Meaning
Asking for less speed.
Cultural Background
In the Everest and Annapurna regions, 'Bistārai, bistārai' is the most important phrase. Guides use it to ensure trekkers don't ascend too quickly, which is the primary cause of altitude sickness. When visiting someone's home, rushing through a meal or a conversation is seen as slightly rude. Using 'Bistārai' shows you are valuing the time spent with the host. Kathmandu's traffic is legendary for its chaos. 'Bistārai' is a passenger's best friend to communicate comfort levels to taxi and micro-bus drivers. During traditional dances or music performances (like the Panche Baja), the tempo often starts 'bistārai' and builds up to a frantic speed. The 'bistārai' phase is for grace and storytelling.
Double it for emphasis
Saying 'Bistārai bistārai' is more common than saying it once when you want to emphasize a slow, gradual process.
Don't use it for 'Quiet'
While it can mean 'softly', 'Chup lāgnus' (Be quiet) is more direct for silence. Use 'Bistārai bolnus' for volume.
Meaning
Asking for less speed.
Double it for emphasis
Saying 'Bistārai bistārai' is more common than saying it once when you want to emphasize a slow, gradual process.
Don't use it for 'Quiet'
While it can mean 'softly', 'Chup lāgnus' (Be quiet) is more direct for silence. Use 'Bistārai bolnus' for volume.
Add 'Ali' for politeness
Saying 'Ali bistārai' (A little slowly) sounds much more polite than just 'Bistārai'.
The 'Trekking' Mantra
If you are trekking, 'Bistārai' is your best friend. It is the secret to reaching the top without getting sick.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to ask the driver to slow down.
दाइ, गाडी ______ चलाउनुहोस्।
'Bistārai' is the correct adverb for 'slowly'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are eating with a Nepali family and you want to say you are taking your time.
This means 'I am eating slowly'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तपाईंलाई नेपाली आउँछ? B: थोरै आउँछ, तर कृपया ______ भन्नुहोस्।
The speaker is asking to speak slowly because they only know a little Nepali.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Bistārai vs. Chito
Practice Bank
3 exercisesदाइ, गाडी ______ चलाउनुहोस्।
'Bistārai' is the correct adverb for 'slowly'.
Situation: You are eating with a Nepali family and you want to say you are taking your time.
This means 'I am eating slowly'.
A: तपाईंलाई नेपाली आउँछ? B: थोरै आउँछ, तर कृपया ______ भन्नुहोस्।
The speaker is asking to speak slowly because they only know a little Nepali.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with anyone, but pair it with the correct verb form (e.g., 'bhannuhos' for formal, 'bhana' for informal).
Yes, 'Bistārai bolnuhos' can mean 'Speak softly' or 'Speak slowly' depending on the situation.
'Bistārai' is Nepali; 'Dhire' is Hindi. Both are understood, but 'Bistārai' is preferred in Nepal.
You say 'Ali bistārai bhannuhos'. 'Ali' means 'a little'.
No, it is a common and polite request for safety.
No, 'Bistārai' is an adverb and remains the same regardless of the subject's gender.
No, for an adjective (e.g., 'a slow car'), use 'sustari' or 'dhilo'. 'Bistārai' is strictly an adverb.
It means 'gradually' or 'little by little'.
Not exactly. Use 'Parkhanuhos' for 'Wait'. 'Bistārai' is for the speed of an action already in progress.
It sounds like 'rye' in English.
In very casual slang, people might just say 'Bistārai!' as a warning, but it's not a shortened form.
Yes, for example, 'Bistārai pragati हुँदै छ' (Progress is happening slowly/gradually).
Related Phrases
छिटो
contrastFast/Quickly
आरामले
similarComfortably/At ease
सुस्तरी
synonymLeisurely
बिस्तारै बिस्तारै
specialized formGradually
हल्का
similarGently/Lightly
