The short answer
Nepal has well over a hundred languages. In the Kathmandu Valley the Newar people speak Nepal Bhasa, and a common greeting is "jwajalapa". In the east Terai, Maithili and Bhojpuri are widely spoken; in the hills Tamang, Gurung, Magar, Rai and Limbu languages are common; and in the Khumbu Sherpa is spoken, with the greeting "tashi delek". In the Terai, Tharu, Awadhi and Hindi dominate in many border areas.
Using the local greeting in each place is a delightful gesture. English or Nepali will work everywhere you go.
Key facts
- Valley
- Nepal Bhasa (Newari)
- East Terai
- Maithili, Bhojpuri
- Hills
- Tamang, Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu
- Mountains
- Sherpa, Tibetan dialects
How it works
- Newar greetingJwajalapa.
- Sherpa greetingTashi delek.
- Maithili / BhojpuriMany Hindi words are shared.
- Tamang / GurungNamaste works.
- When unsureUse namaste.
Insider tip
Learn "tashi delek" in the Khumbu and "jwajalapa" in Newar towns.
Avoid this
Do not mix up Tibetan and Sherpa words with Nepali.
Related questions
How many languages are there?
More than a hundred.
Does everyone speak Nepali?
Most do, as a second language at least.
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