Signification
Asking for a reason
Contexte culturel
Directly asking 'Why?' can sometimes be seen as a bit aggressive. People often use 'Kina hola?' (Why might it be?) to sound softer. In the Kathmandu Valley, you might hear 'Chay?' in Newari, but 'Kina' is universally used in Nepali as the lingua franca for questioning. In offices, 'Kina' is used for logic-seeking, but 'Hajur' is the mandatory response to being called by a boss. Young Nepalis often use 'Kina' in memes to express confusion at absurd situations, often followed by 'hait!' (an exclamation of frustration).
The 'Hajur' Rule
If someone older calls you, don't say 'Kina?'. Say 'Hajur?' to be polite.
Don't use for 'Because'
Remember, 'Kina' is only for the question. Use 'Kinabhane' for the answer.
Signification
Asking for a reason
The 'Hajur' Rule
If someone older calls you, don't say 'Kina?'. Say 'Hajur?' to be polite.
Don't use for 'Because'
Remember, 'Kina' is only for the question. Use 'Kinabhane' for the answer.
Softening with 'Ra'
Add 'ra' (Kina ra?) to sound less like an interrogation and more like a friendly chat.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'Why'.
तपाईं ___ हाँस्नुभएको? (Tapāī̃ ___ hā̃snubhayeko?)
The sentence asks 'Why are you laughing?'. 'Kina' is the correct interrogative for 'why'.
Which response is most appropriate when a close friend calls your name?
Friend: 'E [Your Name]!'
In an informal context, 'Kina?' is a natural way to say 'Yes?' or 'What is it?'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: म आज आउन सक्दिन। B: ___? A: किनभने म बिरामी छु।
Since the answer starts with 'Kinabhane' (Because), the question must be 'Kina' (Why).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Phrase: 'किन र?'
Adding 'ra' softens the 'why' and often implies 'Why do you say that?' or 'Why though?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesतपाईं ___ हाँस्नुभएको? (Tapāī̃ ___ hā̃snubhayeko?)
The sentence asks 'Why are you laughing?'. 'Kina' is the correct interrogative for 'why'.
Friend: 'E [Your Name]!'
In an informal context, 'Kina?' is a natural way to say 'Yes?' or 'What is it?'.
A: म आज आउन सक्दिन। B: ___? A: किनभने म बिरामी छु।
Since the answer starts with 'Kinabhane' (Because), the question must be 'Kina' (Why).
Phrase: 'किन र?'
Adding 'ra' softens the 'why' and often implies 'Why do you say that?' or 'Why though?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently, but it can be blunt. Use 'Hajur' with elders and 'Kina ra?' to be softer.
You say 'Kina nagarne?' (for actions) or 'Kina nahu-nu?' (Of course).
'Kina' is 'Why' (question), 'Kinabhane' is 'Because' (answer).
Yes, in informal speech like 'Timi dhilo, kina?' but it's less common than 'Timi kina dhilo?'.
No, it is an adverb and remains the same for everyone.
It means 'for some inexplicable reason'.
Yes, but 'Ke karanle' (for what reason) is sometimes used for higher formality.
You say 'त्यसैले' (Tyasaile).
No, 'What' is 'Ke'. But 'Kina' can be used like 'What?' when someone calls you.
No, in Hindi it is 'Kyun'.
Expressions liées
किनभने
builds onBecause
किनकि
synonymBecause (formal)
किन-किन
specialized formFor some reason
किन र?
similarWhy though?
किन नि?
similarWhy then?
