Signification
Touching someone's feet as a sign of respect.
Contexte culturel
Among Brahmins and Chhetris, touching the feet is strictly hierarchical. Sons touch parents' feet, but traditionally, daughters (once married) might not touch their parents' feet in some sub-groups, though this is changing. Newars have complex rituals where they touch the feet of elders using their hands and then bring their hands to their forehead. This is called 'Bhāyebyu'. In the southern plains, 'Charan Sparsh' is very common and often involves a full bend to touch the feet with both hands, followed by touching one's own chest and head. While 'Namaste' is common, the specific act of touching feet is often reserved for the most formal Buddhist or local shamanic rituals, or for the 'Maiti' (maternal home) elders.
The 'Air' Touch
If you are uncomfortable actually touching someone's feet, you can simply bend down and touch the floor near their feet or reach your hands toward them. Elders will understand.
Left Hand Taboo
Always use your right hand or both hands to touch the feet. Using only the left hand is considered disrespectful as the left hand is traditionally used for hygiene.
Signification
Touching someone's feet as a sign of respect.
The 'Air' Touch
If you are uncomfortable actually touching someone's feet, you can simply bend down and touch the floor near their feet or reach your hands toward them. Elders will understand.
Left Hand Taboo
Always use your right hand or both hands to touch the feet. Using only the left hand is considered disrespectful as the left hand is traditionally used for hygiene.
The Blessing Response
After you bow, stay down for a second. The elder will usually touch your head or shoulders. This is the 'Ashirvad'. Don't stand up too quickly!
In-Laws
For a new bride or groom, 'Khuttama Dhognu' is the fastest way to win the hearts of your new Nepali in-laws.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
दशैंमा टीका लगाएपछि हामीले हजुरआमाको _______ ढोग्नुपर्छ।
In Dashain, it is traditional to touch the 'feet' (khutta) after receiving Tika.
Match the situation to the correct action.
You are meeting your father-in-law for the first time at a formal dinner.
Touching the feet is the most appropriate formal greeting for a father-in-law in Nepali culture.
Which sentence uses the honorific correctly?
How do you say 'I touched the teacher's feet' respectfully?
The first sentence correctly uses the first-person past tense 'dhoge'. The third sentence is culturally impossible (teacher bowing to student).
Complete the dialogue.
आमा: 'बाबु, मामाघर जाँदा मामालाई के गर्छौ?' बाबु: 'म मामाको _______।'
A nephew should touch his maternal uncle's (Mama) feet as a sign of respect.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesदशैंमा टीका लगाएपछि हामीले हजुरआमाको _______ ढोग्नुपर्छ।
In Dashain, it is traditional to touch the 'feet' (khutta) after receiving Tika.
You are meeting your father-in-law for the first time at a formal dinner.
Touching the feet is the most appropriate formal greeting for a father-in-law in Nepali culture.
How do you say 'I touched the teacher's feet' respectfully?
The first sentence correctly uses the first-person past tense 'dhoge'. The third sentence is culturally impossible (teacher bowing to student).
आमा: 'बाबु, मामाघर जाँदा मामालाई के गर्छौ?' बाबु: 'म मामाको _______।'
A nephew should touch his maternal uncle's (Mama) feet as a sign of respect.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's usually for family, close relatives, or teachers. For strangers or distant acquaintances, a 'Namaste' is sufficient.
Yes, daughters touch parents' feet, and wives traditionally touch husbands' feet in some communities (though this is becoming less common in urban areas).
While it has Hindu roots, it is practiced by many Nepalis of different faiths (including some Buddhists and Christians) as a cultural sign of respect.
Usually, you don't have to say anything, or you can say 'Namaste' or 'Pranam'. The action speaks for itself.
You still bend down to touch their feet. If they are on the floor, you perform a deeper bow.
Nepalis find it very touching and respectful when foreigners adopt this custom with elders, but it is not expected of you.
'Namaste' is 'I bow to the divine in you' (general). 'Dhognu' is 'I humble myself at your feet' (hierarchical).
No, it is too personal and physical. Use 'Sammaan' (Respect) or 'Namaste' instead.
As soon as they can walk! Parents will guide their toddlers' hands to touch an elder's feet.
No, but 'Godā' is the more 'high-grade' or polite version used in formal speech.
Expressions liées
आशीर्वाद दिनु
builds onTo give a blessing
नमस्कार गर्नु
similarTo say Namaste
शिर निहुराउनु
similarTo bow the head
गोडा समात्नु
specialized formTo hold the feet
