भिं चा
bhin chā
The English phrase "goodnight" is translated into Newari as भिं चा (bhin chā).
भिं चा is used to wish someone a good night's sleep or to say goodbye at the end of the day.
How do you pronounce it?
bhin chā
Did you know?
- The word चा originates from Classical Newar 𑐔𑐵 (cā), which may have evolved from the Proto-Sino-Tibetan root *rV-jak.
- Because Newari is a tonal language, a misplaced tone on चा can change the word into an entirely different term.
- When using भिं चा with elders, it is common to pair the phrase with a slight bow of the head. This physical gesture reinforces the respect inherent in the spoken greeting.
Examples in context
- भिं चा।bhiṃ cā.Goodnight.
- ल, भिं चा।la, bhiṃ cā.Okay, goodnight.
- सबैलाई भिं चा।sabalāī bhiṃ cā.Goodnight to everyone.
Example conversation
Bibek and Punam are saying goodbye before going to bed.
- बिबेक Bibekपुनम, भिं चा।Punam, bhin cha.Punam, goodnight.
- पुनम Punamबिबेक, भिं चा।Bibek, bhin cha.Bibek, goodnight.
- बिबेक Bibekभोलि भेट्पः।Bholi bhetpa.See you tomorrow.
- पुनम Punamअा, भोलि भेट्पः।Aa, bholi bhetpa.Yes, see you tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries चा, CC BY-SA 4.0.
