Signification
A gesture of deep respect (literal or figurative).
Contexte culturel
The gesture is linked to the concept of 'Shaktipat', where spiritual energy is believed to be transmitted from the elder to the younger. In Newari culture, the 'Dhok' is often accompanied by offering a small coin or 'Dakshina' to the elder as a sign of respect. Many young people now perform a 'symbolic' dhok, where they touch their own forehead and then point towards the elder's feet without actually bending all the way down. In countries like the US or UK, the practice is often reserved for the most significant holidays to maintain a connection to heritage.
The Right Hand Rule
Always use your right hand or both hands to touch feet. Using only the left hand is considered disrespectful.
Don't Overdo It
If you touch the feet of someone only slightly older than you in a casual setting, it might be seen as a joke.
Signification
A gesture of deep respect (literal or figurative).
The Right Hand Rule
Always use your right hand or both hands to touch feet. Using only the left hand is considered disrespectful.
Don't Overdo It
If you touch the feet of someone only slightly older than you in a casual setting, it might be seen as a joke.
The Blessing Response
After you touch someone's feet, stay bowed for a second to allow them to place their hand on your head.
Gender Nuance
In some families, men prostrate fully, while women might only touch the feet with their hands.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct possessive marker.
म आमा___ खुट्टा ढोग्छु।
In Nepali, you touch 'the feet OF the mother', so 'को' (ko) is required.
Which situation is appropriate for 'Khutta Dhognu'?
तपाईं कहिले खुट्टा ढोग्नुहुन्छ?
Dashain is the primary time for seeking blessings from elders through this gesture.
Complete the dialogue between a father and son.
छोरा: बुबा, ढोग गरेँ। बुबा: _________।
An elder typically responds with a blessing (Aashirwad) like 'Study hard, be good'.
Match the phrase to the register.
Match: 1. गोडा ढोग्नु, 2. खुट्टा ढोग्नु, 3. ढोग ठोक्नु
'Goda' is very formal, 'Khutta' is common, and 'Thoknu' is slangy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Namaste vs. Khutta Dhognu
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesम आमा___ खुट्टा ढोग्छु।
In Nepali, you touch 'the feet OF the mother', so 'को' (ko) is required.
तपाईं कहिले खुट्टा ढोग्नुहुन्छ?
Dashain is the primary time for seeking blessings from elders through this gesture.
छोरा: बुबा, ढोग गरेँ। बुबा: _________।
An elder typically responds with a blessing (Aashirwad) like 'Study hard, be good'.
Match: 1. गोडा ढोग्नु, 2. खुट्टा ढोग्नु, 3. ढोग ठोक्नु
'Goda' is very formal, 'Khutta' is common, and 'Thoknu' is slangy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily. Touching with your hands and then touching your own forehead is the most common way.
Yes! Nepalis find it incredibly respectful when foreigners understand and perform this gesture correctly.
It is polite to remove your hat or cap before bowing to show full humility.
Yes, 'Dhok' is the noun form. You can say 'Dhok gareko' (I did a bow).
While it has Hindu roots, it is practiced by many Nepalis regardless of religion as a cultural sign of respect.
Usually no, unless it's a very traditional setting and they are much older.
Namaste is a general greeting; Dhok is specifically for elders and involves a physical bow.
In traditional homes, children might do it every morning, but for most, it's for special occasions.
Usually, you don't have to say anything, or you can say 'Dhog gareँ' (I offer my bows).
Yes, if a friend does something 'heroic', you might jokingly say 'Lau, timro khutta dhognu paryo' (Wow, I must touch your feet).
Expressions liées
आशीर्वाद लिनु
builds onTo take blessings
नमस्ते गर्नु
similarTo greet with folded hands
शिर निहुराउनु
similarTo bow the head
चाकरी गर्नु
contrastTo flatter or be a sycophant
पाउ पुज्नु
specialized formTo worship the feet
