Signification
To annoy someone with constant talking
Contexte culturel
In Nepal, social boundaries are more fluid than in the West. It is common for neighbors to drop by and talk for hours. This idiom is a culturally accepted way to vent about this social pressure. Younger generations use this phrase frequently in texting (SMS/Messenger) to tell friends to stop spamming messages. While the phrase is Nepali (Parbatiya), Newari speakers have similar concepts in Nepal Bhasa, showing the cross-ethnic nature of this annoyance. The 'nagging mother' is a common trope where this idiom is applied, often with a mix of frustration and affection.
Use with 'na'
Adding 'na' at the end (Kaan nakhau na) makes it sound more natural and slightly less harsh.
Avoid with Elders
Never say this to your parents or grandparents unless you have a very joking relationship; it can be seen as 'mukh chhānu' (talking back).
Signification
To annoy someone with constant talking
Use with 'na'
Adding 'na' at the end (Kaan nakhau na) makes it sound more natural and slightly less harsh.
Avoid with Elders
Never say this to your parents or grandparents unless you have a very joking relationship; it can be seen as 'mukh chhānu' (talking back).
The 'Tauko' Upgrade
If someone is really bothering you, upgrade to 'Tauko khanu' for extra emphasis.
Smile while saying it
In Nepali culture, idioms like this are often said with a smile to soften the blow of the criticism.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Kaan Khanu'.
मेरो भाइले नयाँ खेलौना चाहियो भनेर मेरो ______।
The context of asking for a toy repeatedly fits the idiom 'Kaan Khayo' (ate my ears).
Which situation is best described by 'Kaan Khanu'?
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom describes the annoyance of incessant talking.
Complete the dialogue.
राम: 'मलाई यो मन परेन, त्यो पनि मन परेन, अनि हिजो पनि यस्तै भएको थियो...' श्याम: 'ए राम! धेरै नबोल त, ______!'
Shyam is telling Ram to stop complaining/talking too much.
Match the idiom to its intensity.
Match 'Kaan Khanu' and 'Tauko Khanu'.
Both are similar, but 'Tauko Khanu' is generally considered more intense.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Kaan Khanu'
Safe
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Close cousins
Risky
- • Parents
- • Neighbors
- • Colleagues
Danger
- • Boss
- • Teacher
- • Strangers
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesमेरो भाइले नयाँ खेलौना चाहियो भनेर मेरो ______।
The context of asking for a toy repeatedly fits the idiom 'Kaan Khayo' (ate my ears).
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom describes the annoyance of incessant talking.
राम: 'मलाई यो मन परेन, त्यो पनि मन परेन, अनि हिजो पनि यस्तै भएको थियो...' श्याम: 'ए राम! धेरै नबोल त, ______!'
Shyam is telling Ram to stop complaining/talking too much.
Match 'Kaan Khanu' and 'Tauko Khanu'.
Both are similar, but 'Tauko Khanu' is generally considered more intense.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word. It's a common idiom, but it is informal and can be rude if said to the wrong person.
Usually, it's used for people. For a radio, you'd just say 'Halla भयो' (It's noisy).
'Gangan garnu' is specifically nagging/grumbling. 'Kaan Khanu' is broader—it can be nagging, but also just talking too much about anything.
Usle mero kaan khayo (उसले मेरो कान खायो).
Not really. The idiom itself is inherently impolite. To be polite, just say 'Ma ali व्यस्त छु' (I am a bit busy).
Absolutely not. It would be considered very unprofessional.
Yes, almost exactly the same!
Yes, if the shouting is directed at you and is persistent.
Ma usko kaan khadai chhu. But be careful, this sounds like you are admitting to being annoying!
Yes, many folk and pop songs use it to describe a nagging lover or a talkative friend.
Expressions liées
टाउको खानु
similarTo eat the head
कान पकाउनु
similarTo cook the ears
गनगन गर्नु
synonymTo nag
मुख थुन्नु
contrastTo shut the mouth
कान थप्नु
contrastTo lend an ear
