In everyday conversations, one of the most common questions people ask when meeting someone new is, “What do you do for a living?” This question helps to understand the other person’s profession or job. When learning Nepali, it’s important to know how to ask this question properly in order to engage in meaningful dialogue. Here, we will explore the meaning of “What do you do for a living?” in Nepali and provide examples of its usage.
“What Do You Do for a Living?” Meaning in Nepali
In Nepali, “What do you do for a living?” is translated as:
Nepali: “तिमी के गर्छौ?” (Timi ke garchhau?) or “तिमी के काम गर्छौ?” (Timi ke kaam garchhau?)
This question is a direct way to ask about someone’s occupation or job. Another slightly more formal version could be:
Nepali: “तपाईं के काम गर्नुहुन्छ?” (Tapai ke kam garnuhunchha?)
Here,
- “तिमी” (Timi) or “तपाईं” (Tapai) means “you”
- “के” (Ke) means “what”
- “गर्छौ” (Garchhau) or “गर्नुहुन्छ” (Garnuhunchha) refers to “do”
Depending on how formal or casual you want to be, you can choose between “तिमी” (Timi) or “तपाईं” (Tapai).
Usage of “What Do You Do for a Living?” in Nepali Conversations
This question is useful in both casual and formal conversations. Below are some examples of how to ask “What do you do for a living?” in Nepali and possible responses.
Example 1:
Nepali: “तिमी के गर्छौ?” (Timi ke garchhau?)
Translation: “What do you do for a living?”
Response:
Nepali: “म शिक्षक हुँ।” (Ma shikshak hu.)
Translation: “I am a teacher.”
Example 2:
Nepali: “तपाईं के काम गर्नुहुन्छ?” (Tapai ke kam garnuhunchha?)
Translation: “What do you do for a living?”
Response:
Nepali: “म शिक्षक हुँ।” (Ma shikshak hu.)
Translation: “I am a doctor.”
Example 3:
Nepali: “तिमी के काम गर्छौ?” (Timi ke kam garchhau?)
Translation: “What do you do for a living?”
Response:
Nepali: “म इन्जिनियर हुँ।” (Ma engineer hu.)
Translation: “I am an engineer.”
Example 4:
Nepali: “तिमी कुन पेशामा छौ?” (Timi kun peshama chhau?)
Translation: “What profession are you in?”
Response:
Nepali: “म वकिल हुँ।” (Ma wakil hu.)
Translation: “I am a lawyer.”
Example 5:
Nepali: “तपाईं कुन क्षेत्रमा काम गर्नुहुन्छ?” (Tapai kun kshetrama kam garnuhunchha?)
Translation: “What field do you work in?”
Response:
Nepali: “म बैङ्किङ क्षेत्रमा काम गर्छु।” (Ma banking kshetrama kam garchhu.)
Translation: “I work in the banking sector.”
Cultural Insights on Asking “What Do You Do for a Living?” in Nepali
In Nepali culture, asking about someone’s profession is considered a polite way to get to know them better, especially in formal or new settings. Using the more formal “तपाईं” (Tapai) instead of “तिमी” (Timi) can convey respect, particularly when speaking to elders or people of higher status.
Conclusion
Understanding how to ask and respond to the question “What do you do for a living?” in Nepali is a great way to engage in meaningful conversations and learn more about the people you interact with. Whether in casual chats with friends or more formal settings, the phrase “तिमी के गर्छौ?” (Timi ke garchhau?) or “तपाईं के काम गर्नुहुन्छ?” (Tapai ke kam garnuhunchha?) will allow you to inquire about others’ professions and discuss your own.