Navigating a new place can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak the local language. For travelers visiting Nepal, knowing how to ask for directions in Nepali can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some essential, short Nepali phrases that will help you easily ask for directions and find your way around the country. Whether you’re exploring bustling Kathmandu or trekking through the Himalayas, these phrases are a must-know for any traveler looking to communicate effectively and confidently in Nepal.
Asking directions in Nepali
Which direction?
kun disa
kun di-sa
कुन दिशा?
Let’s break it down:
- Kun (कुन) – Means “which” in Nepali, used to ask about a specific choice or option.
- Disha (दिशा) – Means “direction”
It is a simple and direct question asking about the direction, typically used when you are uncertain about which way to go. This phrase can be used informally or formally when asking for guidance on which way to go. It’s short and to the point.
Where have you come from?
Tapai kahabat aaunubhaeko ho?
ta-pai ka-ha-bat aau-nu-bha-eko ho?
तपाईं कहाँबाट आउनुभएको हो?
Let’s break it down:
- Tapai (तपाईं) – A formal or respectful way of saying “you” in Nepali, used to show politeness.
- Kahabat (कहाँबाट) – “Kahabata” means “from where” in Nepali. “Kahaa” means “where” and “bat” means “from.”
- Aunubhaeko (आउनुभएको) – The verb “to come” in the past tense, in the respectful form. “Aunu” means “to come,” and the suffix “bhayeko” indicates that the action has been completed.
This is a formal, polite way of asking where someone is coming from, typically used when speaking to strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
How do I get to Thamel?
Thamel kasari janae.
Thamel ka-sa-ri ja-nae.
ठमेल कसरी जाने?
Let’s break it down:
- Thamel (ठमेल) – The name of a popular area in Kathmandu, Nepal, known for its vibrant tourist scene with shops, restaurants, and hotels.
- Kasari (कसरी) – Means “how” in Nepali, used to ask about the method or way to do something.
- Jane (जाने) – The verb “to go” in Nepali, in its future tense form, meaning “will go” or “to go”.
Could you please tell me where Kathmandu guest house is ?
Informal:
Kathmandu Guest house kaha cha?
Kathmandu Guest house ka-ha cha?
काठमाडौं गेस्ट् हाउस कहाँ छ?
Let’s break it down:
- Kathmandu Guest House (काठमाडौं गेस्ट् हाउस) – name of a guest house in Kathmandu.
- Kaha (कहाँ) – Means “where” in Nepali.
- Cha (छ) – Means “is” or “exists” in Nepali, used to indicate the presence of something.
This is a casual way of asking, often used with friends, family, or people you are familiar with.
Formal:
Kripaya tapai malai Kathmandu Guest house kaha cha bhanna saknuhuncha?
Kripaya tapai malai Kathmandu Guest house kaha cha bhanna saknuhuncha?
कृपया तपाईं मलाई काठमाडौं गेस्ट् हाउस कहाँ छ भन्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
Let’s break it down:
- Kripaya (कृपया) – Means “please” in Nepali, showing politeness.
- Tapai (तपाईं) – The formal version of “you,” used to show respect.
- Malai (मलाई) – Means “to me”
- Bhanna saknuhuncha (भन्न सक्नुहुन्छ) – This phrase means “could you tell” or “can you say” in a respectful form. “Saknuhuncha” implies ability in the polite form, indicating that the person can do the action.
This is the polite or formal way of asking, suitable when speaking to strangers, elders, or anyone you wish to show respect to.
Is this the way to Thamel?
Yo Thamel janae bato ho?
Yo Thamel ja-nae ba-to ho?
के यो ठमेल जाने बाटो हो?
Let’s break it down:
- Yo (यो) – Means “this” in Nepali.
- Janae (जाने) – The verb “to go,” in its future tense form, meaning “will go” or “to go.”
- Bato (बाटो) – Means “way” or “path” in Nepali.
- Ho (हो) – Means “is” in Nepali, used here to confirm or ask a question.
Could you please give me the direction to the airport?
kripaya malai airportko disha bhanna saknuhuncha?
kri-pa-ya ma-lai airport-ko di-sha bha-nna sak-nu-hun-cha?
कृपया मलाई एयरपोर्टको दिशा भन्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
Let’s break it down:
- Disha (दिशा) – Means “direction”
- Bhanna saknuhuncha (भन्न सक्नुहुन्छ) – This means “could you tell” or “can you say” in the polite form. “Saknuhuncha” implies the ability to do something, used in a respectful manner.
This is a formal and respectful way of asking for directions, suitable when speaking to strangers, elders, or in professional situations.
Which is the way to Pokhara?
Pokhara jane bato kun ho?
Pokhara ja-ne ba-to kun ho?
पोखरा जाने बाटो कुन हो?
Let’s break it down:
- Pokhara (पोखरा) – Refers to the city of Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in Nepal.
- Kun (कुन) – Means “which” in Nepali, used to ask about a specific choice or option.
Is this the way to Ghandruk?
Ghandruk jane baato yahe ho?
Ghan-druk ja-ne baa-to ya-he ho?
घान्द्रुक जाने बाटो यही हो?
Let’s break it down:
- Ghandruk (घान्द्रुक) – Refers to the name of a village in the Annapurna region, Nepal, a popular trekking destination.
- Yahe (यही) – Means “this” or “this one” in Nepali, referring to the path or direction being pointed to.
- Ho (हो) – Means “is” in Nepali, used to confirm or ask a question.
How far is it to Ghandruk?
Ghandruk kati tada parcha?
Ghan-druk ka-ti ta-da par-cha?
घान्द्रुक कती टाढा पर्छ?
Let’s break it down:
- Ghandruk (घान्द्रुक) – Refers to the village of Ghandruk in Nepal.
- Kati (कती) – Means “how much” or “how far,” used to inquire about distance.
- Tada (टाढा) – Means “far” or “distant”
This question asks about the distance to Ghandruk, or how far the place is from your current location. This is a straightforward way to ask about distance in Nepali, and it can be used in both formal and informal situations.