Slangs of Nepal

Basic Greetings and Phrases

• Hello – Namaste

• How are you? – Sanchai hunu huncha?

• I’m fine, thank you – Sanchai chu, dhanyabad

• What is your name? – Tapaiko naam ke ho?

• My name is... – Mero naam ... ho

• Where are you going? – Tapai kahan jaane?

• I’m from America – Ma America bata aayeko

• What is this? – Yo ke ho?

• I know – Malai thaahaa chha

• I don’t know – Malai thaahaa chhaina

• Thank you – Dhanyabaad

• Yes – Hajur

• No – Chaina

• Excuse me – Maph paun

• I’m sorry – Ma dukhi chu

• Goodbye – Namaste

• I only speak a little Nepali – Ma ali-ali Nepali bolchu

• Do you speak English? – Tapai Angrezi bolnuhuncha?

• Good morning – Subha prabhat

• Good evening – Subha sandhya

• Good night – Subha ratri

• I don’t understand – Maile bujhina

• Where is the toilet? – Toilet kaha cha?

• Leave me alone – Malaai eklai chodnus

• I need your help – Malaai tapaiko sahayog chaiyo

• It’s an emergency – Malai aapat paryo

• I’m lost – Maile bato haranyen

• Help! – Bachhau

• I lost my bag – Mero jhola harayo

• I lost my wallet – Mero wallet harayo

• Can I use your phone? – Phone prayog garna sakchu?

• Is it far from here? – Yehan bata kati taadha chha?

• Please give me a cup of tea – Ek kap chiya pauna

• What time is it? – Kati bajyo?

Common Food & Drink Terms

• Rice – Bhaat

• Lentil – Daal

• Spinach (vegetable) – Saag

• Cooked vegetable – Tarkari

• Bread – Roti

• Tea – Chiya

• Tasty – Mitho

• Spicy – Piro

• Meat – Masu

• Chicken meat – Kukhurako masu

• Potato – Aalu

• Cabbage – Banda

• Cauliflower – Kauli

• Corn – Makai

• Beer (local) – Chhang

• Egg – Phool

• Weather is cold today – Aaja chiso cha

• It is hot today – Aaja garmi cha

• It is raining – Pani pardaicha

• Hot/Warm – Tato/Garmi

• Cold – Chiso

Health-Related Phrases

• I’m sick – Malaai sancho chaina

• I’ve been injured – Malaai chot lagyo

• I have altitude sickness – Mali lek laagyo

• I need a doctor – Malaai doctor chaiyo

Everyday Words

• House – Ghar

• Latrine – Charpi

• Shop – Pasal

• Steep (uphill) – Ukali

• Downhill – Oraalo

• Straight – Sidha

• Left – Baayaan

• Right – Daahine

How to Use These Slangs

• "Namaste" is the universal greeting in Nepal and is often used to welcome people with warmth and respect.

• "Sanchai hunu huncha?" is a simple way of asking how someone is, and "Sanchai chu" is the response meaning "I’m fine."

• "Tapai kahan jaane?" is a friendly way of asking someone where they are headed, and "Mero naam ... ho" is a good introduction to say your name.

• For directions, "Sidha" (straight), "Baayaan" (left), and "Daahine" (right) are very useful.

• "Mitho" (tasty) and "Piro" (spicy) will come in handy when discussing food preferences!