Hello and welcome! If you’re interested in learning how to greet someone in the beautiful Newari language, you’ve come to the right place. Newari, also known as Nepal Bhasa, is spoken by the Newar people of Nepal, primarily in the Kathmandu Valley. It’s an ancient language with a rich cultural heritage. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “hello” in Newari, along with some regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
When it comes to formal greetings, Newar culture places great importance on respect and honor. Here are a few ways to greet someone formally in Newari:
1. नमस्कार (Namaskara)
The term “नमस्कार” (Namaskara) is widely used throughout Nepal as a formal greeting. It’s borrowed from Sanskrit, which has had a significant influence on the Newari language. This greeting is appropriate to use with people of all ages and in various formal settings.
2. ज्वज्वों (Jwajwo)
In formal settings, particularly when addressing elders, the term “ज्वज्वों” (Jwajwo) is used as a sign of respect. This term conveys a sense of reverence towards the person being greeted.
Informal Greetings
Newari culture also recognizes the need for casual greetings among friends, family, and peers. Here are a few examples of informal greetings:
1. नमस्ते (Namaste)
Similar to other languages spoken in the Indian subcontinent, the term “नमस्ते” (Namaste) is widely understood and used as a friendly greeting in Newari as well. It can be used with both friends and acquaintances in informal settings.
2. स्वागत (Swagat)
Another informal way to say “hello” in Newari is by using the word “स्वागत” (Swagat), which means “welcome.” This is often used to greet someone when they arrive or to show hospitality.
Regional Variations
While the greetings mentioned above are commonly used throughout the Newari-speaking community, it’s worth noting that certain regions may have their own variations. Here’s an example:
1. In Patan:
राम्रो बिहान्न (Ramro bhihanna) – Good morning
के छ, तिमि? (Ke cha, timi?) – What’s up, friend?
These regional variations maintain the warmth and friendliness of the Newari language while adding a local touch. Don’t hesitate to explore further if you find yourself in different Newari-speaking regions.
Tips for Using Newari Greetings
To ensure your greetings feel genuine and respectful, here are a few tips and additional examples:
1. Pronunciation:
Newari is a phonetic language, so pronunciation is key. Let’s take a closer look at the pronunciation of some greetings:
- नमस्कार (Namaskara) – Pronounced as “na-mas-ka-ra”
- ज्वज्वों (Jwajwo) – Pronounced as “jwa-jwo”
- नमस्ते (Namaste) – Pronounced as “na-mas-te”
- स्वागत (Swagat) – Pronounced as “s-wa-gat”
2. Context and Body Language:
Always consider the context in which you’re using a greeting. When greeting elders or people in a formal setting, it’s important to show respect through body language, such as bowing slightly or joining your palms together in a traditional “Namaste” gesture.
3. Adding Personal Touch:
To make your greetings more personal, you can address someone by their name or add suffixes like “दाजु” (daju) for older brothers, “बहिनी” (bahini) for younger sisters, or “भाई” (bhai) for brothers, depending on the relationship.
4. Time of Day Greetings:
In addition to general greetings, Newari culture also has specific greetings based on the time of day:
राम्रो बिहान्न (Ramro bhihanna) – Good morning
राम्रो दिँगो (Ramro dinga) – Good afternoon
राम्री संध्या (Ramri sandhya) – Good evening
शुभ रात्ती (Shubha ratti) – Good night
By using these greetings, you’ll not only convey your friendliness but also show respect for local customs and traditions.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned several ways to say “hello” in Newari, both formally and informally. By incorporating these greetings into your conversations, you’ll be able to connect with the Newari-speaking community and showcase your warm and respectful nature. Remember, language is a window into culture, so take the time to observe local customs and adapt your greetings accordingly. Happy greeting in Newari!
