Do you need help finding the right resources to improve your Nepali vocabulary? Then what better way to incorporate a few exotic lines and phrases and the culture of Nepal than learning some critical Nepali proverbs with proper translations? If you want to learn more, continue reading and become an expert in the Nepali language.
A Nepali proverb can have many folks, customs, and lifestyle-related stories hidden behind the words that cannot be said in any other way. As we all know, a proverb is a chain of words that convey a special meaning.
For some, those work as advice, and for some, as storytelling. Likewise, in Nepali culture, such proverbs play a significant role in forwarding their respected customs and beliefs, which have been in the scenario since ancient times.
So, learning some common Nepali sayings will surely improve your language skills and give you a sense of the people in the country. So, let’s learn the Nepali language!
What Is The Importance Of The Nepali Proverbs
Before we begin our language journey, let us focus on what proverb means and why they are essential. While witty lines like “Regretting after doing stupid things,” “You have a lot of friends if you have money; otherwise, there are only strangers,” etc., are quite the starter of a conversation, we sometimes need to go deeper into meaning and the lifestyle the proverb portrays; of a particular place and their people. So, here are some reasons why proverbs are essential.
The foremost reason why proverbs are life-changing is because of the universal truth they portray. It talks about wisdom through a mix of words. In Nepali culture, each phrase gives out meaning related to different spheres of life like God, culture, tradition, food, etc., that one can understand only when conveyed creatively. So, it is always important to know at least a few common ones to use when in need.
Secondly, proverbs are an integral part of Nepalese people’s culture, norms, values, and social life. Each word carries its own cultural importance that is ingrained through and through with meaning and thought.
So, learning proverbs will not only help you become a better speaker but also help you get involved with the cultural environment of Nepal and make you aware of their daily doings. Especially if you are traveling to Nepal anytime soon, it is a must to know some short proverbs.
Lastly, sayings continue to be an essential part of the day-to-day conversations among Nepali people, and it is one of the primary linguistic tools. Recently, the education system has provided measures to include proverbs more and more into the schedules so that even children are aware of the preaching.
What Is Proverb Called In Nepali?
The Nepali word for proverb is हितोपदेश or Hitōpadēśa.
Since Nepalese people have been known to strictly adapt and live with these expressions without questioning or challenging them, getting acquainted with such proverbs will only help you with one of the best trips in your life. From making interaction easy with strangers talking about small things to removing your worry concerning cultural change, the expressions below will always act to your advantage without harm.
Essential Nepali Proverbs You Must Know
Now let us get to know some of the Nepalese proverbs with proper meaning and translation. Knowing these will undoubtedly make you aware of the language more profoundly.
1. Half A Loaf Is Better Than No Bread – रोटी नभएको भन्दा आधा रोटी राम्रो हो
The first most common and important proverb that you must know is that रोटी नभएको भन्दा आधा रोटी राम्रो हो- Rōṭī nabha’ēkō bhandā ādhā rōṭī rāmrō hō. It has a straightforward meaning that something is better than nothing, and it is better to accept what we get, even if it is less than having nothing. It is a crucial life lesson that every Nepali household holds on to.
2. The Farmer Grows The Corn, But The Bear Eats It – किसानले मकै उमार्छ तर भालुले खान्छ
Another very significance saying in the Nepalese culture is किसानले मकै उमार्छ तर भालुले खान्छ- Kisānalē makai umārcha tara bhālulē khāncha. It is a saying that parents use from day one with their children and ingrain in them some sense of responsibility. You will hear this quite a lot once you land in the country.
3. Even The Devil Slaves For The Fortunate – शैतानले पनि भाग्यमानीहरूको लागि दास बनाउँछ
With a very strong hold in its words, शैतानले पनि भाग्यमानीहरूको लागि दास बनाउँछ- Śaitānalē pani bhāgyamānīharūkō lāgi dāsa banā’um̐cha propounds that good deeds can always overcome the bad. Situations will come where your excellent work will shine over others and make them bow to your achievement. So, always stay true to your worth.
4. The Old Woman Who Went To Eat A Piece Of Food Drowned In Soup – खानाको टुक्रा खान गएकी वृद्धा सुपमा डुबेर मृत्यु भयो
In simle terms, the phrase खानाको टुक्रा खान गएकी वृद्धा सुपमा डुबेर मृत्यु भयो- Khānākō ṭukrā khāna ga’ēkī vr̥d’dhā supamā ḍubēra mr̥tyu bhayō says Greed leads to even bigger losses. When you seek more than you should own or have, you will always find yourself drowned in the unnecessary pool of multiple choices and hurt yourself.
5. Vanity Blossoms But Bears No Fruit – व्यर्थता फुल्छ तर फल फल्दैन
One of the very creative ways of giving someone advice on their ego and personality is व्यर्थता फुल्छ तर फल फल्दैन- Vyarthatā phulcha tara phala phaldaina. It simply says that too much pride is of no benefit. Just like the saying, too much sugar is bitter. It asks one to own up to one’s limit and never act upon excessive pride. Just like “Everything that shines is not glitter,” being too rigid and prideful does not mean you are respected.
6. The Summary Of The Heaven In Front Of The King Of Gods – भगवानको राजाको अगाडि स्वर्गको सारांश
भगवानको राजाको अगाडि स्वर्गको सारांश: Bhagavānakō rājākō agāḍi svargakō sārānśa is a saying that refers to someone with less knowledge speaking in front of someone who has an expertise on the same subject. In short, it means that those with the proper expertise will always dismiss the talks of a person with less information.
7. Wealth Is Both An Enemy And A Friend – धन शत्रु र मित्र दुवै हो
Next best and one of the classics of all time, धन शत्रु र मित्र दुवै हो- Dhana śatru ra mitra duvai hō says that wealth is not equal to everything. Wealth, when used purposefully, can become your best friend. But when misused or played with, it can become your worst enemy at the worst times. So, it explains that one should never linger around with too much money and make illegal use of it. If you use it righteously, trouble will never be on your face.
Nepali Proverbs To Practice The Language
Wrapping Up!
So, now you know all the essential Nepali proverbs and Nepalese sayings that will make you sound like a native speaker once you land in the country. Nepal is a beautiful place, and its social life is even more astounding. So, once you land, make sure you use all the phrases above and create conversations with the locals more exciting and fun.
While the sayings have already played their linguistic magic on your skills, if you want to go back to the basics of language learning, then the Ling app is the best choice. Just download the app from the App Store or Play Store and read from any device of your choice.
Learn More Nepali With Ling App
If you are new to the Ling app, now is the best chance to practice Nepali proverbs with it. It is one of the easiest-to-use language learning apps that hire expert writers to provide language content on various topics. The topics include grammar, emergency vocabulary, health, and culture, which will ensure the balanced growth of your skills.
Apart from reading, you also get to learn by watching and listening as Ling provides multimedia content such as videos and audio. Moreover, the app features an AI Interactive chatbot that will provide communication classes to help you retain all your lessons. In case you want to pursue other languages, Ling has content of over 60 languages for you. So, what are you waiting for? Ling is the best you can ever find!
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