Signification
Writing a message on paper.
Contexte culturel
The 'Hulaki' (postman) is a legendary figure in Nepal. In the past, they would blow a trumpet to announce their arrival in a village, bringing 'Patra' from loved ones. Letter writing is a mandatory part of the Nepali language curriculum from Grade 1. Students must master the 'Patra' format to pass their SLC/SEE exams. During Dashain and Tihar, people exchange 'Shuvakamana Patra' (Greeting cards). Even in the age of SMS, physical cards are still highly valued. The 'Lahure' culture (serving in foreign armies) made 'Patra lekhnu' the most important emotional act for separated families for over 200 years.
Use 'Chithi' for friends
If you want to sound more natural and less like a textbook with friends, use 'Chithi lekhnu'.
Don't forget the -le
When you say 'I wrote', you MUST say 'Maile', not 'Ma'.
Signification
Writing a message on paper.
Use 'Chithi' for friends
If you want to sound more natural and less like a textbook with friends, use 'Chithi lekhnu'.
Don't forget the -le
When you say 'I wrote', you MUST say 'Maile', not 'Ma'.
Honorifics matter
If writing to an elder, always use 'Lekhnuhos' or 'Lekhnu-bhayo'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Lekhnu' in the past tense.
मैले हिजो आमालाई पत्र _______।
Since the subject is 'Maile' (I + le) and the time is 'Hijo' (Yesterday), the past tense 'lekhe' is correct.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Choose the formal way to say 'Write a letter'.
The '-nuhos' ending is the standard high-honorific formal imperative in Nepali.
Match the Nepali phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the four basic tenses for the phrase.
Which word is best for a formal application?
If you are writing to a boss, you are writing a...
'Patra' is the appropriate formal register for professional or official correspondence.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesमैले हिजो आमालाई पत्र _______।
Since the subject is 'Maile' (I + le) and the time is 'Hijo' (Yesterday), the past tense 'lekhe' is correct.
Choose the formal way to say 'Write a letter'.
The '-nuhos' ending is the standard high-honorific formal imperative in Nepali.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four basic tenses for the phrase.
If you are writing to a boss, you are writing a...
'Patra' is the appropriate formal register for professional or official correspondence.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically no, but in formal settings, people might say 'Email-patra'. Usually, just 'Email' is used.
Patra is formal/literary; Chithi is informal/common.
No, for drawing use 'Chitra banau-nu'.
Ma tapai-lai patra lekhdaichu.
Mostly for official work or special occasions like Dashain.
It is an application letter, used for jobs or school leave.
Maya ko chithi or Prem patra.
Yes, in compounds like 'Praman-patra' (Certificate).
Patra च्यात्नु (Patra chyatnu - to tear a letter) or simply not writing.
Yes, 'Samachar-patra' is the word for newspaper.
Expressions liées
चिट्ठी पठाउनु
similarTo send a letter
निवेदन दिनु
specialized formTo give an application
उत्तर लेख्नु
builds onTo write a reply
कागज कोर्नु
informalTo scribble on paper
