Signification
To listen very carefully or be suspicious.
Contexte culturel
In Nepal, 'guff' (chatting) is a primary social activity. Being 'alert' to gossip is often seen as being socially connected, though eavesdropping is still technically frowned upon. In villages, the phrase is often used literally for livestock. A farmer might say his buffalo 'perked up its ears' to warn of a leopard nearby. Journalists frequently use this idiom in headlines to describe how the public or opposition parties are reacting to government scandals. Parents use this to describe children who pretend not to listen but suddenly react when they hear the word 'toy' or 'sweet.'
Use it for Gossip
This is the most natural way to describe someone getting excited about a new piece of gossip.
Don't use for 'listening to music'
You don't 'Kaan Thado Parnu' to music unless you hear a hidden message in it!
Signification
To listen very carefully or be suspicious.
Use it for Gossip
This is the most natural way to describe someone getting excited about a new piece of gossip.
Don't use for 'listening to music'
You don't 'Kaan Thado Parnu' to music unless you hear a hidden message in it!
The 'Le' Particle
Remember to use 'le' with the subject in the past tense: 'Usle kaan thado paryo.'
Body Language
When saying this, Nepalis often lean forward slightly to mimic the action of perking up.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'कान ठाडो पार्नु'.
रामले गोप्य कुरा सुन्न ______।
Since 'Ram' is a third-person singular subject in the past tense, 'पार्यो' is the correct conjugation.
What does 'कान ठाडो पार्नु' mean in this sentence: 'पुलिसको नाम सुन्ने बित्तिकै उसले कान ठाडो पार्यो।'?
The meaning is:
In this context, hearing 'police' makes someone alert or wary.
Match the situation to the idiom usage.
Which situation best fits 'कान ठाडो पार्नु'?
Hearing your name triggers a sudden, focused interest, which is the definition of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तिमी किन त्यसरी बसिरहेको? B: चुप लाग! उनीहरूले हाम्रो बारेमा कुरा गर्दैछन्, त्यसैले मैले ______।
'कान ठाडो पारेको' fits the context of listening to people talking about you.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ear Idioms Comparison
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesरामले गोप्य कुरा सुन्न ______।
Since 'Ram' is a third-person singular subject in the past tense, 'पार्यो' is the correct conjugation.
The meaning is:
In this context, hearing 'police' makes someone alert or wary.
Which situation best fits 'कान ठाडो पार्नु'?
Hearing your name triggers a sudden, focused interest, which is the definition of the idiom.
A: तिमी किन त्यसरी बसिरहेको? B: चुप लाग! उनीहरूले हाम्रो बारेमा कुरा गर्दैछन्, त्यसैले मैले ______।
'कान ठाडो पारेको' fits the context of listening to people talking about you.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! It is actually more literal when used for dogs or cats. 'मेरो कुकुरले कान ठाडो पार्यो' is perfectly correct.
It can be slightly teasing. If you say it to a friend, it's fine. If you say it about a superior, it might imply they are nosy.
The opposite would be 'कानमा तेल हालेर बस्नु' (to ignore everything).
No, 'Thado' just means upright. You can have a 'Thado ukalo' (a steep uphill climb).
Probably not. Use more formal words like 'ध्यान दिनु' (to pay attention) or 'सजग हुनु' (to be alert).
Often, yes. It suggests they were not part of the conversation but became interested in it.
You can say 'म सुन्दैछु' or more idiomatically 'मेरो कान तिमीतिरै छ' (My ear is towards you). 'Kaan Thado Parnu' is more about the *start* of listening.
Yes, it is a universal Nepali idiom understood by all speakers.
Yes: 'उसले यो कुरा सुनेपछि कान ठाडो पार्नेछ।' (He will perk up his ears after hearing this.)
'Thapnu' is more about the physical act of trying to hear a quiet sound. 'Thado Parnu' is about the mental state of alertness.
Expressions liées
कान थाप्नु
similarTo eavesdrop or listen intently.
सजग हुनु
synonymTo be alert.
कान फुक्नु
contrastTo poison someone's mind against another.
कान खानु
contrastTo annoy by over-talking.
कानमा तेल हाल्नु
contrastTo ignore everything.
