A1 verb 11 min de leitura

कोर्नु

To comb or draw

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most fundamental and daily uses of the verb कोर्नु (kornu). The primary focus at this stage is personal grooming, specifically the phrase कपाल कोर्नु (kapal kornu), which means to comb hair. Beginners will learn to conjugate this verb in the simple present tense to describe their daily routines. For example, learning to say 'म कपाल कोर्छु' (I comb my hair) or 'तिमी कपाल कोर्छौ' (You comb your hair). The vocabulary surrounding this verb at the A1 level is kept simple, usually paired with basic nouns like कपाल (hair), काइँयो (comb), and चित्र (picture). Students will also learn basic imperative forms to give simple instructions, such as 'कपाल कोर' (comb your hair) to a child or friend. Understanding that this single word can mean both combing hair and drawing a picture is a key learning objective, helping beginners realize that Nepali words often rely heavily on context. Practice at this level involves repetitive sentence structures, matching the verb with the correct pronoun, and memorizing the fundamental meaning without worrying too much about complex past tense grammatical rules like the ergative marker 'le', which are usually introduced slightly later or taught as fixed phrases initially. The goal is basic communication regarding daily habits and simple actions.
Moving into the A2 level, learners expand their understanding of कोर्नु (kornu) by incorporating past and future tenses, which introduces the crucial grammatical concept of the ergative marker 'ले' (le). Because कोर्नु is a transitive verb, A2 students learn that when expressing an action completed in the past, the subject must take 'le'. For example, 'मैले कपाल कोरें' (I combed my hair) or 'उसले चित्र कोर्यो' (He drew a picture). This is a significant step in grammatical proficiency. Furthermore, the vocabulary expands to include more diverse objects that can be drawn, such as रेखा (line) and नक्सा (map). The third meaning of the word—to scratch an itch—is also introduced at this level. Students learn to describe physical sensations and basic ailments, saying things like 'मलाई चिलायो, मैले कोरें' (It itched, I scratched). The ability to use the verb in negative forms, such as 'नकोर्नुहोस्' (do not scratch/draw), becomes essential, especially in medical or instructional contexts. A2 learners practice writing short paragraphs about their morning routines or describing a picture they drew, ensuring they can conjugate the verb correctly across different honorific levels, particularly focusing on the polite '-नुहुन्छ' (-nuhunchha) forms for present and past tenses.
At the B1 level, the usage of कोर्नु (kornu) becomes more nuanced and integrated into complex sentence structures. Learners are expected to use the verb fluidly with continuous and perfect tenses. For example, expressing an ongoing action with 'म चित्र कोर्दैछु' (I am drawing a picture) or a completed state with 'मैले कपाल कोरेको छु' (I have combed my hair). The focus shifts towards combining this verb with other clauses using conjunctions and participial forms like 'कोरेर' (having combed/drawn). A student might say, 'कपाल कोरेर म बाहिर गएँ' (Having combed my hair, I went outside). B1 learners also explore compound verbs, which are highly prevalent in natural Nepali speech. They learn to use 'कोरिदिनु' (to comb/draw/scratch for someone else), which adds a layer of politeness and service to the action. For instance, 'कृपया मेरो कपाल कोरिदिनुहोस्' (Please comb my hair for me). The vocabulary becomes more abstract, and students might encounter the word in slightly metaphorical contexts, such as drawing boundaries or plans. Listening comprehension at this level involves distinguishing between the different meanings of कोर्नु based entirely on rapid contextual clues in native dialogue, without needing explicit explanation.
By the B2 level, learners possess a strong command of कोर्नु (kornu) and can wield it with the confidence of an intermediate-to-advanced speaker. The emphasis here is on precision, register, and understanding the subtle differences between कोर्नु and its synonyms. A B2 student knows exactly when to use कोर्नु (to draw lines/sketch) versus रंगाउनु (to paint), and when to use कोर्नु (to scratch) versus कन्याउनु (to scratch an itch) or चिथोर्नु (to claw). They can comfortably engage in discussions about art, describing the techniques used to sketch a portrait, or discuss personal grooming habits in detail. The verb is used effortlessly in conditional sentences, such as 'यदि तिमीले राम्रो चित्र कोर्यौ भने, म तिमीलाई पुरस्कार दिनेछु' (If you draw a good picture, I will give you a prize). Furthermore, B2 learners begin to appreciate the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of the word found in literature and media. They might read an article about a politician 'drawing a new path for the country' (देशको लागि नयाँ बाटो कोर्ने) and understand the figurative extension of the verb. Mastery at this level means the grammatical rules, including the strict application of the ergative 'le' in all perfective aspects, are internalized and applied without hesitation.
At the C1 advanced level, the focus is on stylistic fluency, complex literary forms, and abstract metaphorical applications of कोर्नु (kornu). Learners at this stage encounter the word in advanced reading materials, such as Nepali literature, poetry, and formal journalistic essays. The verb is frequently used to symbolize destiny, creation, and boundaries. Phrases like 'भाग्यको रेखा कोर्नु' (to draw the line of destiny) or 'इतिहास कोर्नु' (to draw/write history) become part of the learner's active vocabulary. C1 students can express highly nuanced thoughts, such as critiquing an artist's sketching technique or debating the socio-cultural implications of traditional grooming practices in Nepal. They use advanced grammatical structures, including passive voices and causative forms, such as 'कोराउनु' (to cause someone to draw/comb). For example, 'मैले उसलाई चित्र कोराएँ' (I made him draw a picture). The ability to seamlessly switch between the literal meanings (combing, scratching, sketching) and the figurative meanings demonstrates true advanced proficiency. At this level, learners also understand regional variations and colloquialisms, recognizing how the pronunciation or usage might slightly shift in different parts of Nepal, yet maintaining the core semantic integrity of the word.
The C2 level represents near-native mastery of the Nepali language, where the usage of कोर्नु (kornu) is completely intuitive, culturally embedded, and effortlessly adaptable to any register or context. C2 speakers manipulate the language for rhetorical effect, using the verb in spontaneous poetry, complex academic discourse, or deep philosophical conversations. They fully grasp the etymological resonance of the word—the concept of making a mark or a groove—and can invent their own metaphors that native speakers will immediately understand and appreciate. In highly formal or academic writing, a C2 user might discuss the 'drawing of geopolitical borders' (भौगोलिक सिमाना कोर्ने कार्य) or the 'sketching of a new economic framework' (नयाँ आर्थिक ढाँचा कोर्ने). They are acutely aware of the sociolinguistic aspects, knowing exactly which honorific and verb form to use to establish a specific tone, whether it be authoritative, deeply respectful, or affectionately intimate. Errors with the ergative marker or confusion with synonyms are non-existent. The C2 learner does not just translate the word; they think in Nepali, utilizing कोर्नु as a foundational linguistic tool to express creation, grooming, relief, and destiny with the same depth and richness as a native Nepali scholar or poet.
The Nepali verb कोर्नु (kornu) is an incredibly versatile and frequently utilized word in everyday conversational and written Nepali, serving multiple distinct but visually and actionably related purposes. At its core, this verb describes a scraping, drawing, or raking motion across a surface. The most common and universally understood application of this word is in the context of personal grooming, specifically the act of combing one's hair. When a Nepali speaker talks about getting ready for the day, preparing for school, or grooming themselves before a formal event, they will invariably use the phrase कपाल कोर्नु (kapal kornu), which translates directly to 'to comb hair'. This action implies the use of a tool, typically a comb, which in Nepali is called काइँयो (kaiyo). Beyond personal grooming, the secondary but equally prominent meaning of कोर्नु revolves around the creation of art or marks. When an artist creates a sketch, a child draws a picture in their notebook, or an architect drafts a line, the verb कोर्नु is employed. In this artistic context, it translates to 'to draw' or 'to sketch', such as in the phrase चित्र कोर्नु (chitra kornu), meaning to draw a picture, or रेखा कोर्नु (rekha kornu), meaning to draw a line. The physical motion of drawing a line resembles the raking motion of a comb, which conceptually links these two seemingly different meanings. The third primary usage of the word relates to a physical sensation and the corresponding reaction: scratching an itch. If a person has a mosquito bite or an itchy back, the act of scratching that specific area with one's fingernails is also described using the verb कोर्नु. This highlights the fundamental etymological root of the word, which involves a slightly abrasive, linear movement across a surface, whether that surface is the scalp, a piece of canvas, or the skin. Understanding the contextual clues is absolutely essential for a learner of the Nepali language, as the object of the verb completely alters its English translation.
Grooming Context
Used when referring to the daily habit of detangling and styling hair using a comb or brush.
Artistic Context
Used when discussing the creation of visual art, specifically drawing lines, sketches, or full pictures on paper or canvas.
Physical Relief Context
Used to describe the action of scratching the skin to relieve an itch, usually with fingernails.

बिहान उठेर म सधैं आफ्नो कपाल कोर्छु.

उसले कापीमा एउटा सुन्दर चित्र कोर्यो.

लामखुट्टेले टोकेको ठाउँमा नकोर्नुहोस्.

शिक्षकले सेतोपाटीमा एउटा सीधा रेखा कोर्नुभयो.

तिमीले किन यति धेरै आफ्नो हात कोरेको?

Constructing sentences with the verb कोर्नु (kornu) requires an understanding of Nepali sentence structure, which follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order. This means that the person doing the action comes first, followed by the thing being combed, drawn, or scratched, and finally the verb itself at the very end of the sentence. Because Nepali is a highly inflected language, the ending of the verb must change to match the subject in person, number, and honorific level. For instance, if you want to say 'I comb my hair', the subject is म (I), the object is कपाल (hair), and the verb root कोर takes the first-person present suffix -छु, resulting in the sentence म कपाल कोर्छु (ma kapal korchu). If you are speaking to a friend (middle honorific) and want to tell them to draw a picture, you would use the imperative form: तिमी चित्र कोर (timi chitra kora). However, if you are speaking to an elder, a teacher, or someone you wish to show respect to (high honorific), you must adjust the verb ending accordingly: तपाईं चित्र कोर्नुहोस् (tapai chitra kornuhos). The versatility of this verb means it frequently appears in past, present, and future tenses across various daily scenarios. In the past tense, if a child scratched their arm, you might say उसले हात कोर्यो (usle haat koryo), where -यो indicates third-person singular low honorific in the past tense. Furthermore, the verb can be modified by adverbs to add detail to the action. For example, बिस्तारै (bistarai) means slowly or gently. You can say बिस्तारै कपाल कोर्नुहोस् (bistarai kapal kornuhos) to mean 'please comb the hair gently'. Similarly, राम्ररी (ramrari) means well or properly, as in राम्ररी चित्र कोर्नु (ramrari chitra kornu), meaning 'to draw a picture well'. Understanding these conjugations and pairings is crucial for fluency.
Present Tense Usage
Expressing habitual actions like daily grooming or ongoing artistic activities, modifying the root based on the pronoun.
Past Tense Usage
Describing a completed action, such as having already drawn a sketch or having scratched an itch, requiring the ergative marker 'ले' (le) on the subject in transitive sentences.
Imperative Usage
Giving commands or requests, strictly dependent on the social hierarchy and honorific level of the person being addressed.

म ऐना अगाडि उभिएर कपाल कोर्दैछु.

तिमीले यो सुन्दर चित्र कसरी कोर्यौ?

कृपया मेरो ढाडमा अलिकति कोरिदिनुहुन्छ?

बच्चाले भित्तामा जथाभावी रेखा कोरेछ.

भोलि म एउटा नयाँ नक्सा कोर्नेछु.

The word कोर्नु (kornu) permeates nearly every environment in Nepal, from the intimate confines of a family home to the structured environment of a classroom, and even in medical or artistic settings. In a typical Nepali household, the morning routine is accompanied by the sounds and instructions of personal hygiene. You will frequently hear parents instructing their children before school with phrases like 'छिटो कपाल कोर' (chhito kapal kora), meaning 'comb your hair quickly'. The cultural emphasis on neatness and presentability makes this a daily auditory staple. In educational settings, particularly in primary schools and art classes, teachers constantly use the word to guide their students. A geometry teacher might say 'एउटा सीधा रेखा कोर्नुहोस्' (euta sidha rekha kornuhos), instructing the class to draw a straight line. An art instructor will encourage creativity by saying 'आफ्नो मनपर्ने जनावरको चित्र कोर' (aafno manparne janawarko chitra kora), meaning 'draw a picture of your favorite animal'. Moving into healthcare or casual physical complaints, you will hear the word in the context of discomfort. If someone has an allergic reaction, a rash, or a mosquito bite, they might complain, 'धेरै चिलायो, मलाई कोर्न मन लाग्यो' (dherai chilayo, malai korna man lagyo), translating to 'it itches a lot, I feel like scratching'. Doctors or parents will offer the counter-instruction, 'घाउ नकोर' (ghau nakora), warning 'do not scratch the wound' to prevent infection. Furthermore, in metaphorical contexts, the word can sometimes be heard in literature or poetic speech, such as 'भविष्यको रेखा कोर्नु' (bhavishyako rekha kornu), which metaphorically means 'to draw the line of the future' or to shape one's destiny. This wide spectrum of environments—home, school, clinic, and literature—demonstrates how foundational the verb is to expressing both physical actions and abstract concepts in the Nepali language.
Household Morning Routine
The most common setting, where family members discuss getting ready, finding the comb, and ensuring everyone's hair is neat.
Classrooms and Art Studios
Used academically for drawing shapes, lines, graphs, and artistic illustrations on paper or blackboards.
Medical and Casual Health Contexts
Heard when discussing skin irritations, allergies, bug bites, and the physical act of scratching to find relief.

आमाले सानी छोरीको कपाल कोरिदिनुभयो.

कक्षामा शिक्षकले नक्सा कोर्न सिकाउनुभयो.

डाक्टरले भन्नुभयो, घाउलाई धेरै नकोर्नुहोला.

कापीमा जथाभावी नकोर, सफा राख.

उसले आफ्नो भाग्य आफै कोर्ने निर्णय गर्यो.

When English speakers and other language learners begin utilizing the Nepali verb कोर्नु (kornu), they frequently encounter a few specific stumbling blocks related to its multiple meanings, transitive nature, and honorific conjugations. The most prevalent mistake is confusing the act of 'drawing' with the act of 'painting'. In English, someone might say 'I am painting a picture' or 'I am drawing a picture' and occasionally mix the verbs. In Nepali, however, कोर्नु strictly implies creating lines or sketches with a pencil, pen, or similar tool. If you are applying color with a brush, the correct verb is रंगाउनु (rangaunu) or पेन्ट गर्नु (paint garnu). Saying 'म रङले चित्र कोर्छु' (I draw a picture with paint) sounds unnatural to a native speaker. Another major grammatical hurdle is the application of the ergative marker ले (le) in the past tense. Because कोर्नु is a transitive verb—meaning it acts upon an object like hair, a picture, or skin—the subject must take the particle ले when the sentence is in any past tense form. A learner might incorrectly say 'म कपाल कोरें' (I combed hair), directly translating the English structure. The grammatically correct Nepali sentence must be 'मैले कपाल कोरें' (maile kapal kore). Ignoring this rule immediately marks the speaker as a beginner. Additionally, learners often struggle with the correct honorific forms when making requests. Telling an elder 'कपाल कोर' (kapal kora), which uses the middle/low honorific imperative, is considered highly disrespectful. The correct form must be 'कपाल कोर्नुहोस्' (kapal kornuhos). Lastly, learners sometimes use कोर्नु when they mean 'to write' (लेख्नु - lekhnu). While both involve making marks on paper with a pen, कोर्नु is for art and lines, whereas लेख्नु is exclusively for letters, words, and text.
Drawing vs. Painting
Mistakenly using kornu when applying wet colors or paint, rather than using it correctly for sketching, outlining, or drawing lines.
Missing the Ergative Particle
Forgetting to add 'ले' (le) to the subject in past tense sentences, which is a strict grammatical requirement for transitive verbs in Nepali.
Drawing vs. Writing
Using kornu to describe the act of writing text or letters, which should instead use the verb लेख्नु (lekhnu).

Incorrect: म कपाल कोरें। Correct: मैले कपाल कोरें.

Incorrect: उसले चिठी कोर्यो। Correct: उसले चिठी लेख्यो। (Use कोर्यो only for pictures/lines).

Incorrect: भित्तामा रङ कोर्नुहोस्। Correct: भित्तामा रङ लगाउनुहोस्। (Paint is applied, not drawn).

आमालाई भन्दा: आमा, मेरो कपाल कोरिदिनुहोस्। (Never use 'कोर').

मैले चिलाएको ठाउँमा कोरें र रगत आयो.

While कोर्नु (kornu) is an essential vocabulary word, the Nepali language offers several synonyms, related terms, and alternatives that provide more specific nuances depending on the exact context. For the artistic meaning of 'to draw', a more formal or academic alternative is चित्र बनाउनु (chitra banaunu), which literally translates to 'to make a picture'. This phrase is slightly broader and can encompass drawing, painting, or even digital creation, whereas कोर्नु is specifically about the physical act of sketching or creating lines. Another related word in the artistic domain is स्केच गर्नु (sketch garnu), an English loanword that has been fully integrated into modern, urban Nepali, especially among younger generations and professional artists. When referring to the act of writing, which is sometimes confused with drawing lines, the correct alternative is लेख्नु (lekhnu). If the context is scratching an itch, the verb कन्याउनु (kanyaunu) is a highly specific and very common alternative. While कोर्नु can mean to scratch, कन्याउनु exclusively means to scratch an itch to find relief, making it a more precise word choice when discussing insect bites or itchy skin. If you are talking about scratching in a destructive way, like a cat scratching furniture or someone scraping a surface aggressively, the word चिथोर्नु (chithornu) is appropriate. This word carries a connotation of using claws or nails to damage or tear, unlike the relatively benign कोर्नु. Finally, in the context of grooming hair, while कपाल कोर्नु is the standard, one might also hear कपाल मिलाउनु (kapal milaunu), which means 'to arrange or fix the hair'. This could involve combing, but also includes styling, tying, or applying hair products. Understanding these subtle distinctions allows a learner to elevate their Nepali from basic competency to fluent, highly expressive communication.
चित्र बनाउनु (Chitra Banaunu)
A broader term meaning 'to make a picture', applicable to drawing, painting, and general art creation.
कन्याउनु (Kanyaunu)
A highly specific verb meaning 'to scratch an itch', often used interchangeably with kornu in medical or physical comfort contexts.
चिथोर्नु (Chithornu)
A more aggressive verb meaning to scratch deeply or claw, used for animals scratching or causing damage to skin/surfaces.

मलाई चित्र बनाउन मन पर्छ. (Alternative to kornu for art).

मेरो ढाड चिलायो, अलिकति कन्याइदिनु न. (Alternative to kornu for itching).

बिरालोले सोफा चिथोर्यो. (Using chithornu for clawing damage).

पार्टीमा जानु अघि कपाल मिलाउनुहोस्. (Alternative for arranging hair).

उसले राम्रो स्केच गर्छ. (Using English loanword for drawing).

Exemplos por nível

1

म कपाल कोर्छु।

I comb hair.

First person singular present tense. Subject 'म' takes the '-छु' verb ending.

2

तिमी चित्र कोर।

You draw a picture.

Middle honorific imperative form. Verb root 'कोर' is used directly for 'तिमी'.

3

बुबा कपाल कोर्नुहुन्छ।

Father combs his hair.

High honorific present tense. 'बुबा' takes the respectful '-नुहुन्छ' ending.

4

मलाई काइँयो देऊ, म कपाल कोर्छु।

Give me the comb, I will comb my hair.

Simple sentence combining a request with a present/future action.

5

उसले कपाल कोर्छ।

He combs his hair.

Third person singular (low honorific) present tense. Ending is '-छ'.

6

हामी चित्र कोर्छौं।

We draw pictures.

First person plural present tense. 'हामी' takes the '-छौं' ending.

7

राम्रो चित्र कोर।

Draw a good picture.

Imperative command with an adjective 'राम्रो' (good/beautiful).

8

कपाल नकोर।

Do not comb hair.

Negative imperative. The prefix 'न-' is added to the verb root.

1

मैले हिजो एउटा चित्र कोरें।

I drew a picture yesterday.

First person past tense. Notice the ergative 'ले' on 'म' making it 'मैले'.

2

उसले आफ्नो कपाल कोर्यो।

He combed his hair.

Third person past tense. 'उसले' uses the '-यो' ending.

3

कृपया यहाँ एउटा रेखा कोर्नुहोस्।

Please draw a line here.

High honorific imperative request using 'कृपया' (please) and '-नुहोस्'.

4

लामखुट्टेले टोकेको ठाउँमा नकोर्नुहोस्।

Do not scratch where the mosquito bit.

Negative imperative in a medical/health context.

5

तिमीले किन भित्तामा कोरेको?

Why did you draw/scratch on the wall?

Past participle form used to ask a question about a completed action.

6

म भोलि नयाँ चित्र कोर्नेछु।

I will draw a new picture tomorrow.

First person future tense. Ending is '-नेछु'.

7

आमाले बहिनीको कपाल कोरिदिनुभयो।

Mother combed younger sister's hair.

Compound verb 'कोरिदिनु' (to do for someone else) in high honorific past tense.

8

मलाई ढाड चिलायो, अलिकति कोरिदेऊ न।

My back itches, scratch it a little please.

Casual request using the compound verb for scratching.

1

म अहिले कपाल कोर्दैछु, एकछिन पर्ख।

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