खः
kha
The Newari word for "yes" is खः (kha).
खः is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Lalitpur region, the words ho or hō are commonly used to convey agreement or consent.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kha.
Did you know?
- Newari is a Tibeto-Burman language, meaning its system of agreement and particles like खः differs fundamentally from the Indo-Aryan structure of neighboring Nepali.
- In Newari, the word खः is not just a 'yes' but functions as a copula, similar to the English word 'is'. This means it can be used to confirm a state of being as well as to agree with a question.
- Depending on the social hierarchy, a younger person might use a different particle for 'yes' than an elder to show proper respect.
Examples in context
- खः, म्ये।kha:, mye.Yes, that's right.
- तँ खः।tan kha:It is true.
- खः, मय्।kha:, may'.Yes, okay.
Example conversation
Maya and Amit are discussing if they should go to the market.
- माया Mayaअमित, जने वनेगु खः?Amit, jane vanegu kha?Amit, shall we go to the market?
- अमित Amitखः, वने।kha, vane.Yes, let's go.
- माया Mayaकिजाः ल्हाः पुलाः वयेगु खः?kija lha pula vagegu kha?Shall we buy some vegetables?
- अमित Amitखः, वये।kha, vaye.Yes, let's buy them.
