Ways to say it
| Nepali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| नमस्ते | namaste | [nʌmʌst̪e] (narrow) |
| हाइ नमस्कार | hāi |
The standard greeting नमस्ते is used for both formal and informal situations. You may also encounter the direct loanword हाइ नमस्कार.
Which one should you use?
While the English 'hi' is informal, the standard Nepali greeting नमस्ते is used in both formal and informal settings and is more polite than a direct transliteration of 'hi'. The word हाइ नमस्कार is a direct loanword from English and is used primarily by younger generations in very casual, urban settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
नमस्ते can be used as both a formal and informal way to say "hi". हाइ नमस्कार is used primarily by younger generations in very casual, urban settings. "Namaskar" is the most commonly used formal greeting in Nepali and translates to "Greetings" or "Hello".
How do you pronounce it?
namaste
When do people say it?
When saying नमस्ते, it is customary to place your palms together at chest level in a prayer-like gesture. If someone greets you, you can respond with Tapaai lai pani namaste to say 'Hello to you too.'
Did you know?
- The greeting नमस्ते is not just a word but a recognition of the divine essence in the person you are meeting.
- In certain parts of Nepal and among some ethnic groups, a traditional greeting involves touching the feet of elders instead of using नमस्ते.
- The word नमस्ते is derived from the Sanskrit roots 'namas' meaning 'bow' and 'te' meaning 'to you'.
Examples in context
- नमस्ते, कस्तो भइरहेको छ?Hi, how's it going?This sentence shows how to use नमस्ते when asking how someone is doing.Tatoeba #11840281 by taro, translation #428407 by witbrock
- नमस्तेHi.This sentence shows a simple use of नमस्ते as a greeting.Tatoeba #7306415 by oya163, translation #538123 by CM
- नमस्ते, तपाईँलाई कस्तो छ?namaste, tapāī̃lāī kasto cha?Hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Dipesh and Pratiksha meet in a park.
- दिपेश Dipeshनमस्ते, प्रतिक्षा!namaste, pratiksha!Hi, Pratiksha!
- प्रतिक्षा Pratikshaनमस्ते, दिपेश! कस्तो छ?namaste, dipesh! kasto cha?Hi, Dipesh! How is it going?
- दिपेश Dipeshसबै ठीक छ।sabai ṭhīka cha.Everything is fine.
- प्रतिक्षा Pratikshaखुसी लाग्यो।khusī lāgyo.I am glad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries नमस्ते, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries नमस्कार, नमस्ते, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
