समय
samaya[sʌmʌe]
The English word "time" is translated into Nepali as समय (samaya).
समय refers to the abstract concept of time or a measurement of a duration.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While समय refers to the abstract concept of time or a duration, the word बेला is used to refer to a specific moment, occasion or a particular time of day, such as mealtime.
How do you pronounce it?
samaya
Did you know?
- Nepali has a unique concept of 'Nepali Time', a cultural tendency where social gatherings often begin much later than the समय officially agreed upon.
- In Nepal, the traditional lunar calendar is used for festivals and auspicious timings, meaning the 'time' for a ceremony is often calculated by astrologers rather than a standard clock.
- The concept of 'time' in Nepali can be expressed through the word काल, which specifically refers to eras or the destructive aspect of time in Hindu mythology.
Examples in context
- दश वर्ष लामो समय हो।Ten years is a long time.This sentence shows how to describe a long duration using समय.Tatoeba #11938406 by taro, translation #73398 by CK
- आज त्यो गर्ने समय छैन।There's no time to do that today.This sentence demonstrates using समय to express the lack of time for an action.Tatoeba #11883529 by taro, translation #6223591 by CK
- कृपया आफ्नो समय लिनुहोस्।Please take your time.This sentence uses समय in the context of taking one's time.Tatoeba #12022306 by taro, translation #2891815 by CK
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Avinash and Srijana are discussing how long a task will take.
- अविनाश Avinashयो काम सक्न कति समय लाग्छ?Yo kaam sakna kati samaya laagcha?How much time will it take to finish this work?
- सृजना Srijanaधेरै समय लाग्दैन, आधा घण्टा मात्र।Dherai samaya laagdena, aadhaa ghanta maatra.It won't take much time, only half an hour.
- अविनाश Avinashके हामी समयमै सकौँला त?Ke haami samay-mai sakaula ta?Will we be able to finish on time?
- सृजना Srijanaचिन्ता नगर्नुहोस्, म छिटो गर्नेछु।Chinta nagarnuhos, ma chito garnechu.Don't worry, I will do it quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry समय, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
