Signification
A traditional greeting used at any time of day
Contexte culturel
The 'Anjali Mudra' (palms together) should be held at heart level for peers and at the chin or forehead level for very high-status individuals or deities. While Namaste is understood, 'Tashi Delek' is the preferred local greeting in the Everest region. Newar people often use 'Jojolapa' among themselves, but will use Namaste with outsiders. Younger people might just say 'Namaste' without the full bow if they are in a hurry, but they will still usually do a quick head nod.
The 'Hajur' Add-on
Add 'Hajur' after Namaste (Namaste Hajur) to sound like a local who deeply respects Nepali culture.
Don't Over-bow
A slight tilt of the head is enough. You don't need to bend at the waist unless you are meeting a high priest or royalty!
Signification
A traditional greeting used at any time of day
The 'Hajur' Add-on
Add 'Hajur' after Namaste (Namaste Hajur) to sound like a local who deeply respects Nepali culture.
Don't Over-bow
A slight tilt of the head is enough. You don't need to bend at the waist unless you are meeting a high priest or royalty!
Eye Contact
While saying Namaste to an elder, it is polite to look slightly down rather than staring directly into their eyes.
Hands Occupied?
If your hands are full, a simple head nod and a clear 'Namaste' is perfectly acceptable.
Teste-toi
Which greeting is most appropriate when meeting your Nepali teacher for the first time?
Meeting a teacher:
Namaste is the respectful and standard greeting for teachers.
Complete the sentence to say goodbye politely.
अहिलेलाई ______, फेरि भेटौँला।
Namaste is used for saying goodbye as well.
Match the greeting to the situation.
1. Public Speech, 2. Close Friend, 3. Elder Grandmother
Namaskar for speeches, Ke cha for friends, and Namaste with a bow for elders.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: नमस्ते! B: ______! कस्तो छ?
The standard response to Namaste is Namaste.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMeeting a teacher:
Namaste is the respectful and standard greeting for teachers.
अहिलेलाई ______, फेरि भेटौँला।
Namaste is used for saying goodbye as well.
1. Public Speech, 2. Close Friend, 3. Elder Grandmother
Namaskar for speeches, Ke cha for friends, and Namaste with a bow for elders.
A: नमस्ते! B: ______! कस्तो छ?
The standard response to Namaste is Namaste.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but usually the younger person should say it first. If you say it first to a child, it's seen as very kind and encouraging.
It has Hindu/Buddhist roots, but in modern Nepal, it is a secular national greeting used by Christians, Muslims, and atheists alike.
In formal or respectful situations, yes. With friends, a verbal 'Namaste' or a wave is okay.
Namaskar is more formal. Use Namaste for 1-on-1 and Namaskar for groups or very important people.
Yes! It works for 'Good Evening' and 'Good Night' as well.
Locals love it! It shows you are making an effort to respect their culture.
Yes, it is a very common way to say goodbye.
If an elder enters the room, it is polite to stand up before saying Namaste.
Simply say 'Namaste' back with the same gesture.
No, it's just a different way of transliterating the same word into English.
Expressions liées
नमस्कार
specialized formA more formal version of Namaste.
अभिवादन
synonymFormal greeting/salutation.
स्वागत छ
builds onWelcome.
शुभ प्रभात
similarGood morning.
फेरि भेटौँला
builds onSee you again.
