Signification
To avoid speaking clearly or directly.
Contexte culturel
In Nepal, direct confrontation is often avoided to maintain 'social harmony'. This idiom is a way to call out that behavior when it becomes frustrating. Among the youth in Kathmandu, being 'straightforward' is increasingly valued, making this idiom a common tool for teasing friends who are 'acting shy'. Journalists frequently use this phrase in talk shows to pressure politicians into giving 'Yes' or 'No' answers. In villages, 'chewing words' is often associated with 'Laj' (shyness), especially among women or younger people speaking to elders.
Use it to be assertive
If someone is wasting your time with vague answers, 'Kura nachapau' is a great way to demand clarity.
Watch your tone
Saying 'Kura nachapau' to an elder or a boss can be seen as very rude. Use it with peers or juniors.
Signification
To avoid speaking clearly or directly.
Use it to be assertive
If someone is wasting your time with vague answers, 'Kura nachapau' is a great way to demand clarity.
Watch your tone
Saying 'Kura nachapau' to an elder or a boss can be seen as very rude. Use it with peers or juniors.
Combine with 'Sacho'
Pair it with 'Sacho bolnu' (speak the truth) for maximum impact: 'Kura nachapau, sacho bol!'
The 'Laj' Factor
Remember that in Nepal, 'chewing words' is often a sign of respect or shyness, not just lying.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
तिमी किन डराएको? साँचो कुरा भन, ______ नचपाऊ।
The idiom is 'कुरा चपाउनु', not food, water, or clothes.
Which situation best fits the use of 'कुरा चपाउनु'?
Select the correct context:
The idiom refers to being evasive or unclear in speech.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तिमीले मेरो किताब कहाँ राख्यौ? B: त्यो... मैले... सायद... A: ______!
Person A is frustrated by Person B's vagueness and wants them to stop 'chewing words'.
Match the feeling to the phrase.
If someone is 'कुरा चपाउँदै', they are likely feeling:
Hesitation in speech usually stems from guilt, fear, or shyness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesतिमी किन डराएको? साँचो कुरा भन, ______ नचपाऊ।
The idiom is 'कुरा चपाउनु', not food, water, or clothes.
Select the correct context:
The idiom refers to being evasive or unclear in speech.
A: तिमीले मेरो किताब कहाँ राख्यौ? B: त्यो... मैले... सायद... A: ______!
Person A is frustrated by Person B's vagueness and wants them to stop 'chewing words'.
If someone is 'कुरा चपाउँदै', they are likely feeling:
Hesitation in speech usually stems from guilt, fear, or shyness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsMostly, yes. It implies a lack of clarity which is usually frustrating, though it can be understood as shyness in some contexts.
No, that would be 'धेरै बोल्नु' (dherai bolnu). 'Kura chapaunu' is specifically about *how* they are saying it (vaguely).
हामी कुरा चपाउँछौं (Hami kura chapaunchau).
Only if you have a close relationship with the person. Otherwise, use 'Please be more specific'.
Expressions liées
कुरा घुमाउनु
similarTo twist words/beat around the bush.
कुरा काट्नु
contrastTo interrupt or to backbite.
मुख खोल्नु
contrastTo open one's mouth (to finally speak up).
लाज मान्नु
builds onTo feel shy.
