Signification
To pay close attention or eavesdrop.
Contexte culturel
In traditional Nepali villages, houses often have shared walls or are very close. 'Kān thāpnu' was a literal way to keep up with village news through thin partitions. In modern Kathmandu, 'Kān thāpnu' is often used regarding political 'guff' (talk) in tea shops where people try to catch the latest rumors. The concept of 'walls having ears' is universal in South Asia, making the act of 'catching' those sounds a common literary trope. Teachers frequently use this phrase to demand focus, emphasizing that students should 'catch' the knowledge being shared.
Use with 'Sutukka'
Pair it with 'सुटुक्क' (sutukka) to sound like a native when describing someone being sneaky.
Don't use for 'Hearing'
Remember, if you just hear a loud noise, don't use this. It's only for when you *try* to hear.
Signification
To pay close attention or eavesdrop.
Use with 'Sutukka'
Pair it with 'सुटुक्क' (sutukka) to sound like a native when describing someone being sneaky.
Don't use for 'Hearing'
Remember, if you just hear a loud noise, don't use this. It's only for when you *try* to hear.
Politeness
Telling an elder 'Kān thāpa' is rude. Use 'Kān thāpnu-hos' to be respectful.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'thāpnu'.
उसले हाम्रो गोप्य कुरा सुन्न ढोकामा कान ______।
The past tense 'thāpyo' fits the context of someone having listened to a secret.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'Listen carefully'?
Choose the correct sentence:
Listening to a teacher (guru) requires the attention implied by 'kān thāpera'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: You are trying to hear a very quiet whisper from across the room.
'Kān thāpnu' is the only idiom here that means listening intently.
Complete the dialogue.
राम: 'तिमी किन ढोका नजिक बसेको?' श्याम: 'म भित्रको कुरा सुन्न ______।'
'Kān thāpdaichu' means 'I am eavesdropping/listening closely'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesउसले हाम्रो गोप्य कुरा सुन्न ढोकामा कान ______।
The past tense 'thāpyo' fits the context of someone having listened to a secret.
Choose the correct sentence:
Listening to a teacher (guru) requires the attention implied by 'kān thāpera'.
Situation: You are trying to hear a very quiet whisper from across the room.
'Kān thāpnu' is the only idiom here that means listening intently.
राम: 'तिमी किन ढोका नजिक बसेको?' श्याम: 'म भित्रको कुरा सुन्न ______।'
'Kān thāpdaichu' means 'I am eavesdropping/listening closely'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo. It can mean paying respectful attention to a teacher or trying to hear a quiet announcement.
Yes, you can say a dog 'kān thāpyo' when it hears a strange sound.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'Kān thunnu' (to close/block ears) is the physical opposite.
Yes, many folk songs use it to describe a lover listening for their partner's footsteps.
'Ma kān thāpera sundaichu' is the closest equivalent.
It's better to use 'Dhyān di-era sunnu' (listen with attention) in a formal meeting.
Yes, that is one of its primary meanings, especially when used with 'sutukka' (secretly).
Yes, 'thāpnu' is used in 'dhāp thāpnu' (to support/encourage).
No, it is strictly for auditory (hearing) activities.
While it's an idiom, the words are basic, so A1 learners encounter it early in social contexts.
Expressions liées
कान लगाउनु
synonymTo apply the ear; to listen intently.
कान फुक्नु
contrastTo whisper into someone's ear (often to brainwash them).
कान खानु
contrastTo annoy someone with too much talking.
ध्यान दिनु
similarTo pay attention.
