नमस्ते
namaste[nʌmʌst̪e]
In Nepali, hello is said as नमस्ते (namaste). Wiktionary also lists नमस्कार (namaskār).
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Nepali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते | namaste | [nʌmʌst̪e] (narrow) |
| नमस्कार | namaskār | [nʌmʌskär] (narrow) |
नमस्ते is a widely known and revered greeting in Nepali.
What does it mean word for word?
The word नमस्ते literally translates to 'I bow to you'.
Which one should you use?
While नमस्ते is the standard greeting, नमस्कार is a more formal version used in professional or highly respectful settings.
How do you pronounce it?
namaste
When do people say it?
When saying नमस्ते, it is customary to press your palms together in front of your chest in a prayer-like gesture.
Did you know?
- Though नमस्ते is the most famous greeting, many Nepalis use the English word 'hello' over the phone because नमस्ते is seen as too formal for a quick call.
- The phrase नमस्ते can be used not only as a greeting when arriving but also as a polite way to say goodbye when leaving.
- In some parts of Nepal, the greeting नमस्ते may be accompanied by a small touch of the feet if you are greeting a very high-ranking spiritual leader.
Examples in context
- नमस्ते!Hello!Tatoeba #11840274 by taro, translation #373330 by CK
- नमस्ते, तपाईँलाई कस्तो छ?namaste, tapā'īnlā'ī kastō cha?Hello, how are you?
- नमस्ते, नयाँ साथी!namaste, nayā̃ sāthī!Hello, new friend!
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Roshan and Maya meet on the street.
- रोशन Roshanनमस्ते, माया!namaste, māyā!Hello, Maya!
- माया Mayaनमस्ते, रोशन! कस्तो छ?namaste, rōśan! kastō cha?Hello, Roshan! How are you?
- रोशन Roshanमलाई ठीक छ।malā'ī ṭhīka cha.I am fine.
- माया Mayaत्यो सुनेर खुसी लाग्यो।tyō sunera khusī lāgyō.I am happy to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries नमस्ते, नमस्कार, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
