ज्वजलपा
jwajalapa
The English phrase "hello" is translated into Newari as ज्वजलपा (jwajalapa).
ज्वजलपा is a standard and respectful greeting used when meeting someone.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ज्वजलपा is a standard respectful greeting, you may encounter other forms depending on the level of formality required or the specific message you wish to convey.
How do you pronounce it?
jwajalapa
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'hello' to initiate contact, a Newari speaker might use a variation of this greeting specifically to acknowledge the 'vitality' or 'life force' of the person they are meeting.
- In historical contexts, versions of this greeting were used to invoke blessings rather than just to say 'hi'.
- Newari is a Tibeto-Burman language, meaning the structure of the language used during greetings is fundamentally different from the Indo-Aryan structure of neighboring Nepali.
Examples in context
- ज्वजलपा, सँजल च्वनागु दु?Jwjalapa, sañjala chwanagu du?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- राजेश Rajeshज्वजलपा, माया!Jwajalapa, Maya!Hello, Maya!
- माया Mayaज्वजलपा, राजेश!Jwajalapa, Rajesh!Hello, Rajesh!
- राजेश Rajeshछँ गनें व्वो?Chan gane vwo?Where are you going?
- माया Mayaजिं बजार व्वो।Jin bajar vwo.I am going to the market.
