Meaning
Bringing shame or losing reputation
Cultural Background
In Nepal, the 'nose' is considered the seat of honor. Touching someone's feet is a sign of respect, but 'cutting the nose' is the ultimate social insult. The concept of 'Izzat' (honor) is shared across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The 'nose' metaphor is common in Hindi (Naak Katna) and Urdu as well. Similar honor-shame dynamics exist, though the metaphors often involve 'blackening the face' or 'shaming the mustache'. The 'Face' (Mianzi/Kao) is central to social harmony. While they don't 'cut' it, they 'lose' or 'crush' it.
Use with Caution
It is a strong phrase. Using it against an elder is very disrespectful.
Passive Voice
Use 'Naak Kaatyo' to blame someone, and 'Naak Kaatiyo' to express your own shame without blaming.
Meaning
Bringing shame or losing reputation
Use with Caution
It is a strong phrase. Using it against an elder is very disrespectful.
Passive Voice
Use 'Naak Kaatyo' to blame someone, and 'Naak Kaatiyo' to express your own shame without blaming.
Not for small things
Don't use it for forgetting a grocery list; save it for big life events.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
तिमीले झुटो बोलेर बुबाको _______ काट्यौ।
The idiom is 'Naak Kaatnu', not any other body part.
Which situation best fits the use of 'Naak Kaatnu'?
Select the correct scenario:
Criminal activity brings shame to the family, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तिम्रो भाइले त रक्सी खाएर झगडा गरेछ नि। B: हो, उसले त हाम्रो _______।
Fighting while drunk is a shameful act, so 'Naak Kaatyo' is appropriate.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Match 'नाक राख्नु' (Naak Rakhnu) with its meaning:
'Naak Rakhnu' is the opposite of 'Naak Kaatnu'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Honor vs Shame
Practice Bank
4 exercisesतिमीले झुटो बोलेर बुबाको _______ काट्यौ।
The idiom is 'Naak Kaatnu', not any other body part.
Select the correct scenario:
Criminal activity brings shame to the family, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
A: तिम्रो भाइले त रक्सी खाएर झगडा गरेछ नि। B: हो, उसले त हाम्रो _______।
Fighting while drunk is a shameful act, so 'Naak Kaatyo' is appropriate.
Match 'नाक राख्नु' (Naak Rakhnu) with its meaning:
'Naak Rakhnu' is the opposite of 'Naak Kaatnu'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not a swear word, but it is a very serious accusation of bringing shame. Use it carefully.
Yes, you can say 'मैले आफ्नै नाक काटें' (I cut my own nose) if you did something embarrassing.
The opposite is 'Naak Rakhnu' (to save face/honor).
No, it can apply to a country, a team, or a company.
Yes, in literature and journalism to describe scandals.
The nose is the most prominent part of the face and historically represented one's dignity.
Only if you are talking about a past mistake you learned from, but it might be too informal.
Yes, it is the exact cultural equivalent.
Yes, though often more hyperbolically or jokingly among friends.
Say 'नाकमा चोट लाग्यो' (Nose got injured) to avoid confusion.
Related Phrases
नाक राख्नु
contrastTo save face/honor
नाक ठूलो पार्नु
similarTo be proud
मुख देखाउन नहुने हुनु
synonymTo be unable to show one's face
इज्जत फाल्नु
synonymTo throw away honor
