Signification
Doing anything in excess is harmful.
Contexte culturel
In Nepal, tea (Chiya) is offered everywhere. However, if you drink 10 cups a day, people will jokingly say 'Ati gare khati hunchha' to remind you of your stomach. The concept of 'Madhyam Marg' (The Middle Way) is central to Himalayan life. This proverb is the secular, everyday version of that deep spiritual philosophy. Nepalis are generally polite and indirect. Using a proverb like this allows someone to give advice or criticism without being confrontational. With the rise of smartphones in Nepal, this proverb has seen a resurgence in social media captions warning about 'screen time'.
Use it for Sarcasm
You can use this sarcastically when a friend is being overly dramatic. It lightens the mood while still making your point.
Don't over-use it!
Ironically, if you say 'Ati gare khati hunchha' too many times, people will tell you 'Ati bhayo!' (That's enough!).
Signification
Doing anything in excess is harmful.
Use it for Sarcasm
You can use this sarcastically when a friend is being overly dramatic. It lightens the mood while still making your point.
Don't over-use it!
Ironically, if you say 'Ati gare khati hunchha' too many times, people will tell you 'Ati bhayo!' (That's enough!).
The 'Ti' Rhyme
The rhyme is the most important part. If you forget the exact words, just remember 'Ati' and 'Khati' and people will know what you mean.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
अति गरे ____ हुन्छ ।
The proverb is 'Ati gare khati hunchha'. 'Khati' means loss or harm.
In which situation would you say 'Ati gare khati hunchha'?
Situation: Your friend is eating their 10th chocolate bar in a row.
The proverb is a warning against excess, such as overeating.
Which of these is the closest English equivalent?
अति गरे खति हुन्छ ।
Both phrases warn that excess leads to negative outcomes.
Complete the dialogue.
A: म आज रातभरि सुत्दिन, भोलिको लागि पढ्छु । B: त्यसो नगर, ____ हुन्छ ।
B is warning A that overworking/not sleeping will lead to harm.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesअति गरे ____ हुन्छ ।
The proverb is 'Ati gare khati hunchha'. 'Khati' means loss or harm.
Situation: Your friend is eating their 10th chocolate bar in a row.
The proverb is a warning against excess, such as overeating.
अति गरे खति हुन्छ ।
Both phrases warn that excess leads to negative outcomes.
A: म आज रातभरि सुत्दिन, भोलिको लागि पढ्छु । B: त्यसो नगर, ____ हुन्छ ।
B is warning A that overworking/not sleeping will lead to harm.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIn this proverb, yes. While 'Ati' can just mean 'very' (e.g., Ati sundar - very beautiful), in the context of 'Ati gare', it always implies crossing a healthy limit.
Use it carefully. It's better to use it with peers or subordinates. Using it with a boss might seem like you are lecturing them, which is culturally risky in Nepal's hierarchical society.
'Dherai' means 'a lot' or 'many'. 'Ati' means 'excess' or 'too much'. You can have 'dherai' money (which is good), but 'ati' greed for money (which is bad).
No, 'Khati' is broad. It can mean loss of health, loss of reputation, loss of time, or physical damage.
It has roots in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, but today it is used by everyone in Nepal regardless of religion. It is considered 'common sense' wisdom.
Expressions liées
धेरै भए विष हुन्छ
synonymToo much of anything becomes poison.
अति भो
specialized formThis is too much!
ठिक्क राम्रो
contrastJust the right amount is good.
लोभले लाभ, लाभले विलाप
builds onGreed leads to gain, but gain leads to lamentation.
