नमस्ते
namaste[nʌmʌst̪e]
In Nepali, नमस्ते is the word for namaste.
नमस्ते is used as a greeting and is the most common and versatile way to say hello in Nepali. It is a polite and respectful greeting suitable for people of various ages and social statuses.
Meaning: a greeting (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of nama (bow or salutation) and te (to you), literally meaning "I bow to you".
Which one should you use?
While नमस्ते is the standard common greeting, नमस्कार is a more formal version used in official or highly respectful contexts. Additionally, प्रणाम is a formal variation specifically used to show reverence, making it appropriate for greeting teachers or religious leaders.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
नमस्ते is suitable for both formal and informal situations. For more formal settings, such as when addressing elders, respected individuals or in official environments, use नमस्कार. Use प्रणाम when you wish to show deep respect to a religious leader or teacher.
How do you pronounce it?
namaste
Did you know?
- While नमस्ते is used for greetings, it is also commonly used as a polite way to say goodbye in Nepal.
- In certain religious contexts, the phrase is used not just as a greeting but as a way to acknowledge the divine spark within the other person.
- The word नमस्ते is borrowed from Sanskrit, the ancient liturgical language of India and Nepal.
Examples in context
- नमस्ते, हजुरलाई कस्तो छ?namaste, hajurlai kasto cha?Namaste, how are you?
- सबैलाई नमस्ते!sabailai namaste!Namaste to everyone!
- उनले नमस्ते गरेर बिदा माग्नुभयो।unle namaste garera bida magnubhayo.He said namaste and took his leave.
Example conversation
Dipesh and Srijana meet on the street during the day.
- सृजना Srijanaनमस्ते, दिपेश जी!namaste, dipesh ji!Namaste, Mr. Dipesh!
- दिपेश Dipeshनमस्ते, सृजना जी।namaste, srijana ji.Namaste, Ms. Srijana.
- सृजना Srijanaतपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?tapailai kasto cha?How are you?
- दिपेश Dipeshमलाई सन्चै छ।malai sanchai cha.I am fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “namaste” translations and entries नमस्ते, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries नमस्ते, CC BY-SA 4.0.
