The Nepali verb गाउनु (Gaunu) is a foundational action word that translates directly to the English verb 'to sing.' At its simplest level, it refers to the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, typically with words. In the context of Nepali culture, where music is inextricably linked to daily life, religion, and social structures, the word carries significant weight. You will hear this word in diverse settings ranging from the high-altitude pastures of the Himalayas to the bustling streets of Kathmandu. It is an A1-level word because of its high frequency and essential nature in basic communication. Whether you are discussing a favorite artist, participating in a religious ceremony, or engaging in a traditional folk duet, this verb is your primary tool for expression.
- Literal Meaning
- To vocalize music; to perform a song using one's voice.
- Social Context
- Often used in communal settings like 'Dohori' (folk duets) or during festivals like Tihar when 'Deusi-Bhailo' songs are performed.
तिमी धेरै राम्रो गीत गाउँछौ। (You sing songs very well.)
Beyond the literal act of singing, gaunu can also imply the celebration or praising of something. In religious contexts, one might 'gaunu' the glories of a deity (Bhajan gaunu). In a more modern, secular sense, it is used to describe the profession of a singer (gayak). The verb follows standard Nepali conjugation patterns for transitive verbs, meaning it usually takes an object—the 'geet' (song) being sung. Understanding this word requires more than just knowing the translation; it requires an appreciation for the melodic nature of the Nepali language itself, which is often described as 'sing-song' by learners due to its rhythmic cadence and tonal shifts in different dialects.
के तिमीलाई नेपाली गीत गाउन मनपर्छ? (Do you like to sing Nepali songs?)
- Transitivity
- It is a transitive verb, usually requiring the object 'गीत' (geet - song).
When you travel through Nepal, you will find that singing is a primary form of storytelling. In rural areas, 'Gaine' or 'Gandharba' communities traditionally traveled from village to village to 'gaunu' news and legends, acting as human newspapers. Thus, the verb is linked to the preservation of history and oral tradition. Even in contemporary Nepal, reality shows like 'Nepal Idol' have made the act of 'gaunu' a path to national stardom, blending traditional styles with global pop influences. Therefore, mastering this verb allows you to tap into the heartbeat of Nepali cultural identity.
मलाई भजन गाउनु छ। (I have to sing a hymn.)
चराहरूले मिठा धुन गाइरहेका छन्। (The birds are singing sweet tunes.)
- Metaphorical Use
- Can refer to the sounds of nature, like birds or the wind, personifying them as singers.
हामी सबै मिलेर राष्ट्रिय गान गाऔं। (Let's all sing the national anthem together.)
Using गाउनु correctly requires understanding Nepali verb conjugation, which changes based on the subject's gender, number, and status (honorific level). For English speakers, the most important thing to remember is the subject-object-verb (SOV) order. You don't just 'sing'; you 'song sing.' In this section, we will explore various tenses and levels of politeness to ensure you can use this verb in any social situation.
- Present Tense (Habitual)
- Used for things you do regularly. 'Ma geet gauchu' (I sing songs).
- Past Tense (Completed)
- Requires the '-le' particle for the subject. 'Usle geet gaayo' (He/She sang a song).
मेरो साथीले स्टेजमा गीत गायो। (My friend sang a song on stage.)
Honorifics are crucial in Nepali. If you are talking about an elder or someone you respect, you must use the high-honorific form 'gaunuhunchha.' For example, 'Aamaale geet gaunuhunchha' (Mother sings a song). Using the low-honorific 'gauchha' for an elder is considered very rude. Conversely, when talking to a close friend or a child, the medium or low honorific is appropriate. This distinction is one of the most common hurdles for learners but is essential for natural-sounding speech.
गुरुआमाले धेरै राम्रो भजन गाउनुहुन्छ। (The teacher sings hymns very beautifully.)
Continuous forms are created by adding 'da' or 'raheko' to the root 'ga-'. For example, 'Ma geet gaudaichu' (I am singing a song). This is used when the action is happening right at the moment of speaking. If you want to express a desire, you use the infinitive form plus 'man laagcha' (I feel like singing): 'Malaai geet gauna man laagcha.' This structure is very common in daily conversation when expressing preferences or moods.
- Future Tense
- 'Ma bholi geet gaunechu' (I will sing a song tomorrow).
भोलिको कार्यक्रममा तिमीले के गाउनेछौ? (What will you sing in tomorrow's program?)
Negative forms are equally important. To say 'I don't sing,' you would say 'Ma geet gaudina.' The suffix changes to indicate the negative. In the past tense, 'I didn't sing' becomes 'Maile geet gaaina.' Note how the subject marker 'maile' is still used in the past negative. Practicing these variations will help you move from basic vocabulary to fluid conversation.
उसले आजसम्म एउटा पनि गीत गाएको छैन। (He has not sung even a single song until today.)
- Imperative (Command)
- 'Geet gaau!' (Sing a song! - Informal) or 'Geet gaunuhos' (Please sing a song - Polite).
कृपया, एउटा नेपाली लोक गीत गाउनुहोस्। (Please, sing a Nepali folk song.)
If you are in Nepal, you will hear the word गाउनु everywhere, from the radio in a local 'chiya pasal' (tea shop) to the grand stages of Kathmandu. Music is the soul of Nepal, and singing is the primary way that soul expresses itself. One of the most common places to encounter this word is during the festival of Tihar. During the nights of Tihar, groups of children and adults go from house to house to perform 'Deusi' and 'Bhailo.' You will hear householders asking, 'Kasto geet gaune?' (What kind of song will you sing?) as they prepare to give out treats and money.
- Festivals
- Tihar (Deusi-Bhailo), Teej (women's songs), and various local 'melas' (fairs).
- Media
- FM radio stations, YouTube music videos, and television singing competitions.
तिहारमा देउसी गाउनु हाम्रो परम्परा हो। (Singing Deusi during Tihar is our tradition.)
Another frequent context is 'Dohori' restaurants. Dohori is a unique form of Nepali folk music where two singers (usually a man and a woman) engage in a lyrical battle, improvising verses to outwit each other. In these venues, the host might invite the audience by saying, 'Kohi geet gauna chahanuhunchha?' (Does anyone want to sing a song?). This reflects the participatory nature of Nepali music; it is not just for professionals, but for everyone. Even in rural fields, you might hear farmers 'gaunu' while they work, using the rhythm of the music to coordinate their labor or simply to pass the time during the arduous planting and harvesting seasons.
दोहोरी साँझमा गायकहरूले दोहोरी गाउँछन्। (In a Dohori evening, singers sing Dohori.)
Religious settings are also prime locations for this verb. Nepal is a deeply spiritual country, and 'Bhajans' (devotional songs) are a daily occurrence in temples and homes. During 'Satsangs' (spiritual gatherings), people gather to 'gaunu' praises of the divine. You will hear phrases like 'Bhajan gauna baki cha' (The hymn is yet to be sung). This use of the word emphasizes the meditative and communal aspects of singing. Whether it is a classical 'Raga' or a simple folk tune, the act of singing is seen as a way to connect with the sacred.
- Daily Life
- Lullabies (Angai) sung by mothers to children, or friends singing together during a picnic.
आमाले बच्चालाई फकाउन लोरी गाउनुभयो। (Mother sang a lullaby to soothe the child.)
In modern urban life, karaoke has also become popular. You might hear young people in Thamel or Pokhara saying, 'Aaja karaoke gauna jaane ho?' (Are we going to sing karaoke today?). This shows how the traditional verb 'gaunu' has adapted to include modern forms of entertainment. Regardless of the genre—be it 'Lok Geet' (folk), 'Adhunik Geet' (modern), or 'Pop'—the verb 'gaunu' remains the central pillar for all vocal musical activities in Nepal.
रेडियोमा कसले गीत गाइरहेको छ? (Who is singing the song on the radio?)
- Public Spaces
- Bus stations where vendors might sing out their prices, or street performers (Gandharbas) playing the Sarangi.
गन्धर्वहरूले गाउँ-गाउँमा गएर गीत गाउँछन्। (Gandharbas go from village to village and sing songs.)
Learning to use गाउनु correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. The most frequent mistake is related to the transitive nature of the verb. In English, you can simply say 'I sing,' but in Nepali, it sounds incomplete without an object like 'geet' (song). Beginners often say 'Ma gaunchu,' which, while grammatically possible, sounds abrupt. It is much more natural to say 'Ma geet gaunchu' (I sing songs).
- Missing Object
- Failing to include 'गीत' (geet) before the verb.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Confusing the first-person 'gaunchu' with the third-person 'gauchha'.
म गीत गाउँछ। (Incorrect) -> म गीत गाउँछु। (Correct)
Another major stumbling block is the use of the agentive marker '-le' in the past tense. English speakers often forget that when they say 'I sang,' the 'I' must become 'Maile.' If you say 'Ma geet gaaye,' it is technically incorrect for a transitive verb like 'gaunu' in the past tense. The correct form is 'Maile geet gaaye.' This rule applies to all transitive verbs in the past tense, but 'gaunu' is where many students first encounter this challenge.
उ गीत गायो। (Incorrect) -> उसले गीत गायो। (Correct)
Phonetic confusion is also common. The word 'गाउनु' (gaunu - to sing) sounds somewhat similar to 'खन्नु' (khannu - to dig) or 'गन्नु' (gannu - to count) to the untrained ear. Mistaking 'gaunu' for 'gannu' can lead to funny situations, like telling someone to 'count a song' instead of 'sing a song.' Pay close attention to the 'Gaa' (गा) sound, which is a voiced velar plosive followed by a long 'aa' vowel. Practicing the aspiration and vowel length will help distinguish it from similar-sounding words.
- Honorific Mismatch
- Using low honorifics for elders (e.g., using 'gauchha' for a grandfather instead of 'gaunuhunchha').
हजुरबुबा गीत गाउँछ। (Incorrect) -> हजुरबुबा गीत गाउनुहुन्छ। (Correct)
Finally, learners often struggle with the 'n-root' vs 'non-n root' conjugation. 'Gaunu' is a vowel-ending root (ga-), which means it conjugates differently than consonant-ending roots like 'khannu' (khan-). For example, the infinitive for 'to want to sing' is 'gauna' (not 'gaunu'), while 'to want to eat' is 'khana.' Understanding these subtle shifts in the infinitive stem will prevent you from making 'gaunu' sound like a foreign word when you try to use it in complex sentences.
मलाई गीत गाउनु मनपर्छ। (Awkward) -> मलाई गीत गाउन मनपर्छ। (Natural)
- Confusion with 'Bajaunu'
- Using 'gaunu' for instruments. You 'gaunu' (sing) a song, but you 'bajaunu' (play) a guitar.
उसले गितार गाउँछ। (Incorrect) -> उसले गितार बजाउँछ। (Correct)
While गाउनु is the most common word for singing, the Nepali language offers a rich palette of synonyms and related terms that convey different nuances of vocal performance. Depending on the volume, the intent, or the musical style, you might choose a different word to be more precise. Understanding these alternatives will elevate your Nepali from basic to advanced.
- गुन्गुनाउनु (Gungunaunu)
- To hum or to sing softly to oneself. Use this when you aren't performing but just making music for your own pleasure.
- आलाप्नु (Alaapnu)
- To vocalize or chant, often used in the context of classical music (Raga) or a long, drawn-out vocal intro.
उ एक्लै कोठामा गीत गुन्गुनाउँदै थियो। (He was humming a song alone in the room.)
In religious contexts, 'Bhajan garnu' (to do hymns) or 'Kirtan garnu' (to do group chanting) are often preferred over simply 'gaunu.' These terms imply a spiritual act rather than just a musical one. Similarly, if someone is singing very loudly or shouting in a melodic way (like a street hawker), you might use 'karaunu' (to shout), though this is less musical. For formal performances, 'prastut garnu' (to present/perform) is used: 'Usle geet prastut garyo' (He performed a song).
हामीले मन्दिरमा भजन गर्यौं। (We performed/did hymns in the temple.)
There are also words related to the quality of singing. 'Swar kinnu' is a technical term for training the voice, and 'Swar milayera gaunu' means to sing in harmony or in tune. If someone is singing out of tune, you might say 'Besur gaunu.' Understanding these descriptors helps you talk about music more effectively. Furthermore, the word 'vachchan garnu' is used for chanting mantras or reciting scriptures melodiously, which is a specific type of 'gaunu' found in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
- Comparison: Gaunu vs. Bajaunu
- 'Gaunu' is only for the voice. 'Bajaunu' is for instruments like the Madal, Sarangi, or Guitar.
गायकले गीत गायो र बादकले मादल बजायो। (The singer sang a song and the percussionist played the Madal.)
Finally, consider the word 'ratnu' (to rote/chant repeatedly). While not always musical, it describes the repetitive 'singing' of facts or lessons, similar to how children might sing their ABCs. By choosing between 'gaunu,' 'gungunaunu,' 'alaapnu,' and 'bhajan garnu,' you can accurately describe the soundscape of any Nepali environment. Each word carries a different emotional and social weight, and using them correctly shows a deep respect for the nuances of the Nepali language.
उनको स्वर मधुर छ, त्यसैले उनी राम्रो गाउँछिन्। (Her voice is sweet, so she sings well.)
- Classical Term
- 'Gayan' (गायन्) - The formal noun for the act of singing or the art of vocal music.
शास्त्रीय संगीतमा गायन कला धेरै महत्वपूर्ण हुन्छ। (In classical music, the art of singing is very important.)
レベル別の例文
म गीत गाउँछु।
I sing songs.
First-person singular present tense.
तिमी गीत गाउँछौ?
Do you sing songs?
Second-person (medium honorific) question.
उनी धेरै राम्रो गाउँछिन्।
She sings very well.
Third-person feminine present tense.
हामी सबै गाऔं।
Let's all sing.
First-person plural hortative (let's).
यो गीत गाउनुहोस्।
Please sing this song.
High honorific imperative.
मलाई गाउन मनपर्छ।
I like to sing.
Infinitive used with 'manparcha'.
बच्चाले गीत गाउँछ।
The child sings a song.
Third-person masculine/neutral present tense.
के तिमी गाउन सक्छौ?
Can you sing?
Infinitive with 'saknu' (can).
मैले हिजो एउटा गीत गाएँ।
I sang a song yesterday.
First-person past tense with '-le' on the subject.
उसले धेरै राम्रो गायो।
He/She sang very well.
Third-person past tense with '-le'.
आमाले भजन गाउनुभयो।
Mother sang a hymn.
High honorific past tense.
हामी भोलि गीत गाउनेछौं।
We will sing a song tomorrow.
First-person plural future tense.
तिमीले किन नगाएको?
Why didn't you sing?
Negative perfect aspect used as a question.
मलाई गीत गाउन आउँदैन।
I don't know how to sing.
Expressing lack of ability using 'aunu'.
उनीहरूले राष्ट्रिय गान गाए।
They sang the national anthem.
Third-person plural past tense.
म गीत गाउँदै घर गएँ।
I went home while singing.
Present participle 'gaudai' (while singing).
मलाई एउटा नेपाली लोक गीत गाउन मन छ।
I have a desire to sing a Nepali folk song.
Infinitive with 'man cha' for desire.
उनी स्टेजमा गीत गाइरहेकी छिन्।
She is singing a song on stage.
Present continuous tense (feminine).
मैले गीत गाउन सिक्नुपर्छ।
I must learn to sing.
Infinitive with 'parcha' for obligation.
के तपाईलाई गीत गाउन मनपर्छ?
Do you (formal) like to sing?
High honorific question.
उसले गीत गाउन छोड्यो।
He stopped singing.
Compound verb with 'chodnu'.
हामीले सँगै गाउनु पर्छ।
We should sing together.
Infinitive with 'parcha' for suggestion/necessity.
त्यो गायकले धेरै मिठो गाउँछ।
That singer sings very sweetly.
Adverbial use of 'mitho' (sweetly).
तिमीले गाएको गीत मलाई मनपर्यो।
I liked the song you sang.
Relative clause using the past participle 'gaeko'.
गुरुले मलाई गीत गाउन लगाउनुभयो।
The teacher made me sing a song.
Causative structure (gauna lagaunu).
यदि उसले राम्रो गाएको भए जित्ने थियो।
If he had sung well, he would have won.
Past conditional tense.
गाउनु भन्दा अगाडि पानी पिउनुहोस्।
Please drink water before singing.
Infinitive with 'bhanda agadi' (before).
यो गीत गाउन अलि गाह्रो छ।
This song is a bit difficult to sing.
Infinitive used as a subject/complement.
उनी गाउनमा निकै निपुण छिन्।
She is very skilled in singing.
Locative case on the infinitive 'gauna-ma'.
जति धेरै गाउनुहुन्छ, त्यति नै राम्रो हुन्छ।
The more you sing, the better it gets.
Correlative structure (jati... tyati).
उनले गाएको सुनेर म भावुक भएँ।
I became emotional hearing her sing.
Hearing the action (gaeko sunera).
उनले गीत गाउन थालेको धेरै वर्ष भयो।
It has been many years since he started singing.
Expressing duration since an action started.
चराहरूको चिरबिर आवाजले प्रकृतिले नै गीत गाइरहेको भान हुन्छ।
The chirping of birds makes it feel as if nature itself is singing.
Metaphorical use in a complex sentence.
उनको गायन शैलीले शास्त्रीय संगीतको गहिराइ झल्काउँछ।
His singing style reflects the depth of classical music.
Noun form 'gayan' used in a formal context.
सबैका अगाडि गाउनु भनेको साहसको काम हो।
To sing in front of everyone is an act of courage.
Infinitive used as a gerund/subject.
उनले आफ्नो वेदना गीत मार्फत गाएर व्यक्त गरे।
He expressed his pain by singing through a song.
Using the 'era' participle to show means/method.
गीत गाउनु मात्र ठूलो कुरा होइन, त्यसको मर्म बुझ्नु पर्छ।
Just singing is not a big deal; one must understand its essence.
Contrastive structure with 'matra'.
दोहोरी गाउँदा तत्कालै शब्दहरू सिर्जना गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ।
While singing Dohori, one has to create words instantly.
Temporal use of 'gauda' (while singing).
उनले गाएको प्रत्येक शब्दमा एउटा कथा लुकेको छ।
In every word he sang, a story is hidden.
Relative participle 'gaeko' modifying 'sabda'.
सांस्कृतिक सम्पदा बचाउन लोक गीत गाउनु अपरिहार्य छ।
Singing folk songs is indispensable to save cultural heritage.
Formal vocabulary like 'aparihariya' (indispensable).
गायनको माध्यमबाट उनले समाजमा व्याप्त विसंगतिहरू विरुद्ध आवाज उठाए।
Through the medium of singing, he raised his voice against the anomalies prevalent in society.
Highly formal/academic sentence structure.
आत्माको गीत गाउनु नै वास्तविक शान्तिको मार्ग हो।
Singing the song of the soul is the path to true peace.
Philosophical/Abstract use of 'gaunu'.
गन्धर्वहरूको सारंगीको धुनसँगै गाइने गाथाले इतिहासलाई जीवन्त राखेको छ।
The sagas sung along with the tunes of the Gandharbas' Sarangi have kept history alive.
Passive-like participle 'gaine' (that which is sung).
उनको स्वरमा यस्तो जादू छ कि ढुंगा पनि पग्लिएर गाउन थाल्छ जस्तो लाग्छ।
There is such magic in his voice that it feels as if even stones would melt and start singing.
Hyperbolic/Poetic expression.
सांगीतिक साधना बिना उत्कृष्ट गाउनु असम्भव प्रायः छ।
Without musical dedication, singing excellently is nearly impossible.
Use of 'asambhava praya' (nearly impossible).
नेपाली साहित्यमा कवितालाई पनि गाउने परम्परा रहेको छ।
In Nepali literature, there is a tradition of singing poetry as well.
Discussing literary traditions.
उनले गाएको गीतको लय र तालको तालमेल अद्भुत छ।
The harmony of rhythm and beat in the song he sang is wonderful.
Technical musical vocabulary (laya, taal, taalmel).
भजन गाउनु भनेको केवल शब्द उच्चारण गर्नु मात्र होइन, यो त समर्पण हो।
Singing hymns is not just pronouncing words; it is a surrender.
Defining a concept through negation and affirmation.
