Greetings & basics
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.
The Nepali
धन्यवाद
dhanyabad/d̪̪ʱənjəbəd̪/
Related questions
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.