Nepali is the main
language in Nepal, with dozens of other ethnic dialects.
Newari is predominant in Kathmandu for the reason that the majority of
the population in Kathmandu is of Newar origin. Newars are the original
inhabitants of Kathmandu valley. English
is spoken by many, particularly by the well-heeled and educated, and in the
cities. Even though someone may be
speaking English, the way the language is used can vary greatly from one culture
to another. The following are some
very basic Nepali words and sentences to start with:
Na-mas-te
Hello, Good Morning, Good Evening, Good Bye.
Ta-pai-lai
You or to you (respectful).
Tim-lai
You or to you (friendly).
Ta-pai-lai
kasto cha?
How are you?
Ta-pai-ko
nam ke ho?
What is your name?
Na-mas-te
or Feri ve-tau-la
Good Bye!
Bhok
la-gyau
I am hungry.
Ram-ro
Nice, beautiful, bravo!
Na-
ram-ro
Not nice, ugly.
Chi-ya
Tea.
Coffee
Coffee.
Pa-ni
Water.
Bhat
Rice.
Dal
Lentil soup.
Tar-kari
Any kind of vegetable curry.
Ma-su
Meat.
An-da
Egg.
Cha?
Do you have? (An-da cha? = Do you have eggs?)
Cha
Yes, I have. (Cha or An-da Cha = Yes, I have eggs)
Bathroom kaha cha?
Where is the toilet?
Ma-lai sancho
chaina
I am not feeling well.
Ukalo
Uphill.
Oralo
Downhill.
Thik Cha
Okay, all right, or I am fine.
Thik Chai-na
Not okay, not all right, or I am not fine.