भिं चा
bhiṅ cā
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Newari as भिं चा (bhiṅ cā).
This phrase is used as a farewell.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is bhiṅ cā.
Did you know?
- The word चा is not just a part of 'good night' but is also the Newari word for 'tea'. Depending on the context, a phrase containing this sound could refer to a nighttime farewell or a tea break.
- While भिं चा is used for 'good night', Newari has a distinct set of honorific levels that change the vocabulary based on the social status of the person being greeted.
- The word चा may have roots in Proto-Sino-Tibetan, linking the Newari way of saying 'good night' to ancient languages spoken across Central Asia and China.
Examples in context
- भिं चा ।bhin cha.Good night.
- तयो भिं चा ।tayo bhin cha.Good night to you too.
- सबैलाई भिं चा ।sabalai bhin cha.Good night to everyone.
Example conversation
Bibek and Rashmi are saying goodbye before going to sleep.
- बिबेक Bibekरश्मी, अब भिं चा।Rashmi, aba bhin cha.Rashmi, good night now.
- रश्मी Rashmiभिं चा, बिबेक।bhin cha, Bibek.Good night, Bibek.
- बिबेक Bibekम्येँ, म्हो।myen, mho.Okay, then.
- रश्मी Rashmiम्हो।mho.Then (goodbye).
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries चा, CC BY-SA 4.0.
