Mastering the Past Tense: Did Meaning in Nepali

When learning a new language, understanding how to express actions that have already happened is essential. In English, we use the word “did” to indicate past actions, and knowing how to translate and use this word in Nepali can greatly enhance your communication skills. In this post, we will explore the meaning of “did” in Nepali, how it is used in various sentences, and provide practical examples to help you.

download Nepali ebook

What is the Meaning of “Did” in Nepali?

The word “did” in English is translated as “गरेँ” (Garein) in Nepali. “Garein” is the past tense form of the verb “गर्नु” (Garnu), which means “to do.” This form is used to indicate that an action has been completed in the past. Just like in English, the verb “Garein” can be used in various contexts to convey that something has already been done.

Using “Did” in Different Contexts in Nepali

The verb “Garein” can be applied in different ways depending on the context of the sentence. Here are some common usages:

  1. Expressing Completed Actions

When you want to talk about something you did, you use “Garein” to indicate that the action is finished. For example:

“मैले गृहकार्य गरें।” (Maile Grihakarya Garein.)
Translation: “I did the homework.”

Here,
“मैले” (Maile) means “I”
“गरें” (Garein) means “did”
“गृहकार्य” (Grihakarya) means “homework”

This sentence clearly conveys that the homework was completed in the past.

  1. Asking About Past Actions

If you want to inquire whether someone else has done something, you would use “Garein” in a question. For instance:

“तिमीले काम गर्‍यौ?” (Timile Kam Garyau?)
Translation: “Did you do the work?”

In this example, “तिमीले” (Timile) means “you” and “गर्‍यौ” (Garyau) is another past tense form of “Garnu,” used to ask about a completed action.

  1. Responding to Questions About the Past

When someone asks you if you did something, you can respond using “Garein” for example:

“हो, मैले गरें।” (Ho, Maile Garein.)
Translation: “Yes, I did.”

This is a simple yet effective way to confirm that you have completed an action.

Examples of “Did” in Common Nepali Phrases

To help you understand how “Garein” is used in everyday conversation, here are some common phrases:

  • “तिमीले के गर्‍यौ?” (Timile Ke Garyau?) – “What did you do?”
  • “मैले उसलाई भेटेँ।” (Maile Uslai Bhetein.) – “I did meet him/her.”
  • “तिमीले खाजा बनायौ?” (Timile Khaja Banayau?) – “Did you make the lunch?”
  • “मैले बिहान खाना खाएँ।” (Maile Bihan Khana Khayae.) – “I did eat breakfast in the morning.”

Conclusion

Understanding the meaning of “did” in Nepali, translated as “गरेँ” (Garein), is a fundamental step in mastering the past tense in the language. Whether you’re talking about something you did, asking about someone else’s actions, or responding to inquiries, knowing how to use “Garein” correctly will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Nepali. This post provides a clear and practical guide to using “Garein” in various contexts, making it an invaluable resource for language learners and anyone looking to improve their Nepali skills.

Leave a Comment