Signification
Listening to audio broadcasts.
Contexte culturel
In rural Nepal, the radio is often kept in a central place in the house or carried to the fields. It is a primary source of weather forecasts for farmers. FM culture in cities like Kathmandu is vibrant. People listen to 'Call-in' shows where they can dedicate songs to friends and family. During the 1990s and the civil war, the BBC Nepali service on shortwave radio was the most trusted source of news for the entire country. Nepalis living abroad often listen to Nepali online radio stations to stay connected to their culture and language.
Use FM for Modernity
If you want to sound more modern or urban, say 'Ma FM sunchu' instead of 'Rediyo sunchu'.
Watch the 'N'
Ensure you pronounce the double 'n' in 'sunnu' clearly to avoid confusion with 'sunu' (gold).
Signification
Listening to audio broadcasts.
Use FM for Modernity
If you want to sound more modern or urban, say 'Ma FM sunchu' instead of 'Rediyo sunchu'.
Watch the 'N'
Ensure you pronounce the double 'n' in 'sunnu' clearly to avoid confusion with 'sunu' (gold).
The 'Le' Rule
Always remember: 'Maile rediyo sune' (Past) but 'Ma rediyo sunchu' (Present). This is the #1 grammar hurdle for beginners.
Radio Nepal News
If you mention 'Radio Nepal ko samachar', every Nepali will know exactly what you mean—it's a national icon.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'sunnu' for 'I'.
म रेडियो _______।
For the first person singular 'म' (Ma), the verb ending is 'छु' (chu).
Which sentence means 'I listened to the radio' (Past Tense)?
Select the correct past tense sentence:
In the past tense of a transitive verb, the subject 'म' becomes 'मैले' and the verb becomes 'सुनेँ'.
Match the Nepali phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four basic actions related to radio usage.
Complete the dialogue with the correct honorific.
A: बुबा, तपाईं के गर्दै हुनुहुन्छ? B: म _______।
When the father (B) speaks about himself, he uses the neutral/polite 'chu' ending, not the high honorific 'hunuhuncha' which is for others.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Listen vs Watch
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesम रेडियो _______।
For the first person singular 'म' (Ma), the verb ending is 'छु' (chu).
Select the correct past tense sentence:
In the past tense of a transitive verb, the subject 'म' becomes 'मैले' and the verb becomes 'सुनेँ'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four basic actions related to radio usage.
A: बुबा, तपाईं के गर्दै हुनुहुन्छ? B: म _______।
When the father (B) speaks about himself, he uses the neutral/polite 'chu' ending, not the high honorific 'hunuhuncha' which is for others.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it is a loanword from English, but it is used universally in Nepal.
Yes, 'Podcast sunnu' is perfectly acceptable and common among younger people.
'Sunnu' is for audio (listening), 'hernu' is for visual (watching).
You can say 'Radio kholnu' (literally: open the radio) or 'Radio lagaunu'.
FM refers to the private stations that became popular in the 90s, often associated with music and entertainment.
The dictionary form 'sunnu' is neutral. It changes based on the ending (e.g., 'sunnuhos' is formal).
No, 'Maile' is only for the past tense. Say 'Ma rediyo sunchu'.
It is the state-owned national radio station of Nepal, founded in 1951.
Say 'Ma rediyo sundaichu'.
Yes, especially in rural areas and in cars/taxis in the city.
The past tense for 'I' is 'sune' (मैले सुनेँ).
Yes, it covers both 'to hear' and 'to listen'.
Not really, but 'FM' is the casual alternative.
Say 'Sunnus' (polite) or 'Sun' (informal).
Expressions liées
गीत सुन्नु
similarTo listen to songs
समाचार सुन्नु
similarTo listen to the news
रेडियो बजाउनु
builds onTo play/turn on the radio
टीभी हेर्नु
contrastTo watch TV
