At Nepali Language School, we begin every beginner course with exactly these phrases — the sentences our students use on their very first day. This guide gives you the most practical Nepali phrases for absolute beginners, complete with Devanagari script, romanized pronunciation, and natural English translations.
Greetings and First Impressions
| Devanagari Script | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते। | Namaste | Hello. / Goodbye. (Works for both) |
| नमस्कार। | Namaskar | Hello. (More formal) |
| तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ? | Tapaaeelaai kasto cha? | How are you? (formal) |
| मलाई राम्रो छ। | Malaai ramro cha | I am fine. |
| तपाईंको नाम के हो? | Tapaaiko naam ke ho? | What is your name? |
| मेरो नाम ___ हो। | Mero naam ___ ho | My name is ___. |
| तपाईं कहाँबाट हुनुहुन्छ? | Tapaaee kahaabaata hunuhuncha? | Where are you from? |
| म ___ बाट हुँ। | Ma ___ baata hun | I am from ___. |
Namaste works at any time of day — morning, afternoon or night — and for both hello and goodbye. It is the single most powerful phrase in Nepal. Press your palms together at chest height when you say it for the full cultural effect.
Shopping and Money
| Devanagari Script | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यो कति पर्छ? | Yo kati parcha? | How much does this cost? |
| महँगो छ। | Mahango cha | It is expensive. |
| सस्तो पारिदिनुस्। | Sasto paaridinus | Please make it cheaper. |
| मलाई यो चाहिन्छ। | Malaai yo chahincha | I need / want this. |
| मैले तिर्नुपर्छ। | Maile tirnu parcha | I need to pay. |
| रसिद दिनुहोस्। | Rasid dinus | Please give me the receipt. |
Bargaining is expected in most Nepali markets. Start with "Mahango cha" (It is expensive) and "Sasto paaridinus" (Please make it cheaper). A smile and a patient, polite tone go further than firmness.
Food and Restaurants
| Devanagari Script | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| खाना मेनु दिनुहोस्। | Khaana menu dinus | Please give me the menu. |
| एउटा ___ दिनुहोस्। | Euta ___ dinus | Please give me one ___. |
| मलाई चिया चाहिन्छ। | Malaai chiya chahincha | I want tea. |
| मलाई भात खानु छ। | Malaai bhaat khaanu cha | I want to eat rice. |
| यो मिठो छ। | Yo mitho cha | This is delicious. |
| धेरै राम्रो खाना! | Dherai ramro khaana! | Very good food! |
The pattern "Euta ___ dinus" (Please give me one ___) works with any food item. Try: Euta momo dinus (One momo please), Euta chiya dinus (One tea please). Simple and immediately effective.
Asking for Help
| Devanagari Script | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| मलाई मद्दत गर्नुस्। | Malaai maddat garnus | Please help me. |
| मलाई बुझिएन। | Malaai bujhiena | I did not understand. |
| फेरि भन्नुस्। | Pheri bhannus | Please say it again. |
| बिस्तारै बोल्नुस्। | Bistaarai bolnus | Please speak slowly. |
| के तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ? | Ke tapaaee angrezi bolnuhuncha? | Do you speak English? |
| डाक्टर कहाँ छ? | Daaktar kahaa cha? | Where is the doctor? |
Polite Phrases Everyone Should Know
| Devanagari Script | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| माफ गर्नुस्। | Maaf garnus | Sorry. / Excuse me. |
| धन्यवाद। | Dhanyabad | Thank you. |
| स्वागत छ। | Swaaagat cha | You are welcome. |
| हस्, ठीक छ। | Has, theek cha | Yes, that's fine. |
| हैन, धन्यवाद। | Hoina, dhanyabad | No, thank you. |
| शुभकामना! | Shubhakaamana! | Best wishes / Congratulations! |
Ready to Go Beyond These First Phrases?
Our structured online Nepali classes take you from these first phrases to confident, flowing conversation — with live native teachers, flexible schedules, and a proven curriculum.
Putting It All Together
Even knowing 20–30 of these phrases fluently will transform your experience in Nepal. Locals are extraordinarily appreciative when foreigners make an effort to speak Nepali — it shows respect, curiosity, and a genuine desire to connect. Every halting attempt will be met with warmth and encouragement.
Start with the greetings. Add the navigation phrases. Pick up the shopping and food vocabulary before your trip. Within a week of focused practice, you will have enough to handle most everyday situations in Nepal with confidence.
At Nepali Language School, our online Nepali classes take you from these first phrases to confident, flowing conversation — with structured lessons, live practice, and native teachers who have taught hundreds of learners just like you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most useful Nepali phrase for travelers?
'___ kahan cha?' (Where is ___?) is endlessly useful for navigation. Combined with a few key nouns, you can find anything in Nepal.
How do you say 'please' in Nepali?
'Please' is expressed by adding '-nuhos' to the verb, e.g., 'Bolnuhos' (Please speak) rather than a standalone word. 'Kripayaa' (कृपया) also works in formal written contexts.
Is Nepali pronunciation difficult?
The main challenge for English speakers is the distinction between aspirated and unaspirated consonants (e.g., 'ka' vs. 'kha'). With a bit of practice, it becomes natural.
Can I get by in Nepal with only English?
In Kathmandu and popular trekking areas, many people speak English. However, even basic Nepali phrases will significantly enrich your experience and are deeply appreciated.