Nepal is a land of majestic mountains, rich culture, and warm, friendly people. From trekking through the world-famous Annapurna and Everest regions to exploring ancient temples in Kathmandu or experiencing wildlife in Chitwan National Park, Nepal offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich traditions that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Whether you’re trekking through the breathtaking trails of the Annapurna, exploring hidden villages in the Langtang valley, or simply traveling to Nepal to connect with its rich culture, you’ll quickly realize that the people of Nepal are incredibly kind, helpful, and welcoming. They appreciate when tourists make an effort to learn their language, even just a few simple phrases. Speaking a few words of Nepali to a local person brings a huge smile to their face and helps create a deep and genuine connection.

Furthermore, in many rural and remote areas of Nepal, English is not widely understood or spoken. So, having a small set of Nepali phrases and words at your disposal can be extremely helpful. It makes it much easier to navigate daily life — whether you need to ask for directions, find a place to stay, order food, or simply show kindness and respect to the people you meet.

This guide is designed to help you learn a few simple Nepali phrases and words to make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and more culturally rich. So let’s get started and learn how you can connect with locals and make the most of your Nepal experience!

Why Should Foreigners Learn Nepali Phrases?

Learning a few Nepali phrases isn’t about becoming fluent — it’s about showing respect for the local culture, making communication smoother, and creating a more authentic travel experience. Nepalis appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language, and this small gesture often results in friendlier exchanges, helpful locals, and lasting friendships.

🌟 Basic Nepali Greetings

Here are a few greetings you should know:

✅ Namaste (नमस्ते) — Hello (used at any time of day)

✅ Namaskar (नमस्कार) — A more formal or respectful form of “hello”

✅ Subha prabhat (शुभ प्रभात) — Good morning

✅ Subha sandhya (शुभ सन्ध्या) — Good evening

✅ Subha rātri (शुभ रात्री) — Good night

📝 Polite Expressions and Question Phrases

✅ Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद) — Thank you

✅ Kripā garī (कृपया गरि) — Please

✅ Ho (हो) — Yes

✅ Hoina (होइन) — No

✅ Maaf Pau (माफ पाऊ) — I’m sorry

✅ Tapāiko nāma ke ho? (तपाईको नाम के हो?) — What’s your name?

✅ Mero nāma … ho (मेरो नाम … हो) — My name is …

🏔 Phrases Helpful for Daily Interaction

✅ Bāthrum kahā chā? (चर्पी कहाँ छ?) — Where is the restroom?

✅ Yo kati ho? (यो कति हो?) — How much is this?

✅ Mā bujhina (म बुझिन) — I don’t understand

✅ Bistāri bhannuhos (बिस्तारी भन्नुहोस्) — Please speak slowly

🍽 Ordering Food or Drinks

✅ Ek chiya dinuhos (एक चिया दिनुहोस्) — Please give me a tea

✅ Pāni dinuhos (पानी दिनुहोस्) — Water, please

✅ Swādilo cha (स्वादिलो छ) — It’s delicious

✅ Masālā chā? (मसाला छ?) — Is it spicy?

🏥 Emergencies (Just in Case)

✅ Malai sahayog garnus (मलाई सहारा चाहिएको छ) — I need help

✅ Dāktar chā? (डाक्टर छ?) — Is there a doctor?

✅ Prāhari bolāunuhos (प्रहरी बोलाउनोस्) — Call the police

🧭 Directions and Location Phrases

✅ Yāta janā parchā (यहाँ जान पर्छ) — I need to go here

✅ Dāyā (दायाँ) — Right

✅ Bāyā (बायाँ) — Left

✅ Sidhā (सिधा) — Straight

✅ Pāchā (पछि) — Back

✅ Agādi (अगाडि) — Front

✅ Nāzdika (नजिक) — Near

✅ Dūra (टाढा) — Far

✅ Bāto dekhāunuhos (बाटो देखाउनोस्) — Please show me the way

✅ Yāhā bāta … kathā janā? (यहाँ बाट … कहाँ जान?) — How to get … from here?

🏪 Other Helpful Phrases While Travelling

✅ Bāsa kahā chā? (बस कहाँ छ?) — Where is the bus?

✅ Tāksī kahā chā? (ट्याक्सी कहाँ छ?) — Where is the taxi?

✅ Bimānsthal kahā chā? (विमानस्थल कहाँ छ?) — Where is the airport?

✅ Hāspaātaal kahā chā? (अस्पताल कहाँ छ?) — Where is the hospital?

✅ Hātel kahā chā? (होटेल कहाँ छ?) — Where is the hotel?

✅ Bāzār kahā chā? (बजार कहाँ छ?) — Where is the market?

🏕 Additional Handy Words

✅ Gaun (गाउँ) — Village

✅ Sāhar (सहर) — City

✅ Nadī (नदी) — River

✅ Pāhāda (पहाड) — Hill

✅ Himal (हिमाल) — Mountain

✅ Jangal (जंगल) — Forest

✅ Bāto (बाटो) — Road or path

🔹Tip: How To Pronounce Nepali Words

Nepali is a phonetic language — it’s pronounced exactly as it’s written.

The “ā” denotes a long “a” (/aa/) — for example, in “Namāste” (नमस्ते).

The “ch” is pronounced “ch” (like in “church”) — for example, “chā” (चिया).

Final Thoughts

Learning a handful of simple Nepali phrases and words can make your trip more enjoyable, allow you to connect with locals, and navigate daily situations more smoothly. Your efforts will be warmly received and appreciated by the Nepali people.