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Section 3: Food and Eating Phrases

🍜 At Restaurants and Markets

English	Pronunciation	Context
The food is delicious	Khana mitho cha	Say this after eating. Watch the reaction : pure joy every time.
I am hungry	Malai bhok lagyo	Guide, teahouse staff, host family
I don't eat meat	Ma maasu khadaina	Vegetarians: memorize this. It is understood everywhere.
A little spicy please	Alikati piro	Alikati = a little. Piro = spicy/hot.
Not spicy please	Piro nagarnus	For those who cannot handle heat
Hot water please	Tatopani diinus na	Essential at high altitude where cold water causes issues
Please give me the bill	Bill linus na	At any restaurant
Have you eaten?	Khana khanus bhayo?	Genuine Nepali greeting used between people who know each other
Tea / Milk tea	Chiya	The drink that runs Nepal. Never refuse a cup offered at someone's home.
Water	Pani	Hot = Tatopani. Cold = Chisopani.

Quick Tip

Confused by local names?

Do you want to learn more Nepali vegetables and their English names? Check out our complete guide for your next market visit.

See Full List →

Section 4: Essential Food Vocabulary

Nepali	Pronunciation	Meaning
दाल	Daal	Lentil soup
भात	Bhaat	Rice
तरकारी	Tarkari	Vegetable curry
अचार	Achaar	Pickle / Chutney
मोमो	Momo	Dumplings
मासु	Maasu	Meat (generic)
कुखुरा	Kukhura	Chicken
माछा	Macha	Fish
दिम	Dim	Egg

Nepali	Pronunciation	Meaning
दूध	Doodh	Milk
दही	Dahi	Yogurt
घिउ	Ghyu	Ghee (clarified butter)
आलु	Aalu	Potato
मिठो	Mitho	Delicious
पिरो	Piro	Spicy / Hot
तातो	Tato	Hot (temperature)
चिसो	Chiso	Cold
गुलियो	Gulo	Sweet

Section 5: Numbers in Nepali

🔢 Essential for Bargaining and Prices

🔢 Nepali Numbers : Learn 1 to 10 First, Then Everything Follows

१

One

२

Dui

Two

३

Teen

Three

४

Char

Four

५

Paanch

Five

६

Chha

Six

७

Saat

Seven

८

Aath

Eight

९

Nau

Nine

१०

Das

Ten

Key milestones: 20 = Bees | 50 = Pachaas | 100 = Say (pronounced "sigh") | 200 = Dui say | 500 = Paanch say | 1,000 = Ek hazaar
Bargaining tip: When a vendor says a price, say "Dui say" (200) or whatever you want to pay. Then wait. The silence does the work.

Section 6: Directions

🧭 The Direction Words

Daya (Da-ya) : Right
Baya (Ba-ya) : Left
Sidha (Sid-ha) : Straight ahead
Mathi (Ma-thi) : Up / Uphill
Tala (Ta-la) : Down / Downhill
Aghi (A-ghi) : Forward / Ahead
Najikal (Na-ji-kai) : Nearby
Tadha (Ta-dha) : Far
Yeha (Ye-haa) : Here
Teha (Te-haa) : There (pointing)

🗺️ Asking for Directions

[Place] kahaa cha?
Where is [place]?

Ma haraaye
I am lost.

Yo baato kahaa jaanchha?
Where does this road go?

Najikal cha?
Is it nearby?

Practical tip: When someone points and says "Daya" : go right. Say "Dhanyabaad" and walk that way.

Section 7: Trekking Phrases

🏔️ For Himalayan Trekkers

Phrase	Pronunciation	What It Means / When to Use
Let's go! / Move out!	Jam jam	What guides say constantly. Also useful to say yourself to keep pace.
I am tired	Thakai lagyo	Say to your guide when you need a break. They will understand immediately.
Slowly, slowly	Bistarai bistarai	The trekking mantra. Struggling with altitude? Say this. It covers everything.
It is very cold	Dherai thanda cha	Your teahouse host will immediately bring more blankets.
Difficulty breathing	Swaas pherna gaahroo cha	CRITICAL. Say this clearly to any guide at high altitude. Altitude sickness is serious.
Where is the main trail?	Thulo bato kahaa cha?	When you think you have wandered off route
Is the food ready?	Khana pakaunu bhayo?	At teahouses when you have been waiting a while
I am going alone	Eklai jaanchhu	When you want to explore a side path independently
I am sick	Ma biraami chu	To anyone. They will help find medical attention.
Beautiful! / Very nice!	Dherai raamro!	For everything around you. Guides love to hear visitors appreciate the scenery.

Section 8: Family Terms Used for Strangers

💡 One of the Most Important Cultural Facts About Nepal

In Nepal, family relationship words are used for strangers as a form of courtesy. Calling a slightly older male waiter "Dai" (older brother) instead of just waving at him is the difference between a transactional interaction and a human one. These terms are not strange to use with people you do not know. They are expected.

Nepali	Pronunciation	Literal Meaning	When to Use for Strangers
Dai	Daa-i	Older brother	Any slightly older male (waiter, guide, shopkeeper)
Bhai	Bhaa-i	Younger brother	Any younger male
Didi	Di-di	Older sister	Any slightly older female
Bahini	Ba-hi-ni	Younger sister	Any younger female
Hajuraamaa	Ha-jur-aa-maa	Grandmother	Elderly woman (great sign of respect)
Hajurbuwa	Ha-jur-bu-waa	Grandfather	Elderly man (great sign of respect)

Practical example: "Dai, bill linus na" (Older brother, please bring the bill) works better than just holding up your hand. The family term signals you see the person as a human, not just a service function.

Section 9: Emergency Phrases

🚨 Memorize These Before You Go

Madad garnuhos (Ma-dad gar-nu-hos) : Help me / Please help
Prahari bolanus (Pra-ha-ri bo-la-nus) : Call the police
Aspatal kahaa cha? (As-pa-tal ka-haa cha?) : Where is the hospital?
Ambulance bolanus : Call an ambulance
Ma biraami chu (Ma bi-raa-mi chu) : I am ill / sick
Mero saaman chorayo (Me-ro saa-man cho-ra-yo) : My belongings have been stolen
Mero passport harayo (Me-ro pass-port ha-ra-yo) : I have lost my passport
Daktarlai bolanus (Dak-tar-lai bo-la-nus) : Please call a doctor

Section 10: Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet

⚡ The 20 Most Essential Nepali Phrases : Print and Carry

English	Nepali	Pronunciation
Hello / Goodbye	नमस्ते	Namaste (Na-ma-stay)
Thank you	धन्यवाद	Dhanyabaad (Dhan-ya-baad)
Excuse me / Sorry	माफ गर्नुहोस्	Maaf garnuhos
Yes / Okay	हुन्छ	Huncha
No	छैन	Chaina
How much?	कति हो?	Kati ho?
Too expensive	अति महँगो	Ati mahango
Where is...?	... कहाँ छ?	... kahaa cha?
Water	पानी	Pani
Food	खाना	Khana
I don't understand	मैले बुझिन	Maile bujhina
Slowly	बिस्तारै	Bistaarai
Delicious	मिठो	Mitho
Beautiful / Good	राम्रो	Raamro
I am tired	थकाई लाग्यो	Thakai lagyo
Help!	मद्दत गर्नुहोस्	Madad garnuhos
I am sick	म बिरामी छु	Ma biraami chu
I don't eat meat	म मासु खाँदिन	Ma maasu khadaina
Nepal is beautiful	नेपाल धेरै राम्रो छ	Nepal dherai raamro cha
See you again	फेरि भेटौँला	Pheri bhetaula

How Learning Even 5 Minutes a Day Before Your Trip Changes Everything

📈 Nepali Phrases Retained After Different Learning Methods

Based on spaced repetition research. Even 10 minutes daily for 2 weeks produces dramatically better results than cramming the day before travel.

Reading a phrase list is one thing. Having the phrases available in your head when you need them is another. Three approaches that actually work for travelers:

The flashcard method: Write each phrase on an index card or use Anki (free spaced-repetition app). Start with the top 20 most important phrases and practice for ten minutes each day for two weeks before departure. Spaced repetition is the most efficient memorization method known.

The contextual method: Learn phrases in their context rather than as isolated vocabulary. Picture yourself in Kathmandu's Asan market, pointing at a piece of fruit, saying "Kati ho?" Running scenarios mentally builds the contextual memory that makes phrases available in the moment.

The minimal viable set: If you genuinely cannot spend much time, prioritize these twelve phrases above everything else: Namaste, Dhanyabaad, Maaf garnuhos, Huncha, Kati ho, Pani, Khana, Bistarai, Madad garnuhos, Raamro, Mitho, Pheri bhetaula. These twelve cover most daily interactions.

Use it from day one. The worst thing you can do is save your Nepali for when you feel ready. You will never feel ready. Use Namaste from your first minute in the country, every time you greet anyone, without exception. The awkwardness of the first few times is the price of entry, and it is extremely cheap.

🙏 A Final Note on Making Mistakes

You will say things wrong. You will use the wrong tone or pronunciation or context. What happens in Nepal when you make a mistake with Nepali is almost universally: the person laughs kindly, corrects you if they can, and likes you more than they did before your mistake. The attempt itself communicates something that matters more than the specific word: you noticed that this place has its own language, and you tried to meet it on its own terms. That effort is worth more than fluency. Nepal is a country where hospitality runs deep, and the effort of a foreigner to bridge a cultural gap is met with generosity. Your Nepali will be imperfect and enthusiastic, and that combination is exactly right. Namaste.

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