A Nepalese person demonstrating how to greet in Nepal with a traditional Namaste gesture in a Himalayan village setting.
Navigating the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas is not just about the trails; it is about the heart-to-heart connections you make with the locals. If you are wondering how to greet in Nepal, you have come to the right place. This guide to basic phrases of Nepal is designed to transform your travel experience from that of a silent observer to an active, respectful participant in the vibrant Nepalese culture.
The Essence of the Nepali Greeting: More Than Just a Word
Travelers learning how to greet in Nepal with the traditional Namaste gesture from friendly locals
Before we dive into the vocabulary, it is essential to understand the philosophy behind how to greet in Nepal. In many Western cultures, a greeting is a functional “hello.” In Nepal, it is a spiritual acknowledgment. The cornerstone of any guide to basic phrases of Nepal is the word Namaste.
Namaste: The Divine in Me Salutes the Divine in You
When you learn how to greet in Nepal, Namaste (pronounced: Na-ma-stay) is your most powerful tool. It literally translates to “I bow to the divine in you.” By using this phrase, you are showing that you recognize the humanity and spirit in the person before you.
The Gesture (Mudra):
To properly execute this part of the guide to basic phrases of Nepal, join your palms together at heart level, bow your head slightly, and say the word with a gentle smile. For extra respect—especially toward elders or monks,you can say Namaskar, which is the more formal version of the greeting.
A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Phrases of Nepal for Travelers
Whether you are in the bustling streets of Kathmandu or the high-altitude villages of the Annapurna circuit, knowing how to greet in Nepal will open doors—literally and figuratively. Below is a categorized breakdown of essential phrases.
1. Essential Daily Greetings
Knowing how to greet in Nepal starts with these fundamental pleasantries:
| English | Nepali (Romanized) | Pronunciation |
| Hello / Goodbye | Namaste / Namaskar | Na-ma-stay / Na-ma-skaar |
| Good Morning | Subha Prabhat | Su-bha Pra-bhaat |
| Good Evening | Subha Sandhya | Su-bha San-dhya |
| Good Night | Subha Ratri | Su-bha Raat-ree |
| How are you? | Tapailai kasto cha? | Ta-pai-lai Kas-to cha? |
| I am fine | Malai thik cha | Ma-lai-thik-cha |
| What is your name? | Tapaiko naam ke ho? | Ta-pai-ko Naam Kay Ho? |
| My name is… | Mero naam … ho | Me-ro Naam … Ho |
2. Politeness and Etiquette
A true guide to basic phrases of Nepal must emphasize politeness. The Nepali people are incredibly humble, and using these words shows you value their hospitality.
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Thank You: Dhanyabaad (Dhan-ya-baad). Combine this with the Namaste gesture for maximum effect.
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Please: Kripaya (Kree-pa-ya).
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Excuse Me / Sorry: Maaf garnuhos (Maaf Gar-nu-hos).
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Yes: Ho or Hajur. (Hajur is a very versatile word used to say “Yes,” “Excuse me,” or “Pardon?”).
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No: Hoina (Hoy-na).Trekking Edition: Guide to Basic Phrases of Nepal for the Trails
If your journey takes you to the Everest or Manaslu regions, your need for knowing how to greet shifts toward navigation and physical well-being. Using these phrases with your guide or porter builds a bond of mutual respect.
Navigating the Mountains
A trekker and guide showing how to greet in Nepal on the mountain trails with respectful gestures and greetings
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Let’s go: Jam Jam (Jaam Jaam). You will hear this frequently from guides when it’s time to hit the trail.
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Slowly, slowly: Bistarai, bistarai (Bis-taa-rai). This is vital for acclimatization. If your guide is going too fast, say this!
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Up / Down: Mathi / Tala (Maa-thi / Ta-la).
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Right / Left: Daya / Baya (Daa-ya / Baa-ya).
Communicating Needs
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I am tired: Thakai lagyo (Tha-kaai-la-gyo).
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I am hungry: Bhok lagyo (Bhok-la-gyo).
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I am thirsty: Tirkha lagyo (Teer-kha-la-gyo).
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Is it far? Tadha cha? (Taa-dha-cha?).
For a deeper dive into the specific vocabulary used in the high Himalayas, check out the essential Nepali phrases for trekking on the Explore All About Nepal website.
Cultural Nuances: The “Hajur” and the “Dai/Didi”
To truly master how to greet, you must understand the social hierarchy and kinship terms. Unlike in the West, where you might use “Sir” or “Ma’am,” Nepalis use family titles even for strangers. This is a core part of any authentic guide to basic phrases of Nepal.
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Dai (Older Brother): Use this for men slightly older than you (e.g., your trekking guide).
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Didi (Older Sister): Use this for women older than you (e.g., the owner of a tea house).
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Bhai (Younger Brother): For younger males.
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Baini (Younger Sister): For younger females.
The “Khana Khanu Bhayo?” Greeting
One of the most unique ways to greet someone in Nepal is by asking, “Khana khanu bhayo?” (Have you eaten?). In Nepal, this is often used as a substitute for “How are you?”. It stems from a culture where food security was a primary concern. If you have eaten, you can simply reply, “Khaye” (I’ve eaten).
How to Greet in Nepal: Avoiding Common Faux Pas
A guide to basic phrases of Nepal is incomplete without discussing non-verbal etiquette. Your actions speak as loudly as your words in the Himalayas.
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Remove Shoes: Always take your shoes off before entering a home, temple, or monastery.
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The Left Hand Taboo: Avoid giving or receiving items (including money) with your left hand. Use your right hand, often touching your right elbow with your left hand as a sign of respect.
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Don’t Touch Heads: In Nepal, the head is considered sacred. Avoid ruffling a child’s hair or touching an adult’s head.
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Public Displays of Affection (PDA): Kissing or hugging in public is generally frowned upon, especially in rural areas.
Shopping and Dining: Using the Guide to Basic Phrases of Nepal
An elder demonstrating polite greeting customs on how to greet in Nepal with visitors in a respectful manner
When you are in the markets of Thamel or Pokhara, knowing how to greet in Nepal transitions into the art of bargaining and appreciation.
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How much is this? Yesko kati ho? (Yes-ko Ka-tee-ho?).
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Make it a bit cheaper: Ali sasto garnus (A-lee sas-to gar-nus).
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The food is delicious: Khana mitho cha (Khaa-na mee-tho-cha).
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I am full: Malai pugyo (Ma-lai-pu-gyo).
For more practical travel tips, the Nepal Tourism Board’s Cultural Etiquette provides an excellent official overview of dos and don’ts.
Advanced Greetings: Seasonal and Spiritual
In your quest to learn how to greet in Nepal, you might encounter specific phrases during festivals.
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Happy New Year: Naya Barsha ko subhakamana!
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Happy Dashain: Dashain ko subhakamana! (Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal, usually in October.)
If you visit a Tibetan-influenced region like Mustang or the Everest Base Camp area, you might use Tashi Delek, which is a Tibetan greeting meaning “Good Fortune.” Incorporating these into your guide to basic phrases of Nepal shows a high level of cultural awareness.
Detailed FAQ: How to Greet in Nepal & Language Basics
Q1: What is the most important phrase in the guide to basic phrases of Nepal?
The most essential phrase is Namaste. It serves as a hello, a goodbye, and a general sign of respect. Learning how to greet in Nepal correctly starts with this one word.
Q2: Is it rude if I don’t know how to greet in Nepal perfectly?
Not at all! Nepalese people are incredibly patient and appreciative of any effort you make to speak their language. Even a simple “Namaste” from our guide to basic phrases of Nepal goes a long way.
Q3: How do I say “See you again” in Nepali?
You can say Pheri bhetaula (Phe-ree ve-tau-laa). It is a warmer way to say goodbye than a simple Namaste when practicing how to greet in Nepal.
Q4: Can I use “Namaste” at any time of day according to the guide to basic phrases of Nepal?
Yes. Unlike English, which has specific greetings for morning and night, Namaste is universal and can be used 24/7. This makes the question of how to greet in Nepal much simpler for travelers.
Q5: What should I say when I am finished eating in a Nepali home?
The most polite phrase is Dhanyabaad, malai pugyo (Thank you, I am full). This is a key entry in any guide to basic phrases of Nepal to prevent your host from over-serving you!
Q6: Why do people ask “Khana khanu bhayo?” instead of “How are you?”
This is a deeply rooted cultural greeting. To learn more about the significance of this, read our detailed article on Greetings in Nepali Culture. It is a beautiful aspect of how to greet in Nepal.
Q7: How do I say “I don’t understand” using the guide to basic phrases of Nepal?
Say ‘Maile bujhina’ (Mai-lay bu-jee-na). If you want them to speak slower, say Bistarai bolnuhos, which is another useful tip on how to greet in Nepal.
Q8: Are there different phrases for “Yes” in Nepal?
Yes. Ho is a standard “Yes.” Huncha means “Okay/Agreed.” Hajur is the most polite and multi-purpose version found in our guide to basic phrases of Nepal.
Q9: What is the formal way of greeting in Nepal?
The most formal way is to say Namaskar. This is often used when meeting high-ranking officials, elders, or large groups of people.
Q10: Does this guide to basic phrases of Nepal apply to all of Nepal?
While Nepal has over 120 ethnic languages, Nepali is the national language. Namaste and the phrases in this guide to basic phrases of Nepal will be understood by almost everyone across the country.
Mastering how to greet in Nepal is the first step toward an unforgettable Himalayan adventure. By following this guide to basic phrases of Nepal, you are not just learning words; you are learning how to respect a culture that has thrived for millennia. From the first Namaste at the airport to the final Pheri bhetaula as you depart, your efforts to communicate will be met with the legendary warmth of the Nepalese people.
So, as you pack your bags for the Manaslu Circuit or a cultural tour of the Kathmandu Valley, keep this guide to basic phrases of Nepal handy. Your journey is waiting, Jam!