Signification
To maintain one's reputation or dignity.
Contexte culturel
In Nepal, the 'nose' is so tied to honor that people often say 'Mero naak gayo' (My nose went) to mean they are deeply ashamed. The concept of 'Izzat' (Honor) is shared across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with similar 'nose' idioms in Hindi (Naak Rakhna) and Bengali. In mountain communities, bringing honor to the community through successful expeditions is a major way of 'keeping the nose.'
Use with Genitive
Always specify *whose* nose is being kept (My, Your, His, Nepal's).
Not for small things
Don't use it for buying groceries or waking up on time; it sounds sarcastic.
Signification
To maintain one's reputation or dignity.
Use with Genitive
Always specify *whose* nose is being kept (My, Your, His, Nepal's).
Not for small things
Don't use it for buying groceries or waking up on time; it sounds sarcastic.
The 'Izzat' connection
If you forget 'Naak Rakhnu', you can almost always use 'Izzat Rakhnu' as a safe alternative.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Naak Rakhnu'.
छोरीले डाक्टर बनेर परिवारको _______।
The daughter became a doctor, which is a proud achievement, so she 'kept the nose' (नाक राखी).
Match the situation to the correct idiom.
A player wins a gold medal for Nepal.
Winning a gold medal brings honor to the country.
Complete the dialogue.
आमा: 'छोरा, परीक्षा कस्तो भयो?' छोरा: 'धेरै राम्रो भयो आमा, तपाईंको _______!'
The son is reporting a good exam result to his mother.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesछोरीले डाक्टर बनेर परिवारको _______।
The daughter became a doctor, which is a proud achievement, so she 'kept the nose' (नाक राखी).
A player wins a gold medal for Nepal.
Winning a gold medal brings honor to the country.
आमा: 'छोरा, परीक्षा कस्तो भयो?' छोरा: 'धेरै राम्रो भयो आमा, तपाईंको _______!'
The son is reporting a good exam result to his mother.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is a very respectful way to acknowledge someone's achievement.
Yes, but it's more common (and humble) to say you kept *someone else's* nose (like your parents').
The opposite is 'Naak Kaatnu' (to cut the nose), meaning to bring shame.
Yes, you will often see it in newspapers and speeches.
No, it can apply to teams, companies, and even the whole country.
No, it is a traditional idiom that is widely accepted in all levels of society.
उनीहरूले नाक राखे (Uniharu-le naak rakhe).
Yes, 'Naak Jogaunu' (to save the nose) is a very common synonym.
Yes, the Hindi equivalent 'Naak Rakhna' is identical in meaning.
The nose is seen as the center of the face and the symbol of a person's dignity.
Expressions liées
नाक काट्नु
contrastTo bring shame.
नाक ठूलो पार्नु
similarTo be proud/boastful.
इज्जत जोगाउनु
synonymTo save honor.
मुख देखाउनु
builds onTo show one's face.
