भित्री लुगा
bhitri luga
The English phrase "underwear" is translated into Nepali as भित्री लुगा (bhitri luga).
भित्री लुगा refers to clothes worn next to the skin.
Meaning: clothes worn next to the skin (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a compound of भित्री (bhitri), meaning "inner" or "inside" and लुगा (luga), meaning "clothes".
Which one should you use?
While भित्री लुगा is the standard term, you may encounter भित्री वस्त्र in more formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
bhitri luga
Did you know?
- In a shop, using the more formal भित्री वस्त्र (bhitri vastra) can be funny because it sounds like you are reading from a legal document or a very old poem rather than shopping for clothes.
- The word लुगा is a cognate with the Odia word ଲୁଗା, showing a shared linguistic thread for 'clothes' across different eastern regions of the subcontinent.
- While भित्री लुगा is the literal term for 'inner clothes', you will rarely hear it in a market. Most people will simply ask for the specific name of the item, such as 'panties' or 'underwear', using English loanwords instead.
Examples in context
- उसले नयाँ भित्री लुगा किन्यो।Usle naya bhitri luga kinyo.He bought new underwear.
- भित्री लुगा सफा छ।Bhitri luga sapha cha.The underwear is clean.
- मलाई भित्री लुगा चाहिएको छ।Malai bhitri luga chahiyeko cha.I need underwear.
Example conversation
A woman is helping her brother pack for a trip.
- प्रतिक्षा Pratikshaके तिमीले भित्री लुगा राख्यौ?Ke timile bhitri luga rakhyau?Did you pack your underwear?
- अविनाश Avinashहो, मैले सबै राखें।Ho, maile sabai rakhen.Yes, I packed everything.
- प्रतिक्षा Pratikshaराम्रो छ, अविनाश।Ramro cha, Avinash.That is good, Avinash.
- अविनाश Avinashअब म तयार छु।Aba ma tayar chu.Now I am ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries लुगा, CC BY-SA 4.0.
