{"id":2415,"date":"2025-12-07T03:51:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T08:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepalitestv1\/?post_type=chapter&p=2415"},"modified":"2026-04-26T21:58:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T01:58:30","slug":"chapter-10-unit-4-grammar-focus","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepalitestv1\/chapter\/chapter-10-unit-4-grammar-focus\/","title":{"raw":"Unit 4 \u2014 Grammar Focus","rendered":"Unit 4 \u2014 Grammar Focus"},"content":{"raw":"

Nationality and Profession<\/h1>\r\nNationality words (like \u201cCanadian\u201d or \u201cNepali\u201d) and profession\/role words (like \u201cstudent\u201d or \u201cteacher\u201d) commonly appear in Nepali identity sentences\u2014sentences that say who someone is or what someone is (think \u201cX = Y,\u201d as in \u201cI am Canadian\u201d or \u201cShe is a teacher\u201d).\r\n\r\nIn these sentences, the first part is the subject (the person being talked about) and the second part is the identity label (nationality or role).\r\n\r\nNepali links them using \u201cto be\u201d forms from \u0939\u094b (ho<\/em>) and \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941 (hunu<\/em>), and the exact form changes depending on who the subject is (I\/you\/he\/she), singular vs. plural, and how polite you want to sound (casual vs. respectful).\r\n\r\nTo make an identity sentence negative, Nepali uses forms such as \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928 (hoina<\/em>) \/ \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0928\u094d (hoinan<\/em>) and the polite \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0928 (hunuhunna<\/em>), with the negative form also adjusting for number and respect level.\r\n\r\n[table id=308 \/]\r\n\r\n[table id=309 \/]\r\n

Discourse Particles<\/h1>\r\n

In everyday Nepali, short words called discourse particles help manage the flow of conversation. They usually do not change the core meaning of a sentence, but they add interaction meaning, such as inclusion (\u201ctoo\u201d), inviting a response (\u201cand you?\u201d), or moving the conversation forward (\u201cokay, let\u2019s\u2026\u201d). These particles are very common in greetings, introductions, and small talk.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u0928\u093f (ni<\/em>)<\/h2>\r\n\u0928\u093f (ni<\/em>) is a short response particle that helps manage turn-taking in conversation. It often signals, \u201cNow your turn,\u201d or \u201cWhat about you?\u201d Speakers use \u0928\u093f to invite the other person to respond without repeating the full question. It is especially common after greetings, check-ins, and short information exchanges.\r\n\r\n[table id=310 \/]\r\n

\u0932 (la<\/em>)<\/h2>\r\n\u0932 (la<\/em>) is a very common discourse marker used to close a point and move the conversation forward. It often functions like \u201cokay,\u201d \u201calright,\u201d or \u201cthen\u201d in English. Speakers use it to accept what was said, confirm a decision, or transition to the next action in a sequence.\r\n\r\n[table id=311 \/]\r\n

\u0924 (ta<\/em>)<\/h2>\r\n\u0924 (ta<\/em>) marks topic focus or contrast. It highlights what the speaker is focusing on, often with the meaning \u201cas for\u2026\u201d or \u201cbut\u2026\u201d depending on context. It is useful when the speaker wants to shift attention to a particular person\/thing or present a contrasting point.\r\n\r\n[table id=312 \/]\r\n\r\nNote for learners\r\nta<\/em>\u00a0does not usually change the grammar of the sentence; it changes the pragmatic meaning (focus\/contrast).\r\n

\u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 (c\u0101hi\u0303<\/em>)<\/h2>\r\n\u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 (c\u0101hi\u0303<\/em>) is a focus marker that means \u201cspecifically\u201d or \u201cas for X.\u201d It helps the speaker single out one item\/person from others, clarify a contrast, or emphasize the topic. Compared to \u0924, \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 often feels more explicit and \u201cpointing\u201d (this one in particular).\r\n\r\n[table id=313 \/]\r\n

Using Kinship Terms to Address Others<\/h1>\r\nIn Nepali, it is very common to address people\u2014whether they are strangers, friends, or acquaintances\u2014by using a kinship term instead of a personal name.\r\n\r\nSpeakers choose a term that fits the situation and the person\u2019s age or social relationship.\u00a0Kinship terms can also be used with a person\u2019s name like a social title, such as \u0905\u092e\u0943\u0924\u093e \u0926\u093f\u0926\u0940 (amrit\u0101 did\u012b<\/em>) or \u092e\u0926\u0928 \u092d\u093e\u0907 (madan bh\u0101\u012b<\/em>). This is a natural way to sound polite while also showing warmth and familiarity.\r\n\r\n[table id=314 \/]","rendered":"

Nationality and Profession<\/h1>\n

Nationality words (like \u201cCanadian\u201d or \u201cNepali\u201d) and profession\/role words (like \u201cstudent\u201d or \u201cteacher\u201d) commonly appear in Nepali identity sentences\u2014sentences that say who someone is or what someone is (think \u201cX = Y,\u201d as in \u201cI am Canadian\u201d or \u201cShe is a teacher\u201d).<\/p>\n

In these sentences, the first part is the subject (the person being talked about) and the second part is the identity label (nationality or role).<\/p>\n

Nepali links them using \u201cto be\u201d forms from \u0939\u094b (ho<\/em>) and \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941 (hunu<\/em>), and the exact form changes depending on who the subject is (I\/you\/he\/she), singular vs. plural, and how polite you want to sound (casual vs. respectful).<\/p>\n

To make an identity sentence negative, Nepali uses forms such as \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928 (hoina<\/em>) \/ \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0928\u094d (hoinan<\/em>) and the polite \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0928 (hunuhunna<\/em>), with the negative form also adjusting for number and respect level.<\/p>\n

Table 10.4.1 \u2013 Affirmative identity sentences: nationality and profession (\u0939\u094b\/\u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nepali<\/th>\nTransliteration<\/th>\nEnglish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u092e \u0915\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0928\u0947\u0921\u093f\u092f\u0928 \u0939\u0941\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nma ky\u0101ne\u1e0diyan hu\u0303.<\/em><\/td>\nI am Canadian.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092e \u0935\u093f\u0926\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0930\u094d\u0925\u0940 \u0939\u0941\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nma widy\u0101rth\u012b hu\u0303.<\/em><\/td>\nI am a student.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0939\u093e\u092e\u0940 \u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940 \u0939\u094c\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nh\u0101m\u012b nep\u0101l\u012b ha\u0169.<\/em><\/td>\nWe are Nepali.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0939\u093e\u092e\u0940 \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u094c\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nh\u0101m\u012b \u015bik\u1e63ak ha\u0169.<\/em><\/td>\nWe are teachers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0924\u093f\u092e\u0940 \u0905\u092e\u0947\u0930\u093f\u0915\u0940 \u0939\u094c\u0964<\/td>\ntim\u012b amer\u012bk\u012b hau.<\/em><\/td>\nYou are American. (familiar)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0924\u093f\u092e\u0940 \u0928\u0930\u094d\u0938 \u0939\u094c\u0964<\/td>\ntim\u012b nars hau.<\/em><\/td>\nYou (familiar) are a nurse. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902 \u0907\u0928\u094d\u091c\u093f\u0928\u093f\u092f\u0930 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b\u0964<\/td>\ntap\u0101\u012b\u0303 injiniyar hunuhuncha.<\/em><\/td>\nYou (polite) are an engineer. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u090a \u092a\u093e\u0915\u093f\u0938\u094d\u0924\u093e\u0928\u0940 \u0939\u094b\u0964<\/td>\n\u016b p\u0101kist\u0101n\u012b ho.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She is Pakistani.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u090a \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u094b\u0964<\/td>\n\u016b \u015bik\u1e63ak ho.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She is a teacher.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0928\u0940 \u091a\u093f\u0928\u093f\u092f\u093e\u0901 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nun\u012b ciniy\u0101\u0303 hun.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She is Chinese.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0928\u0940 \u0935\u093f\u0926\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0930\u094d\u0925\u0940 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nun\u012b widy\u0101rth\u012b hun.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She is a student.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0928\u0940\u0939\u0930\u0942 \u092b\u093f\u0932\u093f\u092a\u093f\u0928\u0940 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nun\u012bhar\u016b philipin\u012b hun.<\/em><\/td>\nThey are Filipino.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0928\u0940\u0939\u0930\u0942 \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nun\u012bhar\u016b \u015bik\u1e63ak hun.<\/em><\/td>\nThey are teachers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901 \u092d\u093e\u0930\u0924\u0940\u092f \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303 bh\u0101rat\u012bya hunuhuncha.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She (hon.) is Indian. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u093e\u0927\u094d\u092f\u093e\u092a\u0915 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303 pr\u0101dhy\u0101pak hunuhuncha.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She (hon.) is a professor. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901\u0939\u0930\u0942 \u091c\u093e\u092a\u093e\u0928\u0940 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303har\u016b j\u0101p\u0101n\u012b hunuhuncha.<\/em><\/td>\nThey (hon.) are Japanese. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901\u0939\u0930\u0942 \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303har\u016b \u015bik\u1e63ak hunuhuncha.<\/em><\/td>\nThey (hon.) are teachers. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

Table 10.4.2 \u2013 Negative identity sentences: nationality and profession (\u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\/\u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0928\u094d\/\u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0928)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nepali<\/th>\nTransliteration<\/th>\nEnglish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u092e \u0915\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0928\u0947\u0921\u093f\u092f\u0928 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0964<\/td>\nma ky\u0101ne\u1e0diyan hoina.<\/em><\/td>\nI am not Canadian.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092e \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0964<\/td>\nma \u015bik\u1e63ak hoina.<\/em><\/td>\nI am not a teacher.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0939\u093e\u092e\u0940 \u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u094c\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nh\u0101m\u012b nep\u0101l\u012b hoina\u0169.<\/em><\/td>\nWe are not Nepali.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0939\u093e\u092e\u0940 \u0935\u093f\u0926\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0930\u094d\u0925\u0940 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u094c\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nh\u0101m\u012b widy\u0101rth\u012b hoina\u0169.<\/em><\/td>\nWe are not students.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0924\u093f\u092e\u0940 \u0905\u092e\u0947\u0930\u093f\u0915\u0940 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u094c\u0964<\/td>\ntim\u012b amer\u012bk\u012b hoinau.<\/em><\/td>\nYou (familiar) are not American. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0924\u093f\u092e\u0940 \u0928\u0930\u094d\u0938 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u094c\u0964<\/td>\ntim\u012b nars hoinau.<\/em><\/td>\nYou (familiar) are not a nurse. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902 \u0907\u0928\u094d\u091c\u093f\u0928\u093f\u092f\u0930 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0928\u0964<\/td>\ntap\u0101\u012b\u0303 injiniyar hunuhunna.<\/em><\/td>\nYou (polite) are not an engineer. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u090a \u092a\u093e\u0915\u093f\u0938\u094d\u0924\u093e\u0928\u0940 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0964<\/td>\n\u016b p\u0101kist\u0101n\u012b hoina.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She is not Pakistani.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u090a \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0964<\/td>\n\u016b \u015bik\u1e63ak hoina.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She is not a teacher.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0928\u0940 \u091a\u093f\u0928\u093f\u092f\u093e\u0901 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0928\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nun\u012b ciniy\u0101\u0303 hoinan.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She is not Chinese.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0928\u0940 \u0935\u093f\u0926\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0930\u094d\u0925\u0940 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0928\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nun\u012b widy\u0101rth\u012b hoinan.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She is not a student.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0928\u0940\u0939\u0930\u0942 \u092b\u093f\u0932\u093f\u092a\u093f\u0928\u0940 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0928\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nun\u012bhar\u016b philipin\u012b hoinan.<\/em><\/td>\nThey are not Filipino.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0928\u0940\u0939\u0930\u0942 \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u094b\u0907\u0928\u0928\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nun\u012bhar\u016b \u015bik\u1e63ak hoinan.<\/em><\/td>\nThey are not teachers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901 \u092d\u093e\u0930\u0924\u0940\u092f \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0928\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303 bh\u0101rat\u012bya hunuhunna.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She (hon.) is not Indian. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u093e\u0927\u094d\u092f\u093e\u092a\u0915 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0928\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303 pr\u0101dhy\u0101pak hunuhunna.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She (hon.) is not a professor. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901\u0939\u0930\u0942 \u091c\u093e\u092a\u093e\u0928\u0940 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0928\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303har\u016b j\u0101p\u0101n\u012b hunuhunna.<\/em><\/td>\nThey (hon.) are not Japanese. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901\u0939\u0930\u0942 \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u0928\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303har\u016b \u015bik\u1e63ak hunuhunna.<\/em><\/td>\nThey (hon.) are not teachers. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n

Discourse Particles<\/h1>\n

In everyday Nepali, short words called discourse particles help manage the flow of conversation. They usually do not change the core meaning of a sentence, but they add interaction meaning, such as inclusion (\u201ctoo\u201d), inviting a response (\u201cand you?\u201d), or moving the conversation forward (\u201cokay, let\u2019s\u2026\u201d). These particles are very common in greetings, introductions, and small talk.<\/p>\n

\u0928\u093f (ni<\/em>)<\/h2>\n

\u0928\u093f (ni<\/em>) is a short response particle that helps manage turn-taking in conversation. It often signals, \u201cNow your turn,\u201d or \u201cWhat about you?\u201d Speakers use \u0928\u093f to invite the other person to respond without repeating the full question. It is especially common after greetings, check-ins, and short information exchanges.<\/p>\n

Table 10.4.3 \u2013 Discourse particle \u0928\u093f (ni): \u201cand you?\u201d \/ turn-taking responses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nepali<\/th>\nTransliteration<\/th>\nEnglish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902\u0932\u093e\u0908 \u0928\u093f?<\/td>\ntap\u0101\u012b\u0303l\u0101\u012b ni?<\/em><\/td>\nAnd you?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092e\u0932\u093e\u0908 \u0938\u0928\u094d\u091a\u0948 \u091b\u0964 \u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902\u0932\u093e\u0908 \u0928\u093f?<\/td>\nmal\u0101\u012b sancai cha. tap\u0101\u012b\u0303l\u0101\u012b ni?<\/em><\/td>\nI\u2019m fine. And you?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092e\u0947\u0930\u094b \u0918\u0930 \u092d\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0928\u0915\u0941\u092d\u0930\u092e\u093e \u091b\u0964 \u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902\u0915\u094b \u0928\u093f?<\/td>\nmero ghar bhy\u0101nkubharm\u0101 cha. tap\u0101\u012b\u0303ko ni?<\/em><\/td>\nMy home is in Vancouver. And yours?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092e\u0947\u0930\u094b \u0928\u093e\u092e \u092e\u093e\u092f\u093e \u0939\u094b\u0964 \u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902\u0915\u094b \u0928\u093f?<\/td>\nmero n\u0101m m\u0101y\u0101 ho. tap\u0101\u012b\u0303ko ni?<\/em><\/td>\nMy name is Maya. And yours?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

\u0932 (la<\/em>)<\/h2>\n

\u0932 (la<\/em>) is a very common discourse marker used to close a point and move the conversation forward. It often functions like \u201cokay,\u201d \u201calright,\u201d or \u201cthen\u201d in English. Speakers use it to accept what was said, confirm a decision, or transition to the next action in a sequence.<\/p>\n

Table 10.4.4 \u2013 Discourse particle \u0932 (la): \u201cokay\/alright\/then\u201d (closing and moving forward)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nepali<\/th>\nTransliteration<\/th>\nEnglish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u0932, \u0905\u092c \u092c\u0938\u094c\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nla, aba basau\u0303.<\/em><\/td>\nOkay, now let\u2019s sit.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0932, \u0920\u0940\u0915 \u091b\u0964<\/td>\nla, \u1e6dh\u012bk cha.<\/em><\/td>\nOkay, that\u2019s fine.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0932, \u0905\u092c \u0938\u0941\u0930\u0941 \u0917\u0930\u094c\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nla, aba suru garau\u0303.<\/em><\/td>\nOkay, let\u2019s start now.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0932, \u0924\u094d\u092f\u0938\u094b \u092d\u090f \u092d\u094b\u0932\u093f \u092d\u0947\u091f\u094c\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nla, tyaso bhaye bholi bhe\u1e6dau\u0303.<\/em><\/td>\nOkay then, let\u2019s meet tomorrow.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

\u0924 (ta<\/em>)<\/h2>\n

\u0924 (ta<\/em>) marks topic focus or contrast. It highlights what the speaker is focusing on, often with the meaning \u201cas for\u2026\u201d or \u201cbut\u2026\u201d depending on context. It is useful when the speaker wants to shift attention to a particular person\/thing or present a contrasting point.<\/p>\n

Table 10.4.5 \u2013 Focus\/contrast particle \u0924 (ta): \u201cas for\u2026\u201d \/ contrast \/ emphasis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nepali|<\/th>\nTransliteation<\/th>\nEnglish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u092e \u0924 \u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u092c\u093e\u091f \u0939\u0941\u0901\u0964<\/td>\nma ta nep\u0101lb\u0101\u1e6da hu\u0303.<\/em><\/td>\nAs for me, I\u2019m from Nepal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0924\u094d\u092f\u094b \u0924 \u0930\u093e\u092e\u094d\u0930\u094b \u091b\u0964<\/td>\ntyo ta r\u0101mro cha.<\/em><\/td>\nThat one is nice though.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0906\u091c \u0924 \u0927\u0947\u0930\u0948 \u091a\u093f\u0938\u094b \u091b\u0964<\/td>\n\u0101ja ta dherai ciso cha.<\/em><\/td>\nToday it\u2019s really cold (today in particular).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092f\u094b \u0924 \u0938\u091c\u093f\u0932\u094b \u091b\u0964<\/td>\nyo ta sajilo cha.<\/em><\/td>\nThis is easy actually \/ This one is easy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

Note for learners
\nta<\/em>\u00a0does not usually change the grammar of the sentence; it changes the pragmatic meaning (focus\/contrast).<\/p>\n

\u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 (c\u0101hi\u0303<\/em>)<\/h2>\n

\u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 (c\u0101hi\u0303<\/em>) is a focus marker that means \u201cspecifically\u201d or \u201cas for X.\u201d It helps the speaker single out one item\/person from others, clarify a contrast, or emphasize the topic. Compared to \u0924, \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 often feels more explicit and \u201cpointing\u201d (this one in particular).<\/p>\n

Table 10.4.6 \u2013 Focus marker \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 (c\u0101hi\u0303): \u201cspecifically \/ this one\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nepali<\/th>\nTransliteration<\/th>\nEnglish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u092e\u0947\u0930\u094b \u0918\u0930 \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 \u0915\u093e\u0920\u092e\u093e\u0921\u094c\u0901\u092e\u093e \u091b\u0964<\/td>\nmero ghar c\u0101hi\u0303 k\u0101\u1e6dham\u0101\u1e47\u1e0dau\u0303m\u0101 cha.<\/em><\/td>\nMy home is in Kathmandu (specifically).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901 \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b\u0964<\/td>\nuh\u0101\u0303 c\u0101hi\u0303 \u015bik\u1e63ak hunuhuncha.<\/em><\/td>\nHe\/She (specifically) is a teacher.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092f\u094b \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 \u092e\u0947\u0930\u094b \u0915\u093f\u0924\u093e\u092c \u0939\u094b\u0964<\/td>\nyo c\u0101hi\u0303 mero kit\u0101b ho.<\/em><\/td>\nThis one is my book.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092e\u0947\u0930\u094b \u0928\u093e\u092e \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0901 \u0905\u0928\u093f\u0924\u093e \u0939\u094b\u0964<\/td>\nmero n\u0101m c\u0101hi\u0303 anit\u0101 ho.<\/em><\/td>\nMy name, specifically, is Anita.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

Using Kinship Terms to Address Others<\/h1>\n

In Nepali, it is very common to address people\u2014whether they are strangers, friends, or acquaintances\u2014by using a kinship term instead of a personal name.<\/p>\n

Speakers choose a term that fits the situation and the person\u2019s age or social relationship.\u00a0Kinship terms can also be used with a person\u2019s name like a social title, such as \u0905\u092e\u0943\u0924\u093e \u0926\u093f\u0926\u0940 (amrit\u0101 did\u012b<\/em>) or \u092e\u0926\u0928 \u092d\u093e\u0907 (madan bh\u0101\u012b<\/em>). This is a natural way to sound polite while also showing warmth and familiarity.<\/p>\n

Table 10.4.7 \u2013 Kinship terms as forms of address<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nepali<\/th>\nTransliteration<\/th>\nEnglish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u0926\u093e\u0907, \u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902\u0932\u093e\u0908 \u0915\u0938\u094d\u0924\u094b \u091b?<\/td>\nd\u0101\u012b, tap\u0101\u012b\u0303l\u0101\u012b kasto cha?<\/em><\/td>\nBrother (sir), how are you?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0926\u093f\u0926\u0940, \u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902 \u0915\u0939\u093e\u0901\u092c\u093e\u091f \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b?<\/td>\ndid\u012b, tap\u0101\u012b\u0303 kah\u0101\u0303b\u0101\u1e6da hunuhuncha?<\/em><\/td>\nSister (ma\u2019am), where are you from?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092d\u093e\u0907, \u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902\u0915\u094b \u0928\u093e\u092e \u0915\u0947 \u0939\u094b?<\/td>\nbh\u0101\u012b, tap\u0101\u012b\u0303ko n\u0101m ke ho?<\/em><\/td>\nBrother (young man), what is your name?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092c\u0939\u093f\u0928\u0940, \u0924\u092a\u093e\u0908\u0902 \u0938\u0928\u094d\u091a\u0948 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b?<\/td>\nbahin\u012b, tap\u0101\u012b\u0303 sancai hunuhuncha?<\/em><\/td>\nSister (young woman), are you well?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092c\u093e\u091c\u0947, \u092e\u093e\u092b \u0917\u0930\u094d\u0928\u0941\u0939\u094b\u0938\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nb\u0101je, m\u0101ph garnuhos.<\/em><\/td>\nGrandfather (sir), excuse me.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u092c\u091c\u0948, \u092f\u0939\u093e\u0901 \u092c\u0938\u094d\u0928\u0941\u0938\u094d\u0964<\/td>\nbajai, yah\u0101\u0303 basnus.<\/em><\/td>\nGrandmother (ma\u2019am), please sit here.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0905\u092e\u0943\u0924\u093e \u0926\u093f\u0926\u0940, \u0928\u092e\u0938\u094d\u0924\u0947\u0964<\/td>\nam\u1e5bt\u0101 did\u012b, namaste.<\/em><\/td>\nAmrita didi, hello.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0938\u0932\u093f\u0932 \u092d\u093e\u0907, \u0927\u0928\u094d\u092f\u0935\u093e\u0926\u0964<\/td>\nsalil bh\u0101\u012b, dhanyaw\u0101d.<\/em><\/td>\nSalil bh\u0101i, thank you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span>
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