Why Learn Nepali Basics?

Traveling to Nepal is an adventure of a lifetime, whether you’re exploring the ancient temples of Kathmandu or trekking to the foot of Everest. While English is common in tourist hubs, learning a few Nepali language basics can transform your trip from a great one into an unforgettable one. It’s the key to unlocking deeper connections, showing respect for the local culture, and sharing smiles with the wonderful people you’ll meet along the way.

This simple guide is designed for beginners, providing you with the most useful Nepali phrases for travelers. You don’t need to be fluent; even a single “Dhanyabaad” (thank you) can open doors and hearts.

Greetings & Essentials

These are the absolute must-know words. They are easy to learn and will be used every single day of your trip. Hearing you make an effort with these basics will be warmly received.

• Namaste (nah-mah-stay) [AUDIO BUTTON]
  The universal greeting for hello, goodbye, and a sign of respect. Said with palms pressed together in front of your chest.
• Dhanyabaad (dhan-ya-baad) [AUDIO BUTTON]
  The most important word: Thank you.
• Tapaiilai kasto chha? (tuh-pai-lai kuh-sto-chuh?)
  How are you? (formal)
• Thik chha (teek-chuh)
  I’m fine / It’s okay.
• Hajur (huh-joor)
  A versatile and polite word meaning yes, pardon, or excuse me. It’s a sign of respect.

Numbers & Counting (1-10)

Knowing the Nepali numbers 1-10 is incredibly useful for everything from buying a water bottle to understanding prices at a market stall. Practice them a few times, and they’ll stick!

1. Ek (ehk) [AUDIO BUTTON]
2. Dui (doo-ee)
3. Teen (teen)
4. Char (char)
5. Panch (paanch)
6. Chha (chuh)
7. Saat (saat)
8. Aath (aath)
9. Nau (now)
10. Das (dus)

Food & Lodges

Along the trekking trails, you’ll spend your evenings in cozy teahouses. Knowing these simple phrases will make ordering food and drinks much easier.

• Dal Bhat (dahl-baat)
  The national dish of rice, lentils, and vegetables. A trekker’s best friend!
• Khana (kaa-nah)
  Food.
• Pani (paa-nee)
  Water. As in, “Ek cup pani, kripaya” (One cup of water, please).
• Chiya (chee-yah)
  Tea. Usually served milky and sweet.
• Menu dinuhos (meh-noo dee-noo-hos)
  Please give me the menu.
• Mitho chha! (mee-toh-chuh!)
  It’s delicious! Saying this will always get you a big smile from the cook.

Trekking & Directions

These Nepali words for trekking will come in handy on the trail, especially when interacting with your guide, porter, or locals you meet along the way during your Everest Base Camp trek.

• Bistarai, bistarai (biss-taa-ray)
  Slowly, slowly. You will hear this a lot. It’s the golden rule of high-altitude trekking to prevent sickness.
• Himal (hee-mahl)
  Snow-capped mountain.
• Bato kata ho? (baa-toh kuh-tah-ho?)
  Where is the path?
• Ukaalo / Oraalo (oo-kaa-lo / o-raa-lo)
  Uphill / Downhill.
• Ramro (raam-ro)
  Good / Beautiful. Use it for the views! “Ramro himal!”
• Kati bajyo? (kuh-tee buh-jyo?)
  What time is it?

Politeness & Respect

Showing respect is a cornerstone of Nepali culture. Using polite terms, especially with elders, monks, and your guides, demonstrates your appreciation for their traditions.

• Kripaya (krip-eye-ah)
  Please. (e.g., “Pani dinuhos, kripaya.”)
• Maaph garnuhos (maaf gur-noo-hos)
  Sorry / Excuse me.
• Subha ratri (soo-buh raa-tree)
  Good night.
• Pheri bhetaula (feh-ree beh-town-la)
  See you again / Let’s meet again. A wonderful way to say goodbye.

Key Takeaways

• Learning a few Nepali phrases for beginners is easy and one of the best ways to enhance your travel experience in Nepal.
• Start with the essentials: Namaste (hello) and Dhanyabaad (thank you) are the most important words you can learn.
• On the trekking trails, “Bistarai, bistarai” (slowly, slowly) is not just a phrase but essential advice for safe acclimatization.
• Making an effort to speak the local language, no matter how small, is a sign of respect that will be met with warmth and appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is English spoken in Nepal?

Yes, English is widely spoken in major tourist areas like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and along the main trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp trail. Most people in the tourism industry (guides, lodge owners, shopkeepers) have a functional command of English. However, in more remote villages, English is less common.

How hard is Nepali to learn?

For native English speakers, Nepali is considered moderately difficult to learn due to its different script (Devanagari) and grammar structure. However, learning basic conversational phrases using the romanized script is relatively easy and highly appreciated by locals. You can pick up the essentials for travel in just a few hours.

What are the most useful Nepali words for a traveler?

The most useful Nepali words are ‘Namaste’ (hello/goodbye), ‘Dhanyabaad’ (thank you), ‘Pani’ (water), and ‘Mitho chha’ (it’s delicious). Knowing numbers from 1 to 10 is also extremely helpful for shopping and ordering.