के
ke[ke]
The English word "what" is translated into Nepali as के (ke).
के is an interrogative pronoun used to ask questions. Unlike the English word "what", which can sometimes function as a relative pronoun (such as in the phrase "what I need"), in Nepali, के is strictly used for asking questions.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
How do you pronounce it?
ke
Did you know?
- While के means 'what', using it bluntly to ask for clarification can be perceived as extremely rude or confrontational in Nepali culture.
- Adding the particle रे to a question involving के changes the meaning to a request for confirmation of a rumor, effectively asking 'is it true that…'.
- In Nepali, the word के can be used as a filler word or a vague exclamation of frustration, much like the English 'what now?' when used as a sigh.
Examples in context
- यो के चिज हो?What is this thing?This sentence is useful for identifying a specific object using के.Tatoeba #12076841 by taro, translation #2647806 by CK
- म के पिउदै छु?What am I drinking?This sentence is useful for asking about an action using के.Tatoeba #11763587 by taro, translation #6116139 by mailohilohi
- म के खान सक्छु?What can I eat?This sentence is useful for asking about possibilities using के.Tatoeba #11958004 by taro, translation #4481667 by bandeirante
- तपाईंलाई के चाहिएको छ?What would you like?
- 106 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dipesh and Maya are talking about a gift.
- दिपेश Dipeshमाया, तिम्रो हातमा के छ?Maya, timro haatma ke cha?Maya, what is in your hand?
- माया Mayaयो मेरो लागि उपहार हो।Yo mero laagi upahaar ho.This is a gift for me.
- दिपेश Dipeshत्यो के हो?Tyo ke ho?What is that?
- माया Mayaयो एउटा नयाँ किताब हो।Yo euta naya kitaab ho.It is a new book.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries के, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
