Course
Learn Nepali
The Nepali course
A free, graded path from your first namaste to real conversation — dialogues, vocabulary, grammar and exercises in every unit, paired with public-domain audio you can listen to as you read.
The lessons are written by KidSchooler. The audio is the public-domain FSI Nepali Basic Course. Work through the units in order, or dip into whichever topic you need.
Units
- 1Beginner
Greetings and introductions
Meet people the Nepali way: say hello, exchange names, and make your first sentences with ho, the verb of identity.
Start unit - 2Beginner
Numbers and counting
Count from one to ten, ask how much something costs, and read Nepali (Devanagari) numerals you'll see on prices and buses.
Start unit - 3Beginner
This, that, and what things are
Point at the world and name it: yo (this), tyo (that), and the difference between the two verbs of being, ho and chha.
Start unit - 4Beginner
Asking questions
The handful of question words that unlock real conversation — who, where, when, why and how — and where to slot them into sentences you already know.
Start unit - 5Beginner
I, you, and having things
Personal pronouns and the levels of politeness behind "you", plus the neat -sanga trick Nepali uses instead of a verb "to have".
Start unit - 6Elementary
Talking about family
Family words come up fast in Nepal — and they split by age and respect in ways English doesn't. Learn to name your relatives and say "this is my…".
Start unit - 7Elementary
Directions and getting around
Find your way on foot or by bus: ask where something is, follow left / right / straight, and check how far it is.
Start unit - 8Elementary
Telling the time
Read the clock the Nepali way: ask the time, give the hour with baje, and pin things to the morning or evening.
Start unit - 9Elementary
Food and ordering
Eat well anywhere in Nepal: order a meal, say you're vegetarian, ask for water, and call for the bill.
Start unit - 10Elementary
Shopping and bargaining
Shop the bazaar with confidence: ask the price, say it's too expensive, bargain politely, and close the deal.
Start unit - 11Intermediate
Talking about the past
Tell people what you did and where you went — the simple past tense and the polite -nubhayo form you'll be asked questions in.
Start unit - 12Intermediate
Weather and seasons
Talk about the weather and Nepal's seasons — essential for timing a trek and reading the monsoon.
Start unit - 13Intermediate
Health and the body
Get help when you're unwell: say what hurts, ask for a doctor or pharmacy, and recognise altitude sickness on the trail.
Start unit - 14Intermediate
Travel and transport
Get from A to B: buy a ticket, ask when and where things leave, and take a taxi without being overcharged.
Start unit - 15Intermediate
On the trek
The words the trail runs on: ask for a teahouse room and food, find out how many hours to the next village, and handle uphill and down.
Start unit - 16Intermediate
Everyday conversations
The glue of real talk — small talk, quick check-ins, reacting and agreeing, and the little tag questions Nepali speakers sprinkle everywhere.
Start unit - 17Intermediate
Festivals and celebrations
Nepal runs on festivals. Learn to greet people at Dashain and Tihar, accept an invitation, and join the celebration.
Start unit - 18Intermediate
Culture and customs
Move through Nepali life respectfully — temple and home etiquette, the idea of jutho, and the gestures that quietly matter.
Start unit - 19Intermediate
Staying with a family
Be a good guest — the warm rituals of a Nepali home: accepting food and tea, complimenting the cook, and thanking your hosts the Nepali way.
Start unit - 20Intermediate
Review and moving on
Pull the threads together: the big ideas behind everything you've learned, a quick self-check, and where to take your Nepali next.
Start unit