Signification
Expressing the need to sleep.
Contexte culturel
Sleep is often discussed openly. It is not considered lazy to admit you are sleepy, especially after a long day of physical labor or social interaction. Among young people, 'Nindra lagyo' is a common way to 'ghost' or end a late-night social media conversation politely. People sleep very early (often by 8 or 9 PM) and wake up at 4 or 5 AM. Saying 'Malai nindra lagyo' at 8 PM is the standard signal for the whole house to quiet down. In Newari households, during long feasts (bhoye), if an elder says they are sleepy, it's a sign that the feast should start wrapping up.
The '-lai' Rule
Always remember that physical feelings in Nepali need the '-lai' suffix on the person. It's the golden rule of Nepali biology!
Don't say 'Ma nindra chu'
This is the most common beginner mistake. It sounds like you are saying 'I am the concept of sleep.'
Signification
Expressing the need to sleep.
The '-lai' Rule
Always remember that physical feelings in Nepali need the '-lai' suffix on the person. It's the golden rule of Nepali biology!
Don't say 'Ma nindra chu'
This is the most common beginner mistake. It sounds like you are saying 'I am the concept of sleep.'
Use 'Lagyo' for Now
Even if you are feeling sleepy right this second, use the past tense 'lagyo'. It sounds more natural than the present tense.
Polite Exit
If you are at a Nepali person's house and want to leave, this is your most polite 'get out of jail free' card.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am sleepy.'
मलाई ______ लाग्यो।
'Nindra' means sleep. 'Bhok' is hunger, 'Tirkha' is thirst, and 'Thakai' is tiredness.
Which of these is the correct way to say 'I am sleepy' in Nepali?
Choose the correct sentence:
The dative 'Malai' and the verb 'lagyo' are both required.
Complete the dialogue.
A: राति १० बज्यो। B: हो, अब म सुत्छु, मलाई _______।
Since B is going to sleep (sutchu), the reason is being sleepy.
Match the feeling to the phrase.
You have been watching a boring lecture for 2 hours. What do you say?
Boredom often leads to sleepiness in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
English vs Nepali Logic
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesमलाई ______ लाग्यो।
'Nindra' means sleep. 'Bhok' is hunger, 'Tirkha' is thirst, and 'Thakai' is tiredness.
Choose the correct sentence:
The dative 'Malai' and the verb 'lagyo' are both required.
A: राति १० बज्यो। B: हो, अब म सुत्छु, मलाई _______।
Since B is going to sleep (sutchu), the reason is being sleepy.
You have been watching a boring lecture for 2 hours. What do you say?
Boredom often leads to sleepiness in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, you can say 'Babu-lai nindra lagyo' (The baby is sleepy).
Yes, it's quite informal. If you must say it, use 'Ali thakai lageko jasto cha' (I feel a bit tired) instead.
'Nidra' is the formal Sanskrit spelling, while 'Nindra' is how everyone actually says it in daily life.
Say 'Malai nindra lageko chaina' or 'Malai nindra lagena'.
Yes, it's a common way to indirectly say something is boring, but be careful with whom you say it to!
In Nepali, once a feeling starts, it is treated as an event that has already 'happened' to you.
Just 'Nindra lagyo' is very common among friends.
Exactly! Just swap 'Nindra' for 'Bhok' (मलाई भोक लाग्यो).
Add 'dherai' before 'nindra': 'Malai dherai nindra lagyo'.
No, you must include the 'lai'. 'Ma' alone is incorrect.
Only if you have a very close relationship. Otherwise, it's too personal.
'Ma biujhiyé' (I woke up) or 'Malai nindra lagena' (I didn't feel sleepy).
No, 'lagyo' remains the same regardless of whether the speaker is male or female.
Just change the intonation: 'Timilai nindra lagyo?'
Expressions liées
मलाई थकाई लाग्यो
similarI am tired.
म निदाएँ
builds onI fell asleep.
मलाई भोक लाग्यो
similarI am hungry.
निन्द्रा हरायो
contrastSleep is lost (I can't sleep).
सुत्ने बेला भयो
similarIt's bedtime.
अल्छी लाग्यो
similarI feel lazy/bored.
