Nepali Q&A

How do you say hello in Nepali?

You say "namaste" — written नमस्ते in Devanagari. Press your palms together at chest height, slight bow, eye contact. It works for hello and goodbye, formal and casual.

How do you say thank you in Nepali?

You say "dhanyabad" — धन्यवाद. Used at shops, restaurants, and with guides or porters at the end of the day. Among close friends and family, Nepalis show gratitude through reciprocity rather than the word itself, so save dhanyabad for moments that earn it.

How do you say goodbye in Nepali?

The casual goodbye is "namaste" — the same word as hello. For a warmer parting that signals you'll meet again, say "pheri bhetaunla" (फेरि भेटौंला) — literally "see you again."

How do you say yes in Nepali?

"Ho" (हो) is yes. For "okay" or "sure," you can also say "hunchha" (हुन्छ) — common when accepting an offer or confirming a plan.

How do you say no in Nepali?

"Hoina" (होइन) is no. For polite refusal — declining a drink, a sale, or an offer — "chaahindaina" (चाहिँदैन, "not needed") is softer and more idiomatic.

How do you say please in Nepali?

"Kripaya" (कृपया) is the literal please, but it's formal and rarely used in conversation. Nepali expresses politeness through verb forms — adding "-hos" to a verb (e.g. "dinuhos" = please give) is the everyday equivalent.

How do you say sorry in Nepali?

"Maaf garnuhos" (माफ गर्नुहोस्) — "please forgive me." It's the polite, all-purpose apology for bumping into someone, being late, or making a small mistake.

How do you say how are you in Nepali?

"Tapaai-laai kasto chha?" (तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?) — formal, polite, used with elders and strangers. With friends, "timi-laai kasto chha?" works.

How do you say my name is in Nepali?

"Mero naam X ho" (मेरो नाम X हो) — "my name is X." Example: "Mero naam Sarah ho."

How do you say nice to meet you in Nepali?

"Tapaai-laai bhetera khusi laagyo" (तपाईंलाई भेटेर खुसी लाग्यो) — "I'm happy to have met you." Said at the end of a first conversation, often with a small bow.

What does namaste mean?

Namaste is a respectful greeting meaning "I bow to you" — literally a contraction of "namah" (bow) and "te" (to you). In Nepali (and Hindi), it functions as hello, goodbye, and a gesture of respect. The gesture — palms together at chest, slight bow — carries as much meaning as the word.

What does dhanyabad mean?

Dhanyabad (धन्यवाद) means "thank you" in Nepali. The word comes from Sanskrit dhanyavāda — literally "declaration of being fortunate." It's the standard formal thanks; casual gratitude among friends and family is more often shown through reciprocity than words.

How do you say good morning in Nepali?

"Subha-prabhat" (शुभप्रभात) — a formal good morning. In casual contexts, simply "namaste" in the morning works perfectly.

How do you say good night in Nepali?

"Subha-raatri" (शुभरात्रि) — formal good night. In trekking lodges, an end-of-evening "namaste" before bed conveys the same warmth.

How do you say I don't understand in Nepali?

"Maile bujhinna" (मैले बुझिन्न) — "I don't understand." Pair with "bistaarai bolnuhos" ("please speak slowly") and you've turned a wall into a conversation.

How do you say do you speak English in Nepali?

"Tapaai-le angreji bolnuhuncha?" (तपाईंले अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?) — "do you speak English?" Most urban Nepalis and trekking-trail residents do, but asking in Nepali first earns warmer help.

How do you say what is your name in Nepali?

"Tapaai-ko naam ke ho?" (तपाईंको नाम के हो?) — formal. With friends, "timi-ko naam ke ho?". The exchange usually goes both ways quickly.

How do you say I love you in Nepali?

"Ma timilai maya garchu" (म तिमीलाई माया गर्छु) — literally "I show you love/affection." Spoken between partners; with family the more common phrase is the same with "-laai" replaced by the relationship word.

How do you say I don't know in Nepali?

"Malai thaahaa chhaina" (मलाई थाहा छैन) — literally "information has not come to me." Used constantly in conversation; far more idiomatic than a direct "I don't know."

How do you say please speak slowly in Nepali?

"Bistaarai bolnuhos" (बिस्तारै बोल्नुहोस्) — "please speak slowly." Pair with "maile bujhinna" (I don't understand) and the conversation usually adjusts.

How do you say what is this in Nepali?

"Yo ke ho?" (यो के हो?) — pointing at something nearby. For something farther away: "tyo ke ho?" (त्यो के हो?). Useful at every market stall.

How do you say where are you from in Nepali?

"Tapaai kahaa-baata aaunubhayeko?" (तपाईं कहाँबाट आउनुभएको?) — formal. Response template: "ma X-baata aayeko ho" (I'm from X). Conversation opener locals love.

How do you say see you tomorrow in Nepali?

"Bholi bhetaunla" (भोली भेटौंला) — "we'll meet tomorrow." Warmer than English; the future-marker -laa softens it into a gentle promise.

How do you say wait in Nepali?

"Parkhanuhos" (पर्खनुहोस्) — formal "please wait." Or shorter: "ekchhin" (एकछिन) — "one moment." Universal pause word.

How do you say tomorrow in Nepali?

"Bholi" (भोली) — tomorrow. "Hijo" (हिजो) — yesterday. "Aaja" (आज) — today. "Parsi" (पर्सि) — day after tomorrow.

How do you say now in Nepali?

"Aile" (अहिले) — now. "Pachi" (पछि) — later. "Pahile" (पहिले) — before. The triplet you'll need for almost every time-related conversation.

How do you say friend in Nepali?

"Saathi" (साथी) — friend, gender-neutral. For close male friend: "yaar" (informal, borrowed from Urdu). Used in casual speech across all ages in Kathmandu.

How do you say good in Nepali?

"Raamro" (राम्रो) — good, nice, beautiful. The single most useful adjective in Nepali. "Raamro cha" = it's good. "Raamro khaanaa" = good food.

How do you say bad in Nepali?

"Naraamro" (नराम्रो) — bad, literally "not-good." Nepali makes a lot of antonyms this way: na- prefix means "not." Useful pattern.

How do you say big and small in Nepali?

"Thulo" (ठूलो) — big. "Saano" (सानो) — small. "Thulo dal bhat" = a big dal bhat. "Saano sized" room is what trekking lodges have.

How do you say goodnight in Nepali?

"Shubha raatri" (शुभ रात्रि) — formal goodnight, used at teahouses and homestays before sleeping. Informally, Nepali speakers also just say "namaste" (since it works for hello, goodbye, and farewells of any kind).

How do you say when in Nepali?

"Kahile?" (कहिले?) — when. "Kahile aunucha?" = when does it come? "Kahile janus" = (it's time to) go now. Combined with the time-of-day words: bihaana, diuso, saanjh.

How do you say why in Nepali?

"Kina?" (किन?) — why. "Kina aaunubhayo?" = why did you come? Short, universal. Often combined with "ke?" (what?) at the start of a confused question.

How do you say because in Nepali?

"Kinaki" (किनकि) — because. "Aaunadina, kinaki paani parchha" = I won't come, because it's raining. Use after a comma between the conclusion and the reason.

How do you say but in Nepali?

"Tara" (तर) — but. Mid-sentence connector: "Ma jaanchu, tara dhilo hunchha" = I'll go, but I'll be late. Sometimes spelled "tar" in informal text.

How do you say delicious in Nepali?

"Mitho chha" (मीठो छ) — "it's delicious." Said at the table, eye contact with whoever cooked. The single warmest compliment a Nepali host receives from a foreigner.

How do you say I'm full in Nepali?

"Pugyo" (पुग्यो) — literally "enough." Wave gently as you say it; the didi serving dal bhat is about to add a third helping otherwise. Always paired with "dhanyabad" right after.

How do you say I'm vegetarian in Nepali?

"Ma shakaahari hu" (म शाकाहारी हुँ) — "I am vegetarian." Nepali kitchens — especially Hindu ones — understand vegetarianism deeply. Dal bhat is vegetarian by default; only specify when ordering off-menu.

How do you say water in Nepali?

"Paani" (पानी) is water. "Tato paani" is hot water, "chiso paani" is cold. On the trail above 3,000m, ask "tato paani chha?" — "is there hot water?" — and pay the 300-600 NPR for a hot shower.

How do you say tea in Nepali?

"Chiya" (चिया). "Doodh chiya" is milk tea, "kalo chiya" is black tea, "masala chiya" is spiced milk tea. On the trail, ordering a thermos ("thermos garam paani") plus tea bags is cheaper than individual cups.

What is dal bhat?

Dal bhat is Nepal's staple meal — lentils (dal) and rice (bhat) served with a vegetable side, sometimes a pickle, sometimes meat. At trekking lodges, refills are free until you wave it off. Often eaten with the right hand only.

What is momo?

Momo is Nepal's beloved dumpling — small, half-moon-shaped, steamed or fried, filled with buffalo, chicken, vegetables, or paneer. Served with achaar (a spicy tomato dipping sauce). Tibetan in origin but now thoroughly Nepali. Fifteen pieces for NPR 200–300 in Kathmandu.

How do you say spicy in Nepali?

"Piro" (पिरो) is spicy/hot. For "not spicy" say "piro nahalnuhos" (don't make it spicy). Useful when ordering dal bhat for tourists — Nepali kitchens default to assertive heat.

How do you say bring the bill in Nepali?

"Bill dinuhos" (बिल दिनुहोस्) — "please give the bill." "Bill" is a loanword used universally. Wait until staff has time; don't rush the closing of a meal.

How do you say take-out in Nepali?

"Parcel garnuhos" (पार्सल गर्नुहोस्) — "please pack it." Or simpler: "take away." Most Thamel restaurants understand both.

How do you say can I have water in Nepali?

"Paani dinuhos" (पानी दिनुहोस्) — "please give water." Specify "tato paani" for hot, "chiso paani" for cold. Bottled is "mineral paani."

What is a thali in Nepal?

A thali (थाली) is a metal plate with compartments — and by extension, the meal served on one. Rice in the center, dal in one well, vegetable curry in another, pickle in a small third, plus chapati on the side. Dal bhat is served on a thali.

What is chiya?

Chiya (चिया) is Nepali tea — usually milk tea (doodh chiya) with sugar, sometimes with masala spices. Black tea is "kalo chiya." Roadside chiya pasal (tea shops) serve it from a kettle, scalding hot, often with a biscuit.

What is raksi?

Raksi (रक्सी) is Nepali home-distilled spirit — usually rice-based, sometimes millet (jaand) or wheat. Clear, ~20-40% ABV, ubiquitous at village festivals and Newari restaurants. Served in a small metal cup.

How do you say how much in Nepali?

"Kati ho?" (कति हो?) — the universal market question. Use it at every shop, taxi, teahouse, and bakery. The follow-up for negotiating: "yo dherai mahango chha" — "this is too expensive."

How do you say too expensive in Nepali?

"Dherai mahango chha" (धेरै महंगो छ) — "it's very expensive." Said with a small wince, you signal you want the price down. Bargaining in tourist markets typically goes 50% off the opening quote.

How do you count to ten in Nepali?

Ek (1), dui (2), teen (3), chaar (4), paanch (5), chha (6), saat (7), aath (8), nau (9), das (10). Useful for markets, taxis, and ordering by quantity.

How do you say money in Nepali?

"Paisa" (पैसा) is money colloquially; "rupaiyaa" (रुपैयाँ) is rupees specifically. "Saya rupaiyaa" is 100 rupees, "hajaar rupaiyaa" is 1,000.

What's the currency in Nepal?

Nepali rupees (NPR / Rs). 1 USD ≈ 132–135 NPR in 2026. Cash dominates — ATMs work in cities, rarely above Namche on EBC. Indian rupees in INR 100 notes are accepted near the border; INR 500/2000 are NOT legal tender.

Is Nepal expensive to visit?

No — Nepal is one of the cheapest countries in Asia for travelers. Budget travelers spend $25–40/day (hostels, dal bhat, local buses). Mid-range $50–100/day (hotels, restaurants, tourist transport). The exceptions are trekking permits (~$40), Lukla flights (~$200 each way), and Upper Mustang's $500 restricted-area permit.

How do you say how many hours in Nepali?

"Kati ghanta?" (कति घण्टा?) — used to ask trail times at lodges or porters. Far more useful than "kati tadha" (how far) because Nepali distances are notoriously elastic.

Do I need a guide for Everest Base Camp?

Since 2023, Nepal requires a government-licensed guide for trekking in national parks including Sagarmatha (Everest region). Enforcement is uneven — many solo trekkers still complete the trek — but at Namche checkpoint you can be retroactively required to hire one. Safest path: a porter-guide for the high-altitude segments.

What permits do I need for Everest Base Camp in 2026?

Two permits, both cash-on-arrival at trail checkpoints: (1) Sagarmatha National Park entry — NPR 3,000 at Monjo; (2) Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit — NPR 2,000 at Lukla. Total NPR 5,000 (~$37). The old TIMS card requirement was dropped in 2023 for this region.

How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?

Self-organised with a porter-guide: ~$1,600 inclusive of round-trip Lukla flights, permits, on-trail food and lodging, tips. Mid-tier agency package booked from abroad: $2,200-2,800. Premium all-inclusive: $3,500+. Plan for hidden costs at altitude — hot showers, wifi, charging, snacks all add up.

When is the best time to trek Everest Base Camp?

Late September through November is the primary window — clear skies, stable weather, cold but manageable nights. March through early May is the second window with spring blossoms. Avoid June-August monsoon (slippery trails, leeches, view-killing cloud).

How do you say where is the toilet in Nepali?

"Charpi kaha chha?" (चर्पी कहाँ छ?) — "where is the toilet?" Squat toilets are standard outside upscale hotels. Bring your own toilet paper — most lodges don't provide it.

How do you say bathroom in Nepali?

"Charpi" (चर्पी) is the toilet/bathroom — used for both. "Snan ghar" (स्नान घर) is specifically a bathing room. On the trail "toilet" as a loanword is also widely understood.

How do you say I want to go to X in Nepali?

"Malai X jaanu chha" (मलाई X जानु छ) — "I need to go to X." Example: "Malai Thamel jaanu chha." Taxi-friendly phrase.

How do you say what time is it in Nepali?

"Kati bajyo?" (कति बज्यो?) — "what time is it?" Response: "X baje" (X o'clock), "saadhe X" (X:30), "sawaa X" (X:15). Useful at trekking lodges where clocks vary.

How do you say train station in Nepali?

There's no Nepali word in regular use — Nepal has almost no passenger rail. The bus station is "bus park" (बस पार्क). The airport is "bimaansthal" (विमानस्थल) or just "airport."

How do you say bus stop in Nepali?

"Bus stop" as a loanword works. The Nepali phrase is "bus rokine thau" (बस रोकिने ठाउँ) — "place where the bus stops." Local buses (microbus, tempo) stop wherever you wave.

How do you say stop the car in Nepali?

"Yahaa roknuhos" (यहाँ रोक्नुहोस्) — "stop here." To a taxi driver: pair with "dhanyabad" before paying.

How do you say left and right in Nepali?

"Debre" (देब्रे) is left, "daahine" (दाहिने) is right. For "go left" say "debre janus" (देब्रे जानुस्). Useful in taxis when the driver doesn't use Google Maps.

How do you say straight ahead in Nepali?

"Sidhai" (सीधै) — straight. "Sidhai jaanuhos" = go straight. Common direction in city traffic; combine with debre/daahine for turns.

How do you say the days of the week in Nepali?

Sunday: aaitabaar (आइतबार). Monday: sombaar (सोमबार). Tuesday: mangalbaar (मंगलबार). Wednesday: budhabaar (बुधबार). Thursday: bihibaar (बिहीबार). Friday: shukrabaar (शुक्रबार). Saturday: shanibaar (शनिबार). All end in -baar ("day").

How do you say I'm tired in Nepali?

"Ma thakeko chu" (म थाकेको छु) — "I am tired." Trekker's daily anthem. The verb thakhnu (to tire) is one of the first verbs you'll use ten times a day above Namche.

How do you say do you have in Nepali?

"Tapaai-sanga X cha?" (तपाईंसँग X छ?) — "do you have X?" Example: "Tapaai-sanga charger cha?" (do you have a charger?). The -sanga postposition is "with."

Is it safe to drink tap water in Nepal?

No — never drink unfiltered tap water in Nepal. Use a SteriPen, water filter, or chlorine drops. Bottled water ("mineral paani") is sold everywhere; check the seal isn't broken. On the trail, lodges sell hot water and boiled drinking water by the liter for ~NPR 50-150.

How do you say I have altitude sickness in Nepali?

"Malai lek lagyo" (मलाई लेक लाग्यो) — literally "altitude has caught me." Every guide, lodge owner, and HRA medic above Namche knows this phrase. The single most important emergency phrase on the high routes.

How do you say help in Nepali?

"Sahaayataa garnuhos" (सहायता गर्नुहोस्) — "please help." In urgent shouted form, just "sahaayataa!" works. For medical specifically: "daaktar chahincha" (a doctor is needed).

How do you say doctor in Nepali?

"Daaktar" (डाक्टर) — a loanword used universally. For "I need a doctor," say "malai daaktar chahincha" (मलाई डाक्टर चाहिन्छ).

How do you say I'm sick in Nepali?

"Malai sancho chhaina" (मलाई सञ्चो छैन) — "I'm not feeling well." For specific symptoms, append: "taauko dukhcha" (headache), "pet dukhcha" (stomach pain), "vaitee aaucha" (vomiting).

Is Nepal safe for solo female travelers?

Generally yes — Nepal ranks among the safer South Asian destinations for solo women. Petty scams and unwanted attention happen mostly in tourist areas like Thamel; violent crime is rare. Pokhara is calmer than Kathmandu. Modest dress in temples and villages is appreciated; trekking with a registered guide is common practice rather than a safety mandate.

How do you say I'm cold in Nepali?

"Malai jaado lagyo" (मलाई जाडो लाग्यो) — "cold has caught me." The construction parallels "malai lek lagyo" for altitude sickness — Nepali grammar treats sensations as things that happen TO you, not states you're in.

How do you say can you help me in Nepali?

"Tapaai-le maddat garna saknuhuncha?" (तपाईंले मद्दत गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?) — "can you help me?" In a hurry, just "maddat!" works as a call for help.

How do you say I'm lost in Nepali?

"Ma haraen" (म हराएँ) — "I'm lost." Pair with the destination: "Thamel kaha cha?" (where is Thamel?). Strangers will walk you there.

How do you say call the police in Nepali?

"Prahari laai bolaau" (प्रहरीलाई बोलाऊ) — "call the police." Nepal Police: 100. Tourist Police (Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu): +977-1-4247041.

How do you say ambulance in Nepali?

"Ambulance" as a loanword is universal. The Nepali phrase is "laash gaadi" (लाश गाडी) but it's rarely used. Emergency ambulance: 102 in Kathmandu.

How do you say I need medicine in Nepali?

"Malai aushadhi chahincha" (मलाई औषधि चाहिन्छ) — "I need medicine." At a pharmacy, point to your symptom: pet (stomach), tauko (head), nak (nose), kan (ear).

How do you say pharmacy in Nepali?

"Aushadhi pasal" (औषधि पसल) — medicine shop. Or "medical hall" (loanword). Nepali pharmacies sell most drugs over the counter; bring your prescription's generic name.

How do you say I'm hot in Nepali?

"Malai garmi lagyo" (मलाई गर्मी लाग्यो) — "heat has caught me." Use it in the Terai in summer, in any monsoon kathmandu, or as a hint to the lodge owner to crack the window.

What is Dashain?

Dashain is Nepal's longest and most important Hindu festival — a 15-day celebration in September/October centered on family gatherings, elder blessings (tika on the forehead, dakshina money gifts), and animal sacrifice on Maha Asthami. Cities empty as workers return to home villages.

What is Tihar?

Tihar is Nepal's five-day festival of lights, falling 2-3 weeks after Dashain. Houses are washed and lit with oil lamps; marigold garlands and rangoli patterns decorate doorways. Each day honors a different being — crows, dogs, cows, the self, and finally brothers (Bhai Tika). The most photogenic Nepali festival.

How do you say happy birthday in Nepali?

"Janma din ko shubhakaamana" (जन्म दिनको शुभकामना) — "birthday wishes." Casual urban Nepalis also use the English "happy birthday" with no hesitation.

What is Thamel?

Thamel is the dense tourist district at the center of Kathmandu — about 6 square blocks of narrow streets packed with trekking gear shops, hotels, restaurants, money changers, and tour agencies. Most travelers stay here on arrival. Loud, energetic, and the easiest place to get scammed if you're not paying attention.

What do Nepal's prayer flags mean?

The five colors — blue (sky), white (air), red (fire), green (water), yellow (earth) — represent the five elements in Tibetan Buddhism. Each flag is printed with mantras believed to spread blessings as the wind moves through them. You'll see them at high passes, monastery gates, and homes throughout the Himalayan regions.

How do you say cheers in Nepali?

Traditionally Nepali doesn't have a "cheers" — drinks are not toasted. In modern urban contexts you'll hear "jay" (जय) — "victory!" — or just the English "cheers". At a Newari rakshi tasting, the host may say "khanus" (please drink) which functions as the same gesture.

How do you say thank god in Nepali?

"Bhagwaan ko kripa" (भगवानको कृपा) — "god's grace," the Nepali "thank god." Heard constantly when something goes right unexpectedly — flight didn't cancel, sick person recovered, package arrived.

What is tika?

Tika (टीका) is a red mark on the forehead — a blessing applied by an elder to a younger person at Dashain, weddings, or other auspicious occasions. The Dashain version is a paste of rice, yogurt, and vermilion. Don't wipe it off — let it dry naturally.

What is the Devanagari script?

Devanagari is the script used to write Nepali, Hindi, Sanskrit, Marathi, and several other South Asian languages. It has 33 consonants and 11 vowels and is phonetic — once you learn the symbols, you can sound out any word. The horizontal line on top is its distinctive visual mark.

Is Nepali hard to learn for English speakers?

Nepali sits in the middle — significantly harder than Spanish or French, much easier than Mandarin or Arabic. The script (Devanagari) is phonetic and learnable in a week. Grammar is friendlier than English (no articles, regular conjugation). Sounds — retroflex and aspirated consonants — are the real challenge.

What language is spoken in Nepal?

Nepali is the official language and primary lingua franca, spoken by ~80% of the population. There are 123+ other indigenous languages including Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tamang, Newari, Magar, and various Tibetan-related languages in highland regions. Most urban Nepalis also speak some Hindi and English.

Is Nepali the same as Hindi?

No — they're closely related Indo-Aryan languages with shared vocabulary and the same Devanagari script, but they're distinct languages. A Hindi speaker can understand maybe 30-50% of casual Nepali and is regularly read Nepali signs. Grammar and pronunciation differ enough that they require separate study.

How many people speak Nepali?

About 32 million native speakers worldwide as of 2025 — primarily in Nepal (~26 million), but also in India (especially Sikkim, Darjeeling), Bhutan, and the global Nepali diaspora in the US, UK, Gulf states, and Australia.

Do Nepalis speak English?

Yes, widely — especially in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and along trekking routes. English is the medium of instruction in most private schools, and trekking guides, lodge owners, and hospitality staff routinely speak conversational-to-fluent English. Rural areas are more Nepali-dominant; even a few Nepali phrases earn warmth there.

Do I need a visa for Nepal?

Most nationalities can get visa on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport — USD 30 / 50 / 125 for 15 / 30 / 90 days. Bring USD cash and a passport with 6+ months validity. A small set of exclusion countries (mostly African nations) must apply in advance at a Nepali embassy.

How long can I stay in Nepal on a tourist visa?

Up to 150 days per calendar year. The initial visa is 15 / 30 / 90 days; extensions at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu cost USD 45 for 15 days plus USD 3/day after. The 150-day annual cap is firm.

What is Bikram Sambat?

Bikram Sambat (विक्रम सम्बत) is Nepal's official calendar — 56-57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. 2026 CE = 2082-2083 BS. The year begins mid-April with Baisakh 1. Used on every government document, newspaper, and bank slip.

What's the best app to learn Nepali?

There's no clear winner. The best free option is KidSchooler (web, 387 phrases, AI roleplay, Devanagari). Ling App is the strongest paid app ($17/mo) with native audio. uTalk has the cleanest audio for pure phrase memorization. Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Pimsleur don't teach Nepali at all.

Is Nepali an official language?

Yes — Nepali is the sole official language of Nepal and one of the 22 scheduled languages of India (recognized in Sikkim and parts of West Bengal). It's used in government, education, media, and most commerce across Nepal.