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Learn Nepali

Devanagari, honorific levels and the ergative -le, taught in clear, small steps.

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Nepali is the official language of Nepal and is also spoken in parts of India and Bhutan. It is an Indo-Aryan language written in Devanagari, the same script used for Hindi and Sanskrit, and it includes aspirated and retroflex consonants that English lacks. Sentences place the verb last, use postpositions, and mark the subject of past transitive verbs with -le. Pronouns and verbs change with respect, from ta to timi to tapāĩ. Nepali also uses two different verbs for be. Learnr builds a personalized Nepali course and teaches it in short lessons.

How to learn Nepali, step by step

Learn Devanagari in small groups. Learn consonants by mouth position, then vowel signs that attach to them. Practice writing your name and common words like Nepāl and namaste. Within a few weeks you can read signs and simple text.
Practice aspirated and retroflex sounds. Nepali distinguishes k from kh, t from th and dental from retroflex consonants. Say pairs aloud with a hand in front of your mouth to feel the puff of air, and listen carefully to native audio.
Use honorifics from the beginning. Ta is intimate or rude, timi is for friends and younger people, tapāĩ is respectful and hajur is very polite. Verb endings change with each. Default to tapāĩ with adults until you know the relationship.
Separate ho and cha. Ho is used for identity, as in ma vidyārthī hũ (I am a student), while cha shows existence or location, as in kitāb tebulmā cha (the book is on the table). Practice contrasting pairs until the choice feels automatic.
Learn the ergative -le in the past. In past transitive sentences, the subject takes -le: maile bhāt khāẽ (I ate rice). Drill sentences in the present and past side by side. Short daily Learnr lessons help this pattern become routine.
Listen to Nepali speech and media. Nepali films, songs and radio give you natural rhythm and vocabulary. Speak with Nepali speakers when possible, since politeness and tone of address are best learned through real interaction.

What you'll learn

Read and write Devanagari letters and vowel signs
Pronounce aspirated and retroflex consonants clearly
Choose the right honorific level of you and verb forms
Use the ergative marker -le in past transitive sentences
Hold everyday conversations about family, food and travel

What's inside your Nepali course

A sample path Learnr builds for Nepali. Your real course adapts to your goal and level.

1. Devanagari script and sounds
2. Greetings and honorific pronouns
3. Present tense and the verbs ho and cha
4. Postpositions and simple sentences
5. Past tense and the ergative -le
6. Future tense and everyday conversation

How long does it take to learn Nepali?

With 30 to 60 minutes daily, many English speakers reach basic conversation in 6 to 12 months and comfortable everyday use in about two years. Hindi knowledge shortens this considerably, since the script and much vocabulary overlap.

What you need before you start

No prior language is needed. Learning Devanagari early is helpful, and familiarity with Hindi gives you a large head start.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using ta or timi with strangers and elders, which can sound rude; begin with tapāĩ and adjust as relationships develop.
Mixing up ho and cha, so identity and location sentences sound wrong to native speakers.
Dropping -le in past transitive sentences, a common error that makes your Nepali sound unfinished.

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Nepali questions, answered

Is Nepali similar to Hindi?

They share the Devanagari script and a lot of vocabulary, and speakers can often understand each other partly. Grammar, verb endings and everyday words differ enough that they are learned separately.

Is Nepali useful for trekking in Nepal?

Yes. Even basic greetings, numbers and polite phrases make a difference in villages and with guides, and Learnr can focus your course on travel situations.