टाउको
ṭāuko[ʈäu̯ko]
The English word 'head' is translated into Nepali as टाउको (ṭāuko). Wiktionary also lists शिर (śira).
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Nepali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| टाउको | ṭāuko | [ʈäu̯ko] (narrow) |
| शिर | śira |
While टाउको is the common term, the word माथा (māthā) can also be used to refer to the top part of an object or something that is positioned above or on top of something else.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, शिर is a more formal or literary term used in poetic, religious or highly respectful contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ṭāuko. The ṭ in टाउको is a retroflex sound, produced by curling the tongue back to touch the roof of the mouth.
Did you know?
- In many Nepali-speaking cultures, it is considered a serious sign of disrespect to touch someone's head, even if you are being friendly.
- The word शिर shares a root with the Sanskrit word for 'head', and is frequently used in religious hymns and prayers to denote the 'head' of a deity or the 'summit' of spiritual attainment.
- The term माथा can refer to a person's 'forehead' or 'head' and is also the standard way to describe the very top of a mountain.
Examples in context
- सिंहको पुच्छर भन्दा कुकुरको टाउको हुनु राम्रो।Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion.This sentence demonstrates the use of टाउको in a comparison.Tatoeba #11975963 by taro, translation #238425 by CM
- मेरो टाउको दुखिरहेको छ।mero ṭāuko dukhirāheko cha.My head is hurting.
- उसले आफ्नो टाउको हल्लायो।usle āphno ṭāuko hallāyo.He shook his head.
Example conversation
Dipesh and Srijana are talking about a headache.
- दिपेश Dipeshसृजना, तिम्रो टाउको दुखिरहेको छ?Srijana, timro tauko dukhiraheko cha?Srijana, is your head hurting?
- सृजना Srijanaहो, मेरो टाउको धेरै दुख्यो।Ho, mero tauko dherai dukhyo.Yes, my head hurts a lot.
- दिपेश Dipeshतिमी अब आराम गर।Timi aba aaram gara.You should rest now.
- सृजना Srijanaधन्यवाद, दिपेश।Dhanyabaad, Dipesh.Thank you, Dipesh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries टाउको, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
