गाई
gāī[ɡäi̯]
The English word "cow" is गाई (gāī) in Nepali.
गाई refers to an adult female of the species Bos taurus.
Meaning: adult female of species Bos taurus (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as gāī.
When do people say it?
The cow is the national animal of Nepal and holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hinduism.
Did you know?
- In many parts of Nepal, it is considered extremely disrespectful to use the word गाई when talking to or about a person in a derogatory manner. Unlike in English, where 'cow' can be a slur, the sacred status of the animal protects the word from such casual use.
- In Nepal, killing a गाई is a serious crime that can result in imprisonment or heavy fines.
- During the festival of Tihar, the गाई is worshipped and decorated with garlands and colorful powders in a dedicated ceremony called Gai Tihar.
Examples in context
- गाई सेतो छ।gāī seto cha.The cow is white.
- मैले खेतमा गाई देखेँ।maile khetamā gāī dekhe.I saw a cow in the field.
Example conversation
Dipesh and Anita are visiting a farm.
- दिपेश Dipeshअनीता, त्यो गाई हेर त।Anītā, tyō gāī hēr ta.Anita, look at that cow.
- अनीता Anitaहो, त्यो गाई धेरै राम्रो छ।Hō, tyō gāī dhērāī rāmrō cha.Yes, that cow is very beautiful.
- दिपेश Dipeshके हामी त्यसलाई छुन सक्छौँ?Kē hāmī tyaslāī chuna sakchaun?Can we touch it?
- अनीता Anitaमलाई लाग्दैन, त्यो डराउन सक्छ।Malāī lāgdaina, tyō darāuna sakcha.I don't think so, it might get scared.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cow” translations and entries गाई, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
