Signification
To feel shy or hesitant to speak.
Contexte culturel
In traditional Nepali homes, 'Mukha chāmnu' is often seen as a sign of 'Sanskari' (cultured) behavior in children and daughters-in-law, though this is changing in urban areas. During traditional Newari festivals, young girls are often expected to be modest. 'Mukha chāmnu' describes their behavior when being introduced to elders. In the diaspora, parents often tell their children 'मुख नछाम' (don't be shy) to encourage them to speak Nepali or participate in community events. In Rodhi Ghar (traditional social clubs), 'Mukha chāmnu' is part of the playful flirting and singing (Dohori) where one party pretends to be too shy to answer a song.
Use with 'Laj'
To sound more natural, use it with 'Laj' (shyness). For example: 'Lajle mukha chāmyo' (He hesitated because of shyness).
Don't use for 'Silence'
If someone is just being quiet because they have nothing to say, don't use this. Use it only if they *want* to speak but *can't*.
Signification
To feel shy or hesitant to speak.
Use with 'Laj'
To sound more natural, use it with 'Laj' (shyness). For example: 'Lajle mukha chāmyo' (He hesitated because of shyness).
Don't use for 'Silence'
If someone is just being quiet because they have nothing to say, don't use this. Use it only if they *want* to speak but *can't*.
The 'Negative' trick
Use 'Mukha nachāma' (Don't hesitate) as a great way to encourage friends to share their opinions.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'मुख छाम्नु'.
नयाँ मान्छे देख्दा सानो बच्चाले ______।
Since 'सानो बच्चा' (small child) is singular and the action happened in the past/general state, 'मुख छाम्यो' is the correct past tense form.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'मुख छाम्नु'?
रामले के गर्दैछ?
'Mukha chāmnu' refers to being unable to speak due to shyness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तिमी किन नबोलेको? B: मलाई त धेरै ______ लाग्यो।
'मुख छाम्न लाग्यो' means 'I felt like hesitating/felt shy'.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: A student is about to give a speech but is frozen.
'Mukha chāmnu' is for hesitation; 'Mukha lāgnu' is talking back; 'Mukha mithyāunu' is salivating for food.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesनयाँ मान्छे देख्दा सानो बच्चाले ______।
Since 'सानो बच्चा' (small child) is singular and the action happened in the past/general state, 'मुख छाम्यो' is the correct past tense form.
रामले के गर्दैछ?
'Mukha chāmnu' refers to being unable to speak due to shyness.
A: तिमी किन नबोलेको? B: मलाई त धेरै ______ लाग्यो।
'मुख छाम्न लाग्यो' means 'I felt like hesitating/felt shy'.
Context: A student is about to give a speech but is frozen.
'Mukha chāmnu' is for hesitation; 'Mukha lāgnu' is talking back; 'Mukha mithyāunu' is salivating for food.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's a descriptive idiom for shyness. However, telling someone 'Mukha nachāma' (Don't be shy) should be done in a friendly tone.
Yes, but it's informal. In a very formal meeting, you might say 'Bolna hichkichāunu' (to hesitate to speak).
Close, but 'Cat got your tongue' is usually a question asked by someone else. 'Mukha chāmnu' is a description of the person's state.
Not at all! Adults use it for themselves or others in many social situations, like meeting a boss or a crush.
Expressions liées
लाज मान्नु
synonymTo feel shy.
मुख फोर्नु
contrastTo finally speak up.
मुख लाग्नु
contrastTo talk back rudely.
जिब्रो लरबरिनु
similarTo fumble with words.
