Significado
To be more clever than another.
Contexto cultural
Cleverness (batho-pan) is highly prized in Nepali society, often more than formal education. Being able to 'cut someone's ear' is seen as a sign of being well-equipped for life. In the merchant culture of the Newars, wit in bargaining is essential. 'Kān kāṭnu' is often used in the context of a clever trade. Folk tales often feature a 'clever youngest brother' who 'cuts the ears' of his older, stronger, but dimmer brothers. The phrase is now used for 'life hacks' or clever uses of technology that bypass traditional, slower methods.
Use for Kids
This is the most 'natural' sounding way to praise a smart child in Nepal.
Not for Violence
Never use this if you are actually talking about a physical injury to the ear.
Significado
To be more clever than another.
Use for Kids
This is the most 'natural' sounding way to praise a smart child in Nepal.
Not for Violence
Never use this if you are actually talking about a physical injury to the ear.
The 'Le' Marker
Remember to use 'le' for the person who is clever: 'Usle kān kāṭyo.'
Bargaining
Using this playfully with a shopkeeper can actually help build rapport during bargaining.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
यो सानो नानीले त सबैको ______ काट्छे।
The idiom is 'कान काट्नु' (Kān kāṭnu).
What does 'Kān kāṭnu' mean in this sentence: 'उसले व्यापारमा मेरो कान काट्यो'?
What happened in the business deal?
In a business context, it means to be more clever or outmaneuver someone.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'Kān kāṭnu'?
The phrase is used for surprising cleverness.
Complete the dialogue.
राम: 'यो नयाँ केटाले त धेरै राम्रो काम गर्छ।' श्याम: 'हो, उसले त पुराना कर्मचारीको पनि ______।'
The idiom 'कान काट्छ' fits the context of surpassing others.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Cleverness Levels
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosयो सानो नानीले त सबैको ______ काट्छे।
The idiom is 'कान काट्नु' (Kān kāṭnu).
What happened in the business deal?
In a business context, it means to be more clever or outmaneuver someone.
Which situation best fits 'Kān kāṭnu'?
The phrase is used for surprising cleverness.
राम: 'यो नयाँ केटाले त धेरै राम्रो काम गर्छ।' श्याम: 'हो, उसले त पुराना कर्मचारीको पनि ______।'
The idiom 'कान काट्छ' fits the context of surpassing others.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it is generally a compliment or a neutral observation of cleverness.
It sounds a bit boastful. It's better to use it for others.
Not necessarily. It means to be smarter. Cheating is 'thagnu'.
No, it's an idiom. Use more formal terms in official documents.
The opposite would be 'sojho hunu' (to be simple/naive).
Yes! If a dog is very clever, you can say 'Yesle ta hamro kān kāṭcha.'
No, 'Kaan phuknu' means to brainwash or whisper bad things about someone.
Usle mero kān kāṭyo.
Yes, it is extremely common all over Nepal.
Yes, if the solution is surprisingly smart.
Frases relacionadas
बाठो हुनु
similarTo be clever
आँखा छल्नु
similarTo deceive/hide from view
माथ गर्नु
synonymTo surpass
पछाडि पार्नु
builds onTo leave behind
सोझो हुनु
contrastTo be simple/naive
