Meaning
Criticizing others while ignoring own mistakes
Cultural Background
In villages, buffaloes are often kept in the ground floor of the house. They are the most visible sign of a family's livelihood. Failing to see one's own buffalo is a metaphor for being blind to the most obvious parts of one's life. In Kathmandu, this phrase is now a staple of political satire. Cartoonists often draw politicians with literal buffaloes on their backs while they point at others. The concept of 'Dharma' and 'Karma' involves self-reflection. This proverb acts as a folk-wisdom version of these high philosophical ideals, reminding people that their actions are visible to everyone but themselves. The word 'Aang' is slightly more formal/traditional than 'Sharir'. Using 'Aang' gives the proverb an authentic, 'old-world' feel that commands more respect and attention.
The 'Louse' Connection
If you want to sound like a native, use the full version: 'Aruko aangko jumra dekhne, aaphno aangko bhainsi nadekhne'. It shows you know the complete proverb.
Don't be too literal
If you say this to a farmer who is actually looking for his lost buffalo, he will be very confused!
Meaning
Criticizing others while ignoring own mistakes
The 'Louse' Connection
If you want to sound like a native, use the full version: 'Aruko aangko jumra dekhne, aaphno aangko bhainsi nadekhne'. It shows you know the complete proverb.
Don't be too literal
If you say this to a farmer who is actually looking for his lost buffalo, he will be very confused!
Social Media Gold
This is the perfect comment for a 'hypocrisy' post on Nepali Facebook. It usually gets many likes.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
आफ्नो आङको _______ नदेख्ने।
The correct animal in this proverb is the buffalo (भैंसी).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Ram is always late, but today he shouted at Sita for being 2 minutes late. What can we say about Ram?
Ram is being hypocritical, which is exactly what the proverb describes.
Match the Nepali words with their English meanings in the context of this proverb.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'तिमीले मेरो लुगा फोहोर छ भन्यौ, तर तिम्रो त झन् च्यातिएको छ!' B: 'हो, उसले त _______ रहेछ।'
The context of criticizing a small fault while having a bigger one fits the proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Scale of Hypocrisy
Practice Bank
4 exercisesआफ्नो आङको _______ नदेख्ने।
The correct animal in this proverb is the buffalo (भैंसी).
Ram is always late, but today he shouted at Sita for being 2 minutes late. What can we say about Ram?
Ram is being hypocritical, which is exactly what the proverb describes.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the phrase.
A: 'तिमीले मेरो लुगा फोहोर छ भन्यौ, तर तिम्रो त झन् च्यातिएको छ!' B: 'हो, उसले त _______ रहेछ।'
The context of criticizing a small fault while having a bigger one fits the proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's less common than 'Sharir' in modern conversation, but it's the standard word used in proverbs and traditional literature.
No, the whole point is that the mistake is HUGE (like a buffalo). For small mistakes, just use 'Galti'.
It can be. It's better to use it about a third person or in a general sense rather than pointing directly at someone you don't know well.
Because buffaloes are big, dark, and very common in Nepal. They are the perfect contrast to a tiny louse.
Not directly, but it aligns with Hindu and Buddhist teachings about self-awareness and ego.
No, that would be like saying 'The pot calling the kettle white'. It ruins the proverb.
It's like 'Bhen-see' but with a nasal sound on the 'en'.
Yes, people often just say 'Aaphno aangko bhainsi hera' (Look at your own buffalo).
In some border areas and among Nepali-speaking Indians (Sikkim, Darjeeling), yes. Hindi has different equivalents.
Yes, it is considered very sophisticated to use proverbs in Nepali essays.
Related Phrases
अरूको आङको जुम्रा देख्ने
builds onSeeing the louse on others' bodies.
मुखमा राम राम बगलीमा छुरा
similarGod's name on the lips, a knife in the pocket.
काले काले मिलेर खाउँ भाले
contrastLet's all be corrupt together.
आफ्नो खुट्टामा आफैं बञ्चरो हान्नु
similarTo hit one's own foot with an axe.
