The short answer
The universal greeting is namaste (नमस्ते), said with folded hands, which works in Nepali and Hindi alike. Thank you is dhanyabad (धन्यवाद), and Hindi speakers say dhanyavaad or shukriya. Please is kripaya, and excuse me or sorry is maaf garnuhos in Nepali and maaf kijiye in Hindi.
Use these in shops, taxis and temples, and add a smile. Most people will answer in English, but your effort is appreciated. Spellings are simple transliterations; sounds vary by region and speaker.
Key facts
- Hello
- Namaste (नमस्ते)
- Thank you
- Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद)
- Please
- Kripaya (कृपया)
- Sorry
- Maaf garnuhos
How it works
- HelloNamaste · Namaste
- Thank youDhanyabad · Dhanyavaad / Shukriya
- PleaseKripaya · Kripya
- Sorry / excuse meMaaf garnuhos · Maaf kijiye
- Yes / NoHo / Hoina · Haan / Nahin
- GoodbyePheri bhetaunla (see you again) · Phir milenge
- How are you?Tapai lai kasto chha? · Aap kaise hain?
- I am fineMa thik chhu · Main theek hoon
Insider tip
Fold your hands and say namaste for the best welcome.
Avoid this
Do not use the casual "timi" or "ta" forms with strangers.
Related questions
Is namaste used for goodbye too?
Yes, it works for both.
Is "dhanyabad" formal?
It is polite and fine anywhere.
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