Basic Phrases
Useful day-to-day Nepali phrases for greetings, polite speech, and classroom use.
What Are Essential Nepali Phrases?
Basic Nepali phrasesare the everyday expressions that form the foundation of conversation. Whether you're greeting someone with नमस्ते (Namaste), saying thank you with धन्यवाद (Dhanyabad), or asking “How are you?” with कस्तो छ? (Kasto chha?) - these phrases are used hundreds of times daily by Nepali speakers.
Learning these 24 phrases gives kids and beginners the confidence to start real conversations in Nepali. Each phrase includes the Nepali text, romanized pronunciation, and English meaning for easy reference.
Greetings
Polite Phrases
Classroom Language
Daily Needs
Nepali Phrases Quick Reference
A compact table of all essential Nepali phrases with their pronunciation and English meaning.
| Nepali | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते | Namaste | Hello |
| शुभ प्रभात | Shubh Prabhat | Good morning |
| शुभ सन्ध्या | Shubh Sandhya | Good evening |
| फेरि भेटौंला | Pheri Bhetaula | See you again |
| धन्यवाद | Dhanyabad | Thank you |
| कृपया | Kripaya | Please |
| माफ गर्नुहोस् | Maaf Garnuhos | Sorry / Excuse me |
| मलाई थाहा छैन | Malai Thaha Chhaina | I don't know |
| मलाई मद्दत गर्नुहोस् | Malai Maddat Garnuhos | Please help me |
| ढोका खोल | Dhoka Khol | Open the door |
| किताब खोल | Kitab Khol | Open the book |
| बोर्ड हेर्नुहोस् | Board Hernuhos | Look at the board |
| उत्तर लेख | Uttar Lekh | Write the answer |
| ध्यान देऊ | Dhyan Deu | Pay attention |
| मलाई पानी चाहियो | Malai Pani Chahiyo | I need water |
| मलाई भोक लागेको छ | Malai Bhok Lageko Chha | I am hungry |
| मलाई निद्रा लागेको छ | Malai Nidra Lageko Chha | I am sleepy |
| म शौचालय जान्छु | Ma Shauchalaya Janchhu | I want to go to the toilet |
| अब खेलौं | Aba Khelaun | Let's play now |
| म घर जान्छु | Ma Ghar Janchhu | I am going home |
| तिमीलाई कस्तो छ? | Timilai Kasto Chha? | How are you? |
| म राम्रो छु | Ma Ramro Chhu | I am fine |
| तपाईंको नाम के हो? | Tapainko Naam Ke Ho? | What is your name? |
| मेरो नाम ... हो | Mero Naam ... Ho | My name is ... |
Printable phrase sheet
Need a one-page version for home or class? Open the free printable cheat sheet.
Open Nepali Phrases Cheat SheetHow to Use Nepali Phrases Daily
- Start with greetings. 'Namaste' is the single most useful Nepali word - use it every time you meet someone and it becomes automatic.
- Practice polite words at mealtimes. Teach 'Dhanyabad' (Thank you) and 'Kripaya' (Please) during meals - repetition in context builds habits.
- Create phrase flashcards. Write the Nepali phrase on one side and English on the other. Review 5 cards daily and add new ones weekly.
- Use phrases in conversations with family. Even mixing an occasional Nepali phrase into English conversation normalizes the language for kids. Learn Full Sentences →
- Build vocabulary alongside phrases. Knowing individual words makes phrases easier to understand and adapt. Build Vocabulary →
Frequently Asked Questions about Nepali Phrases
Quick answers to common questions about everyday Nepali expressions.
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Practice Nepali Phrases on Your Phone
Hamro Barnamala is a free app with audio pronunciation, tracing games, quizzes, and stories - perfect for kids and beginners.