Meaning
Hiding due to shame or embarrassment.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ijjat' (honor) is paramount. Hiding one's face is a way to acknowledge that one's honor has been compromised. In traditional Newar festivals, some masks are used to represent deities, but 'hiding the face' without a mask during a social event is seen as a sign of deep personal failure. In villages, gossip travels fast. 'Mukha lukāunu' often involves literally staying inside the house to avoid the 'village eye' (gaunle ko aankha). In cities like Kathmandu, 'hiding the face' has moved to the digital realm—deactivating Facebook or Instagram after a public breakup or scandal.
Use with 'Laj'
Pair it with 'Lajle' (out of shyness) to sound more natural: 'Lajle mukha lukaunu'.
Don't overdo it
Calling someone 'Mukha lukaune' can be an insult, implying they are a coward or a liar.
Meaning
Hiding due to shame or embarrassment.
Use with 'Laj'
Pair it with 'Lajle' (out of shyness) to sound more natural: 'Lajle mukha lukaunu'.
Don't overdo it
Calling someone 'Mukha lukaune' can be an insult, implying they are a coward or a liar.
The 'Ghumto' context
In traditional contexts, a bride 'hiding her face' is a sign of respect, not just shame.
Social Media
If someone 'ghosts' you in Nepal, you can say they are 'Mukha lukaeko'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Mukha lukāunu'.
रामले गल्ती गरेपछि सबैसँग ______।
After making a mistake (galti garepachhi), one hides their face (mukha lukāyo).
Which situation best fits 'Mukha lukāunu'?
Choose the correct context:
This idiom is used for social shame, not physical hiding or hygiene.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तिमी किन कोठामा बसेको? बाहिर आऊ न! B: म बाहिर आउन सक्दिनँ, मलाई धेरै लाज लागेको छ। म त ______।
The speaker is shy (lāj lāgeko), so they are hiding their face.
Match the phrase to the feeling.
Match 'Mukha lukāunu' with its corresponding emotion:
The idiom is specifically for shame and embarrassment.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Lukaunu vs. Chopnu
Practice Bank
4 exercisesरामले गल्ती गरेपछि सबैसँग ______।
After making a mistake (galti garepachhi), one hides their face (mukha lukāyo).
Choose the correct context:
This idiom is used for social shame, not physical hiding or hygiene.
A: तिमी किन कोठामा बसेको? बाहिर आऊ न! B: म बाहिर आउन सक्दिनँ, मलाई धेरै लाज लागेको छ। म त ______।
The speaker is shy (lāj lāgeko), so they are hiding their face.
Match 'Mukha lukāunu' with its corresponding emotion:
The idiom is specifically for shame and embarrassment.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. For peek-a-boo, we say 'Ghui-muntung' or 'Luk-mari'. 'Mukha lukaunu' sounds too serious for a baby game.
Mostly, yes. It implies shame. However, it can be used endearingly for a very shy person or a new bride.
'Lukaunu' is transitive (to hide something/face), while 'Luknu' is intransitive (to hide oneself).
Yes, 'Usle mero mukha lukayo' (He hid my face), but it's rarely used that way idiomatically.
Yes, Hindi has 'Munh chhupana' (मुँह छुपाना), which is identical in meaning and usage.
You can say 'Laj namanau' or 'Mukha nalukau'.
It's a bit informal. In a formal meeting, you might say 'Asahaj mahasus garnu' (to feel uncomfortable).
Yes, criminals often 'hide their faces' from the police or cameras.
It is the *result* of losing face. You lose face (beijjat hunu), so you hide your face (mukha lukaunu).
No, it must involve an element of shame or shyness.
Related Phrases
लाज मान्नु
similarTo feel shy or ashamed.
मुख देखाउनु
contrastTo show one's face; to be brave.
बेइज्जत हुनु
builds onTo be humiliated.
आँखा जुधाउनु
contrastTo make eye contact.
