Travel Tips
Nepali Language Basics for Travellers
Learning a few words of Nepali goes a long way with locals. This guide covers the essential phrases every traveller should know before visiting Nepal.
Overview
Nepali is the official language of Nepal and is spoken across the country. While English is widely understood in tourist areas, knowing a few Nepali phrases earns you enormous goodwill from locals and makes your experience far more authentic.
Nepali uses the Devanagari script, the same as Hindi. Fortunately, learning to speak a few phrases phonetically is easy and locals deeply appreciate any effort.
Key Tips
Start with the basics: Namaste (hello/goodbye), Dhanyabad (thank you), Maaf garnus (excuse me/sorry), Kati parchha? (How much does it cost?), and Ramro (good/nice). These five phrases alone will take you far.
Numbers 1 to 10 are worth learning for bargaining: ek, dui, tin, char, panch, chha, saat, aath, nau, das. Counting in Nepali when bargaining at markets often gets you a better price and a smile.
Planning this trip? 🎒
Don't stress about transport or guides. Sajilo offers verified cabs, luxury tourist buses, and expert guides across Nepal.
Language apps like Duolingo offer a Nepali course. Download it before your trip. For getting around, Sajilo drivers are generally comfortable with English, making city navigation easy even without Nepali.
FAQ
Is Nepali similar to Hindi?
Yes, Nepali and Hindi share the Devanagari script and have significant vocabulary overlap. Hindi speakers can often understand Nepali and be understood in return.
How do locals greet each other in Nepal?
Namaste — with palms pressed together — is the universal greeting. It is used for hello, goodbye, and thank you. Adding "ji" after someone s name shows respect (e.g., Ram-ji).
Are there regional languages in Nepal?
Yes, Nepal has over 120 languages. Newari is widely spoken in the Kathmandu valley, Maithili in the Terai, and Sherpa in the Everest region. Nepali serves as the common lingua franca across all regions.
