How to Speak Nepali

Nepali is a language in the Indo-Aryan family, which is primarily spoken in Nepal. Nepali is also spoken in the eastern parts of India, and in Myanmar (Burma) and Bhutan. Today, around 17 million people speak the Nepali language.^[1] Nepali is written using the Devanāgarī alphabet, which has 36 letters, but it’s common to see written Nepali transliterated into the Latin alphabet.^[2] As with any language, start by learning basics, like counting and picking up a few simple phrases.

EditSteps

EditLearning the Basics

1. Learn basic Nepali pronunciation. Start by learning how to pronounce Nepali words using the Latin alphabet, before attempting to learn the Devanāgarī alphabet.^[3] Nepalese is largely phonetic in the Latin alphabet, although there are some sounds in Nepali that are not commonly made when speaking English.^[4]
   
   • There are also differences in pronunciation between various national and regional dialects. If you’re planning a trip to Nepal or Myanmar, practice the regional dialect of that specific region.
2. Learn Nepali greetings. As a first step in learning to speak Nepali, pick up a few common phrases of greeting that are spoken between Nepali individuals. The general Nepali greeting is “Namaste.” This is pronounced “nah-mah-stay.” Conveniently, “Namaste” also means goodbye.^[5]
   
   • Address older men and older women respectfully as “dai” or “didi,” respectively.^[6]
   • Tell someone “Good morning” by saying, “Subha prabhat.”
   • Tell someone “Good evening” by saying “Subha sandhya.”
   • Ask “How are you?” by saying, “Tapaain laaee kasto chha?”
   • Ask someone what their name is by saying, “Tapaainko naam ke ho?”
3. Pick up a few important Nepali words and phrases. With a few basic phrases under your belt, you can have a rudimentary conversation. This is useful for practical purposes: if you’re traveling to Nepal, phrases like these can help you communicate to native speakers before you’ve mastered the Nepali language. Learn phrases including:^[7]
   
   • “Please speak more slowly.” “Bistaarai bhannus.”
   • “I don’t understand.” “Maile bujhina.”
   • “Leave me alone!” “Malai eaklai chodnuhos!”
   • “Have a nice day.” “Subha din.”
   • These phrases will be the same regardless of the gender of the individual you’re addressing.
4. Learn a few easy questions. Questions will help you communicate with Nepali speakers. They’re a great way to start a conversation, or to quickly learn necessary information. If you’re traveling to Nepal, you can figure out in advance common questions that you anticipate asking, and master their pronunciation.^[8]
   
   • “Where are you going?” “Kahaan jaane?”
   • “Could you take my photo?” “Mero tasbeer khichna saknu hunchha?”
   • “Do you speak English?” “Tapaain angrejee boln saknuhunchha?”
   • “Do you speak Nepali?” “Ke tapain nepali bolnuhunchha?”^[9]
   • “Where is the toilet?” “Sauchalaya kata chha?”

EditStudying Nepali Alone

1. Purchase a Nepali grammar book. To move beyond the basics of Nepali phrases, delve into a grammar book. This will help you improve at basics and learn more complex aspects of the Nepali language. You should be able to find Nepali grammar books at most large bookstores, or a store specializing in language education supplies.
   
   • If you’re serious about learning Nepali, it would also be a good idea to purchase a Nepali / English dictionary and a Nepali phrasebook.
2. Use online language instruction sites. Look online for a well-developed site that covers pronunciation, vocabulary, verb conjugation, and comprehension. Online resources typically contain audio clips of native speakers pronouncing Nepali words and phrases, which will accelerate your learning.^[10]
   
   • Check out useful websites including My Languages, PolyMath, or NepalGo.
3. Create flashcards to improve memorization. Flashcards can help with memorizing parts of Nepali like pronunciation, verb conjugation, and vocabulary.^[11] Write a Nepali word or phrase on the front of a notecard, and the English translation on the back. Try to remember each of the Nepali words and phrases, and flip the card over to read the back if you can’t remember what a phrase means.
   
   • Flashcards only work if you refer to them frequently. Make them part of your daily routine: quiz yourself on Nepali vocabulary before bed, or flip through a stack of vocabulary words over breakfast.
4. Watch and listen to Nepali television. Many TV shows are aired in Nepalese. Watching one or more of these will increase your level of immersion in the language, and show you how native Nepali speakers pronounce words and converse with one another. Keep the subtitles on at first so you can match Nepalese words with English phrases. Popular contemporary Nepali shows include “Meri Bassai,” “Tito Satya,” and “Jire Khursani.”
   
   • If you can’t find a TV channel dedicated to Nepalese shows, try looking online. Various Nepali shows stream on YouTube, and other networks stream their content online.
   • For example, check out Kantipur TV Life at http://ktv.ekantipur.com/live.
5. Read Nepalese literature or magazines. The more you absorb the Nepali language through any means, the faster you’ll learn to speak it. There is a wealth of Nepalese periodical sites online that you can read. For example, check out a variety of newspapers at http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/nepal.htm. If you’d rather read Nepalese literature, find a copy of Muna Madan by Laxmi Devotka or Mountains Painted with Turmeric by Lil Bahadur Chettri.^[12]
   
   • Note that reading Nepalese will not necessarily improve your ability to speak the language. But, if you practice reading passages out loud, you’ll improve your phrase recognition.

EditStudying and Immersing Yourself in Nepali with Others

1. Converse with Nepali speakers in your community or online. Once you’ve mastered a few Nepalese basics, you can improve your speaking ability by conversing with a fluent Nepali speaker. Speaking with someone fluent in Nepali will allow you to expand your vocabulary and pronunciation. Find a Nepali tutor in your area, or search online for a Nepali chat forum.
   
   • If you know anyone from Nepal or Burma who is learning English, you could help them speak English after they help you speak Nepali.
2. Plan a trip to Nepal or Myanmar. Full immersion in a language can only come if you travel to the area(s) where the language is most commonly spoken. Take a trip to Nepal for at least a week or two. You’ll be surrounded by Nepalese speakers, allowing you to hear Nepalese speech and pronunciation. When traveling to Nepal, you’ll need to have a current passport and a Tourist Visa.^[13]
   
   • If you have friends who speak Nepali fluently, ask them to come on your trip with you. They can act as a “translator” and help you out if you forget some vocabulary or have trouble communicating.
3. Study Nepali in an online course. If you’re not near a university or community college that offers Nepali courses—or if you prefer to learn on your own, outside of a classroom setting—look into studying Nepali in an online course. Studying online will give you freedom to learn anywhere you have an internet connection. You can still benefit from learning collaboratively, though, since you and your online classmates will be learning the same material simultaneously.
   
   • In addition to Cornell and various community colleges, online Nepali courses are offered through various institutions, both academic and non-academic.^[14] These include Language Trainers (in the UK) and the Peace Corps.^[15]
4. Take an in-seat class to learn Nepali. If you’d like to dedicate several months to learning the components of Nepali grammar and pronunciation, look into taking a class at a local university or community college. You’ll learn in a collaborative environment and will be able to practice your speech with classmates. A class also benefits you by giving you recourse to a Nepali expert (the instructor) at any time.
   
   • Cornell University offers Nepali language courses both on campus and online.^[16] The University of Chicago also offers Nepali classes through its South Asia Language Resource Center.^[17]
   • Contact your local community college and ask if they offer classes in the Nepali language.

EditSources and Citations

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How to Be Independent While Living in Your Parent's House

There are a number of reasons that you would decide to live with your parents as an adult, but that doesn’t mean that you will lose your sense of freedom while you are there. By handling your financial situation, contributing to the household, and communicating clearly with your parents, you’ll be able to maintain your independence. Above all else, having respect for your parents and yourself will help to keep your independence intact.

EditSteps

EditEstablishing Boundaries

1. Create a communication system. Communication is important between you and your parents to clarify when you need privacy or space. A simple, predetermined signal can denote when someone needs a moment of breathing room.^[1]
   
   • You might say something like “I am feeling overwhelmed and need some privacy.” This will communicate to them what you are feeling and what they can do to help you feel better.
2. Respect your parents’ privacy. You should maintain your parents’ privacy by being respectful of their boundaries. Follow their lead, if in doubt. For example, if their bedroom door is kept closed, keep yours closed as well. Although you are welcome at your parents’ home, by inviting you to live with them, they are losing quiet moments and personal space that they once had to themselves.^[2]
   
   • Make a concerted effort to preserve their quiet, undisturbed moments and use them as an opportunity to have your own as well.
3. Let your parents know your plans. Since you’re an adult, you will want to go out with friends sometimes and might even stay out late. It will be helpful to establish with your parents that you will text them to let them know you will be out, and communicate with them beforehand to tell them about any plans you may have. ^[3]
   
4. Discuss potential houseguests in advance. It will be helpful to discuss potential friends you might invite over beforehand to avoid any conflict. While living in your parent's home, ensure that you, and anyone you invite into the home, abide by the rules of the house.
   
5. Create a space for yourself. Whether it's your room, or an office/work area, it is helpful to have a space that is your own. Let your parents know that you'd like this area to be private and that you would prefer to be left alone in this space. ^[4]
   
6. Set a firm date to move out of your parent's home and stick to it. Pick a reasonable date to leave the house, even if selected arbitrarily, and let your parents know when you intend to leave. Follow your budget and build your confidence and skills while in your parents home, keeping the date that you chose in mind as a motivator.^[5]
   

EditContributing to the Household

1. Pay your own way. While living in your parent's home you may feel inclined, or encouraged, to neglect your financial responsibilities; resist the temptation. When you move in, begin contributing to the household immediately and consistently following agreed upon terms.^[6]
   
   • Create a plan and a budget, and discuss what payment your parents will need from you to cover your living expenses such as rent, utilities, and any additional costs.
2. Respect the house and your parents’ possessions. Your parents may have rules in place about shoes on the carpet, food in the living room, or the use of specific rooms. Follow their rules and clean up after yourself. If you, your children, or a friend cause damage, fix it immediately at your own expense and apologize.
   
3. Volunteer to help your parents. Do tasks that your parents don’t wish to or aren’t able to do. For example, become the housekeeper in the home. By contributing to the household in addition to finances, you will demonstrate that you respect your parents and want to be helpful and responsible. ^[7]
   
   • Take advantage of the opportunity to impress them with all that you know. Put your skills to good use and make them glad to have you at home to assist them.
4. Show your appreciation. Do something special for your parents whenever possible and thank them for going out of their way to accommodate your needs. Make them dinner, buy a bottle of wine for them to share, or get them a gift certificate to go out to dinner or to a movie together.^[8]
   
   • Regardless of the circumstances that caused you to move in with your parents, maintain a respectful and appreciative attitude while in their home.

EditManaging Your Personal Life

1. Make your own decisions. It is vital that you maintain and continue building your strength in decision making while living with your parents. Although it is tempting to seek a second opinion, do not carry all of your burdens to the kitchen table seeking advice; be selective. Having confidence in your decision making abilities will only benefit you in the long run.^[9]
   
   • For example, if you are separated from your spouse and have a child, child care decisions should be made between you and your spouse.
   • Problems or decisions about your career should be made on your own with your future goals of independence in mind.
2. Spend time alone. Take walks around the neighborhood, go to a park, or visit the library every day. Spending time alone will give you the chance to think freely without the distractions of being in your parents’ environment. They've allowed you to stay in their home; you should, therefore, take advantage of that time by using it to create a more stable independent future for yourself.^[10]
   
3. Maintain your friendships. Time with friends can help you think clearly and take a break from interacting with your parents when it may be taxing for the both of you. Friendships are important for emotional support, especially if you are going through a difficult time. ^[11]
   
4. Provide adequate care for your children, if you have any. Although your parents have had plenty of practice raising children, it is your responsibility to take care of your kids while living in your parents’ home. Protect your parent's status as grandparents; free to enjoy special time with their grandchildren, but not charged with responsibility for them. Allow your parents to decide when and how they would like to spend time with your children.
   
   • You should provide boundaries for your children to follow while in your parent's home. These boundaries might include areas they aren't allowed to enter, times where they should be working on schoolwork, and limits on screen time.

EditTips

• Count your blessings. Focus your mind on all the good things you have in life and commit to creating even more good things, both for yourself and your parents.
• Remember that your parents are part of the solution. If you are moving in with them, you’re probably in a situation where you are in need of help, and they are part of the solution. Work on improving yourself and their lives without burdening them with your issues.
• When setting goals, include your parents in the successes you plan to enjoy. Make your every milestone something for them to look forward to by showing your appreciation to them each time you reach a goal or make significant progress toward a goal.

EditWarnings

• Do not overstay your welcome. If your parents become unhappy with your presence in their home, move out immediately. Go to a shelter or a friend's home, or find another way to provide shelter for yourself.

EditSources and Citations

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How to Fix Broken Makeup

It's always a sad day when your compact powder cracks after you drop it on the floor, or your lipstick melts or breaks in your purse. While your makeup won't be as perfect as when you first bought it, it's definitely possible to make it usable again.

EditSteps

EditRepairing Cracked Powders

1. Cover your compact powder with plastic wrap. Gather all of the pieces of your cracked compact powder and put them in the pan. Place plastic wrap over the compact powder so that the pan's edges are completely covered.^[1]
   
2. Crush the powder into tiny pieces inside the compact. Use a spoon or your fingers to crush up the powder so that it becomes very loose. The plastic wrap will allow you to crush up the powder without getting your fingers dirty or making a mess.^[2]
   
3. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the powder. Remove the plastic wrap and fill a dropper or spoon with rubbing alcohol. Drop a few drops into the compact powder — you want to aim for creating a paste-like texture. How many drops you add will largely depend on the size of your compact, so start with 2 or 3 and go from there.^[3]
   
   • If you oversaturate your powder, don’t worry — it will just take longer to dry out.
4. Smooth out the paste using a spoon. After you’ve created a paste with the powder and rubbing alcohol, flatten it out using a spoon so that the top is nice and smooth. Try to make sure that the paste reaches all of the edges of the compact and that there aren’t any air bubbles.^[4]
   
5. Let the powder dry for 24 hours. Once your powder is smooth, wipe off any residue around the edges of the compact. Let the powder dry for 24 hours or overnight. Once it’s dry, it’s ready to be used again!^[5]
   
   • This method works well for cracked eyeshadows, blushes, bronzers, highlighters, and broken powders.
6. Remove a broken compact mirror with an acetone-soaked paper towel. If your compact’s mirror shattered when the powder cracked, it’s best to remove the mirror entirely. Make sure there’s no glass in the powder and then cover the powder up with plastic wrap or a cloth. Dampen a paper towel or cloth with acetone and start to loosen the glue keeping the mirror attached to the compact, scraping the glass pieces off with a sharper tool. Use acetone to remove any extra residue.^[6]
   
   • If you’d like to find another mirror to replace the broken one, visit a craft store or go online.
   • Protect your fingers from getting cut by glass by wearing gloves, if desired.

EditRestoring Broken Lipstick

1. Melt the ends of your lipstick if it broke in half. If your lipstick broke in half, reattach it by melting the pieces back together. Make the ends of the lipstick pieces smooth using a cotton swab, and then use a lighter to soften the base. Right after the base of the lipstick is slightly melted, soften the end of the piece that broke off. Stick the pieces together carefully, using the lighter to slightly melt the edges where they connect so that you can smooth them out using a cotton swab.^[7]
   
   • Twist your lipstick until it’s fully extended before starting to repair the lipstick to make the process easier.
2. Scoop out the bottom of your lipstick if it broke at the base. If your lipstick happened to break off right where it’s attached to the base, fixing it is super easy. Use a toothpick, bobby pin, or other tiny tool to remove the lipstick stuck in the bottom of the base. Now take the top part of the lipstick that broke off and place it back in the base.^[8]
   
3. Purchase a reusable lipstick mold if your lipstick melts frequently. If you live somewhere hot or your lipstick keeps melting, consider buying a reusable lipstick mold. The best place to find these is online, and they cost roughly $15.^[9]
   
4. Transfer your lipstick to a container if it can’t be fixed. If your lipstick is cracked into pieces or simply can’t be restored, melt it down. Place the lipstick pieces in a large spoon and melt them using a lighter. Once it’s all melted, transfer it to a tiny container or palette before putting it into the freezer to stiffen. Now you can use your finger to apply the lipstick, or use a lip brush.^[10]
   

EditSources and Citations

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How to Raise a Well Behaved Child

All kids have their moments, but knowing that you can count on your kid to behave can make your life much easier. Catch your child behaving well and reinforce their good behavior. Help them gain social skills by using good manners and not complaining or whining. Use consistent discipline and find opportunities to teach, not punish.

EditSteps

EditUsing Positive Reinforcement

1. Praise their good behavior. When you catch your child acting well-behaved, let them know! This can help them realize that good behavior is noticed and celebrated. It also shows them what behaviors are acceptable and appreciated.^[1]
   
   • For example, say, “You shared your toy with your sibling. That is quite thoughtful and kind of you, good job!”
2. Give your child rewards for good behavior. When you catch your child behaving well, give them a reward such as more screen time or a trip to the playground. To reinforce good behavior throughout the week, try using a behavior chart. You can assign a point system and let them choose a small reward once they reach the points.^[2]
   
   • Some behaviors might include speaking calmly (not yelling), sharing, cleaning up, taking turns, and doing chores.
3. Interact and play with your child often. You can spend quality time with your child while helping them develop behavior skills. Help them modify their behavior if they are acting aggressively, selfishly, or unsafely by expressing these things in play. You can teach your child rules and limits while having fun with them.^[3]
   
   • For example, help your child understand sharing by acting out scenarios with dolls or figurines.
   • Throw a make-believe tea party with your child and show them how to interact with friends and guests.

EditBuilding Interaction Skills

1. Help them understand empathy. A well-behaved child will consider the feelings of others. Help your child build their empathy skills by talking to them in emotion-rich language and teaching them to respect others.^[4]
   
   • For example, ask your child, “How do you think other kids feel when you hit them? What would it be like if someone hit you?”
   • Talk to your child in a manner that is appropriate for their age. Use examples that they will understand.
2. Practice using good manners. Teach your child the value of saying “please” and “thank you” along with other manners. Practice saying them with your child when they make requests or receive something. Establish good habits so that good manners become second nature to your child.^[5]
   
   • Watch your own manners! Children pick up behaviors from their caretakers, so be extra sure to use good manners around your children.
3. Encourage patience when waiting. Don’t feel like you have to do everything your child wants right when they want it. This will help them develop patience and how to manage feeling impatient. Let your child know they will have to wait and be patient.^[6]
   
   • You can say to your child, "I know you're hungry -- I'm hungry, too! Dinner is almost ready, so let's wait patiently together and think about how yummy it's going to be!"
4. Set a good example with your own behavior and interactions. Your child watches everything you do! Each interaction you have with the outside world is an opportunity to set a great example for your child. Be positive and polite when interacting with others in public and in private.
   
   • When you're in a waiting room or standing in line, smile, appear relaxed, and wait patiently for your turn. Try to avoid fidgeting, frowning, and being visibly impatient.
   • If a friend or family member is running late, don't snap at them in front of your child.

EditCreating Effective Discipline

1. Stay calm. Before disciplining your child, make sure that you feel calm first. Don’t approach your child or try to solve problems when you feel angry or upset. Take some time to cool down on your own by taking some deep breaths or leaving the room for a short time.^[7]
   
   • By approaching your child calmly, you show them that conflicts can be solved without being heated or hurtful.
   • Show your child the difference between stopping them from doing something immediately (because it's dangerous, disruptive, disrespectful, etc.) and disciplining them (which can wait until you’ve calmed down).
2. Guide your child through difficult emotions. Even a well-behaved child will have occasional meltdowns or tantrums, especially if they are young. If your child feels angry or upset, help them navigate these difficult emotions by listening to them and understanding them. Help them with any misunderstandings by explaining things in a way they understand.^[8]
   
   • For example, if your child is yelling, say, “I can tell you’re upset. Can you tell me what’s going on in your normal voice?”
   • If your child refuses to talk during a meltdown, take them out the situation temporarily until they calm down. Don't try talking to them until they are calmer.
3. Engage them in problem-solving. When your child is struggling with something (like when you say no to a snack), help them problem-solve a new solution. Encourage them to think of alternatives and ask nicely for a new request.^[9]
   
   • For example, if your child is upset that they can’t go outside, ask, “What other activity can you do instead? I’m sure you can find something else that’s fun.” If the child is very young, redirect them yourself by giving them something new to do.
4. Teach instead of punish. Use every opportunity to teach your child instead of punishing them. Punishments only show your child that what they did was wrong; teaching your child will help them know how to respond in the future. Guide your child in a different approach to the problem.^[10]
   
   • For example, if your child is running around in a restaurant, bring them back to the table and practice sitting together. Show them different ways to sit so that they do not feel uncomfortable.
   • If the child won't stop the bad behavior, remove them temporarily from the situation until they are willing to act better. You might wait for them to calm down or use this opportunity to calmly explain good behavior.
5. Discipline consistently. A well-behaved child will know their boundaries. Communicate the boundaries of your child’s behavior to them and make sure they know that consequences will be enforced if they cross the line. Be consistent in discipline with your child and with any siblings so that they know you are fair.^[11]
   
   • Don’t let your child get away with things sometimes and give them a consequence other times.
6. Have clear consequences. Outline specific consequences for specific behaviors. Choose a consequence that matches the misbehavior so that it is fair and not overly harsh. Ensure that consequences are age appropriate. Young children might get a short timeout while older children might have privileges revoked.^[12]
   
   • For example, a toddler would simply need to be quiet and remain in timeout until you end it. With a pre-school age child, you could put toys and privileges in timeout, too. School-age children might have their TV or computer time temporarily taken away.

EditSources and Citations

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