Learn Nepali: Essential Phrases for Beginners and Travelers

Learning Nepali opens doors to one of the world's most welcoming cultures. Whether you are a traveler planning to trek in the Himalayas, a member of the Nepali diaspora wanting to connect with your heritage, or simply curious about this beautiful language, this guide gives you the essential phrases to start speaking Nepali today.

Why Learn Nepali?

• Connect with locals — Even a few words of Nepali transform your experience in Nepal from tourist to guest
• Trekking safety — Basic Nepali helps you communicate in remote areas where English is limited
• Cultural respect — Speaking the local language shows you value the culture
• Diaspora connection — For Nepali kids born abroad, learning the language connects them to their roots
• It is relatively easy — Nepali uses the Devanagari script (like Hindi) and has straightforward grammar

About the Nepali Language

Nepali (नेपाली) is an Indo-Aryan language written in the Devanagari script, the same script used for Hindi and Sanskrit. It is the official language of Nepal and is also spoken in parts of India (Sikkim, Darjeeling), Bhutan, and Myanmar. There are approximately 17 million native speakers worldwide.

The Devanagari script has 12 vowels and 36 consonants. It is written left to right, and each character represents a syllable rather than a single sound. While learning the script takes time, you can start speaking Nepali immediately using romanized transliteration.

Essential Greetings

Namaste is the most important word in Nepali. It means "I bow to the divine in you" and is used for both hello and goodbye. Say it with palms pressed together in front of your chest and a slight bow.

Hajur is a versatile polite word meaning "yes", "pardon?", or "excuse me". It shows respect, especially when speaking to elders.

Numbers 1-10

Food and Drink

Shopping and Bargaining

Emergencies

Useful Conversation Phrases

• What is your name? — Tapaiko naam ke ho?
• My name is... — Mero naam ... ho
• I am from Australia — Ma Australia bata aayeko
• I don't understand — Maile bujhina
• I speak a little Nepali — Ali ali Nepali bolchhu
• Do you speak English? — Tapaile English bolnunuhunchha?
• What is this? — Yo ke ho?
• Where is...? — ... kaha chha?

Pronunciation Tips

• "a" is short like in "about" — Namaste = nah-mah-stay
• "aa" is long like in "father" — bhat = baaht
• "e" sounds like "ay" — ek = ake
• "chh" is aspirated — like "ch" with a puff of air
• "j" sounds like "j" in "jump"
• Stress is generally even — Nepali does not have strong word stress like English

Cultural Tips

• Use "tapai" (formal "you") with strangers and elders. "timi" (informal) is for close friends and children.
• Say Namaste with hands together — palms pressed in front of chest, slight bow. This is the proper greeting.
• Use the right hand for eating, giving, and receiving. The left hand is considered unclean.
• Remove shoes before entering a Nepali home or temple.
• Don't touch anyone's head — the head is considered sacred.
• Don't point your feet at anyone or at religious objects.

Apps and Res for Learning Nepali

• Hamro Patro — Nepali calendar app with daily Nepali word and phrase
• Duolingo — does not yet have Nepali, but check periodically
• Drops — has a Nepali course for vocabulary
• YouTube — search "Learn Nepali" for free lessons
• italki — find Nepali tutors for online lessons

Related Res

• Nepali Festivals Explained
• Nepali Calendar 2083 BS
• Nepal Travel Guide 2026
• Authentic Nepali Recipes

s: MntEverest.net, NepaliTraveller, Wikivoyage Nepali Phrasebook, LearnNP. Last updated August 2026.

Practice your Nepali while exploring Nepali dishes and cuisine or use our Nepali calendar (Patro) to learn festival names and cultural terms.