माया
māyā
The English word love is translated into Nepali as माया (māyā).
माया refers to strong affection. It can be used to describe romantic love or the general affection felt for friends, family or even pets.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun माया (love) is used with the verb गर्नु (to do) to form the verb phrase माया गर्नु, which means to love. Additionally, you can create the adjective मायालु (lovely, kind or affectionate) by adding the suffix -लु to माया.
How do you pronounce it?
māyā
Did you know?
- The word माया also means 'illusion' or 'magic' in Sanskrit, which heavily influences Nepali. In a philosophical context, it describes the deceptive nature of the physical world that hides the true reality.
- In Nepali culture, माया is often expressed through actions and care rather than spoken words. Many older generations may find saying 'I love you' too direct or embarrassing, preferring to show it by offering food or tea.
- In Nepali folk songs, माया is often personified as a character that can 'trick' or 'tease' a person, rather than just being a feeling.
Examples in context
- म तिम्रो मायामा छैन।I'm not in love with you.This example shows how to use माया in the context of being in love.Tatoeba #11977926 by taro, translation #2545336 by CK
- म तिमीलाई माया गर्छु।I love you.This example shows how to use माया to say 'I love you'.Tatoeba #12010680 by taro, translation #1434 by awael58
- म तिमीलाई एकदम माया गर्छु।I love you blindly.This example shows how to use माया to express loving someone blindly.Tatoeba #7296516 by oya163, translation #7296469 by Sifaks
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Srijana and Roshan are talking about their relationship.
- सृजना Srijanaतिम्रो मायाको लागि धन्यवाद, रोशन।Timo mayako lagi dhanyabaad, Roshan.Thank you for your love, Roshan.
- रोशन Roshanम तिमीलाई सधैं माया गर्नेछु।Ma timilai sadhai maya garnechu.I will always love you.
- सृजना Srijanaहाम्रो माया कहिल्यै कम हुने छैन।Hamro maya kahilyai kam hune chaina.Our love will never decrease.
- रोशन Roshanमलाई पनि त्यस्तै लाग्छ, सृजना।Malai pani tyastai lagcha, Srijana.I feel the same way, Srijana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries माया, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
