What to Say in Nepali When Meeting Someone New
When meeting someone new in Nepali, greet the person and introduce yourself first. Then ask their name, ask how they are, and answer that you are fine. This short exchange gives you practical lines for a first conversation while avoiding unsupported hometown, farewell, or broader social-usage advice.
Start with these expressions
| English | Transliteration | Native script |
|---|---|---|
| Hello, my name is Rina. | namaste, mero naam rina ho. | नमस्ते, मेरो नाम रीना हो। |
| Okay, what is your name? | achha, tapainko naam ke ho? | अच्छा, तपाईंको नाम के हो? |
| Okay. How are you? | achha tapain kasto hunuhunchha | अच्छा तपाईं कस्तो हुनुहुन्छ |
| Yes, I am fine. | ho ma thik chhu | हो म ठीक छु |
Make your name a statement, then ask a question
The most useful distinction is whether you are giving information about yourself or requesting information from the other person. Begin with the complete greeting that also gives your name. When it is your turn to ask, use the complete question asking for the other person’s name. Do not treat the English word “name” by itself as a conversation line.
This difference is visible in the forms: the dictionary defines the relevant noun as “name” and gives a parallel example meaning “what is your name?” [2] Its entry for the verb form used in that question also records the same name-question construction in English [1]. The dictionary separately identifies the first-person form as “I,” which supports recognising the self-introduction as information about the speaker rather than a question [3].
For a simple first meeting, use the lines in this order: greet and introduce yourself, ask the person’s name, ask how they are, then reply that you are fine. Practise the change of speaker at each turn. If you are nervous, remember the decision rule: use the introduction when you are supplying your name; use the name question when you need theirs.
[1] Source: dsal.uchicago.edu.
[2] Source: dsal.uchicago.edu.
[3] Source: dsal.uchicago.edu.
Try it
You have introduced yourself and asked the other person’s name. They now ask how you are. Which line should you use to say that you are fine?
Choose your answer before reading on.
Check your answer:
Use expression 4 in the table above.
Choose the affirmative wellbeing reply because the situation calls for an answer, not another question. It completes the short exchange after the other person asks about your wellbeing.
Practise the four turns in order, then repeat them without looking at the English meanings. Change only the name in your introduction when needed.
Practise speaking with Bhol. Learn words and sentences written in English letters.
