Trekking Terms & Useful Nepalese Phrases for Travelers

Whether you’re in Nepal to trek the Himalayas or to visit Kathmandu, here are some handy phrases you should know from Kathmandu local, Bibek Neupane.

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Photo © Mahadev Rojas Toras

Most locals in the trekking regions of Nepal don’t understand English. Luckily, there are only few important Nepalese phrases you need to learn.

Nepali Greetings

Hi! : Namaste

Thank you: Dhanyabaad

Sorry: Maaf pau

How are you? : Tapai lai kasto chha?

All’s well with me: Malai sab thick chha.

Have you eaten your meal yet? Khana khanu bhayo?

Have you eaten your snacks/Breakfast yet? Khaja khanu bhayo?

What’s your name? Tapai ko naam ke ho?

My name is _____ : Mero naam _____ ho

How to Address Others in Nepal

Babu: To address a young boy.

Nanu/Nani: To address a young girl.

Dai: (Big brother) To address a male person of your age or someone elder than you.

Bhai: (Small brother) To address a male person who is significantly younger than you.

Didi: (Elder sister) To address elder or same aged female.

Baini: (Younger sister) To address a younger female.

Bajey: Male Senior citizen (Dai if you are above 60)

Bajai: Female senior citizen (Didi if you are above 60) 

Useful Trekking Terms

Porter: Bhariya

Road/trail/path: Baato

Uphill way: Ukaalo baato

Downhill: Oraalo

Neither uphill nor downhill: Terso baato

Cliff: Bheer

Animal: Janawar

Everything’s OK: Thik cha

Let’s go: Zoom zoom or jum jum

Quickly, quickly: Chito Chito

Up, up: Matte Matte

I am hungry: Malai Bhok lagyo

I am thirsty: Malai Pyaas Lagyo

I feel sick: Malai Sancho bhayena

My leg is in pain: Khutta Dukhyo

I am tired: Malai Thakai Lagyo

Yes/ok: Hoon chha

No/Not ok: Hoon na

How long will it take to reach there/<Place Name>: Tyaha <Place Name> pugna kati berr laag chha?

Where can I find ____? : ______ kata paain chha?

Which way to _______?: _______ janey baato kun ho?

I think I am lost! Ma haraye chhu

I need a place to stay: Malai baas basnu paryo

Where can I get some food? Yaha Khana Kata Paain chha?

Which is the shorter/Longer way? Kun Baato Chhoto/Laamo Cha?

From where can I get a public transportation to ____? : ____ janey gaadi kata bata paain chha?

General Terms

Dal-Bhat: Staple food of Nepal with rice, vegetables and lentils.

Paani: Water

Kati paisa? How much money?

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