Greetings in Nepali
Every meaningful conversation in Nepal starts with namaste — and ends with a small bow. Master these greetings and locals will warm to you instantly.
The universal greeting: Namaste
Namaste (नमस्ते) is the one word every Nepali expects from foreigners — and rewards with a smile. Said with palms pressed together at chest level, it literally translates to 'I bow to the divine within you.' Use it from sunrise to midnight, with anyone from your hotel receptionist to a yak herder on the Annapurna Circuit.
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नमस्ते
Hello
Namaste
Top 50Photo: Unsplash
तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
How are you?
Tapailai kasto chha?
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मलाई ठीक छ
I'm fine
Malai thik chha
Saying thank you (and when not to)
Foreigners over-say 'thank you' in Nepal. 'Dhanyabaad' (धन्यवाद) is appropriate in shops, restaurants, with porters and guides — but among family and close friends, gratitude is shown through actions, not words. A small head bow and a sincere namaste covers most situations.
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धन्यवाद
Thank you
Dhanyabaad
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कृपया
Please
Kripaya
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Apologizing and excusing yourself
'Maaf garnuhos' (माफ गर्नुहोस्) works for both 'sorry' and 'excuse me.' Use it when you bump into someone on a crowded Kathmandu street, when you arrive late to a meeting, or when you don't understand what someone just said.
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माफ गर्नुहोस्
Sorry
Maaf garnuhos
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Saying goodbye like a local
Most Nepalis don't say 'bidaa' (बिदा) in casual situations — that's reserved for formal farewells. The friendly everyday version is 'pheri bhetaunla' (फेरि भेटौंला) — 'we'll meet again.' It's warm, slightly hopeful, and immediately marks you as a thoughtful traveler.
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बिदा
Goodbye
Bidaa
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फेरि भेटौंला
See you later
Pheri bhetaunla
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to press my palms together when saying namaste?
No — but it's appreciated. Nepalis often just say 'namaste' with a small nod in casual settings. The gesture is more important when meeting elders, monks, or in formal introductions.
What's the difference between namaste and namaskar?
Namaskar (नमस्कार) is slightly more formal. Use it with elders, in business contexts, or when you want to show extra respect. Namaste works in 99% of situations.
Should I say 'dhanyabaad' to porters and guides?
Yes — for specific moments (handing over tea money, finishing a hard climb together). But for everyday small kindnesses on the trail, a smile and namaste is the natural Nepali way.
Is it rude to say goodbye in English?
Not at all. 'Bye' is widely understood across Nepal. But 'pheri bhetaunla' will earn you a much bigger smile.
Next lesson
Numbers 1 to 100 in Nepali
Numbers are the second language of travel — every taxi fare, momo order, and bargain in Asan Bazaar runs on them. Learn the patterns once, use them everywhere.
Continue to Numbers 1 to 100 in Nepali