Signification
Referring to a single occurrence.
Contexte culturel
In Nepali storytelling, 'Ek patak' is often followed by 'ko kura ho' (it is a matter of...), creating the full phrase for 'Once upon a time'. While 'Ek patak' is Nepali, in the local Newari culture, hospitality is so high that 'once' is never enough; you will always be offered food multiple times. Many Hindu and Buddhist rituals in Nepal involve circumambulating a temple or shrine. Doing it 'ek patak' is the minimum, but usually, it's done in odd numbers like 3, 7, or 108. When visiting someone's home, it is polite to say you will come 'ek patak' (one time/sometime) even if you don't have a fixed date, as a gesture of future friendship.
The 'Pheri' Combo
Always pair 'Ek patak' with 'pheri' (again) when you want someone to repeat something. It sounds much more natural.
Not for People
Never use 'patak' to count people or objects. Use 'jana' for people and 'wota' for things.
Signification
Referring to a single occurrence.
The 'Pheri' Combo
Always pair 'Ek patak' with 'pheri' (again) when you want someone to repeat something. It sounds much more natural.
Not for People
Never use 'patak' to count people or objects. Use 'jana' for people and 'wota' for things.
Formal vs Informal
Use 'Ek patak' in exams or interviews, but use 'Ek choti' when hanging out with friends in Kathmandu.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase for 'once'.
म दिनमा _______ कफी पिउँछु।
We are counting the frequency of drinking coffee, so 'ek patak' is correct.
Which sentence is the best way to ask for a repeat?
How do you say 'Say it once again' politely?
'Bhannuhos' is the polite/formal form of the verb 'to say'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Starting a fairy tale.
'Ek patak' is the standard opening for stories.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तपाईं पोखरा जानुभएको छ? B: हजुर, म _______ गएको छु।
The speaker is saying they have been there 'once'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesम दिनमा _______ कफी पिउँछु।
We are counting the frequency of drinking coffee, so 'ek patak' is correct.
How do you say 'Say it once again' politely?
'Bhannuhos' is the polite/formal form of the verb 'to say'.
Situation: Starting a fairy tale.
'Ek patak' is the standard opening for stories.
A: तपाईं पोखरा जानुभएको छ? B: हजुर, म _______ गएको छु।
The speaker is saying they have been there 'once'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it is the standard way to start a story, usually followed by 'euta' (a/an) and a character.
Yes, but it's better to say 'Ek patak pheri' to be clear you mean 'again'.
'Patak' is slightly more formal/standard, while 'choti' is more common in casual conversation.
Simply change 'Ek' to 'Dui' (two): 'Dui patak'.
Yes, in a social context like 'Come visit us once (sometime)'.
Expressions liées
एक चोटी
synonymOnce (informal)
फेरि
similarAgain
कहिलेकाहीँ
contrastSometimes
एक पटकमा
builds onIn one go / At once
