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In this video, we explain the important difference between formal and informal Nepali — an essential aspect of speaking politely and naturally in various situations. You’ll learn how to use the right words and sentences when talking to friends, elders, or strangers. Understanding register and politeness levels is crucial for respectful and authentic Nepali communication.
Nepali pronouns change dramatically based on social register and relationship. Study how pronouns shift from extreme formal (Hajur) through formal (Tapaai), informal (Timi/Ta) to extreme informal (Ta). These tables show the four main levels of formality used in Nepali communication.
| English | Extreme Formal | Formal | Informal | Extreme Informal |
| You | Hajur | Tapaai | Timi | Ta |
| He/She | Uhaa | Uhaa | Uh/Uni | Uh/Uni |
| Him | Uhaalaai | Uhaalaai | Uslaai | Uslaai |
| Her | Uhalai | Uhalai | Unlaai | Unlaai |
| His/Hers | Uhaako | Uhaako | Usko/Unko | Usko/Unko |
| Your | Hajurko | Tapaaiko | Timro | Tero |
| You all | Hajurharu | Tapaaiharu | Timiharu | Timiharu |
| Their | Uhaaharuko | Uhaaharuko | Uniharuko | Tiniharuko |
See how the exact same meaning changes across registers. Notice the verb forms, pronouns, and overall tone shift as you move from formal to informal. This helps you understand which register to use in different social contexts.
| English | Extreme Formal | Formal | Informal | Extreme Informal |
| How are you? | Hajurlaai kasto chha? | Tapaailaai kasto chha? | Timilaai kasto chha? | Talaai kasto chha? |
| Where are you going? | Hajur kata jaadai hunuhunchha? | Tapaai kata jaadai hunuhunchha? | Timi kata jaadai chhau? | Ta kata jaadai chhas? |
| Don’t you know? | Hajurlaai thaha chhaina? | Tapaailaai thaha chhaina? | Timilaai thaha chhaina? | Talaai thaha chhaina? |
| He/She went to school. | Uhaa bidhyaalaya jaanubhayo. | Uhaa bidhyaalaya jaanubhayo. | Uh bidhyaalaya gayo/Uni bidhyaalaya gayin. | Uh bidhyaalaya gayo/Uni bidhyaalaya gayin. |
| He/She ate food. | Uhaale khana khanubhayo. | Uhaale khana khanuvayo. | Usle khana khayo/Unle khana khayin. | Usle khana khayo/Unle khana khayin. |
| He/She likes it. | Uhaalaai yo mannparchha. | Uhaalaai yo mannparchha. | Uslaai/Unlaai yo mann parchha. | Uslaai/Unlaai yo mann parchha. |
| His/Her money got lost. | Uhaako paisa haraayo. | Uhaako paisa haraayo. | Usko/Unko paisa haraayo. | Usko/Unko paisa haraayo. |
| Where is your phone? | Hajurko phone kata chha? | Tapaaiko phone kata chha? | Timro phone kata chha? | Tero phone kata chha? |
| Where did you all go? | Hajurharu kata januvayo? | Tapaaiharu kata januvayo? | Timiharu kata gayou? | Timiharu kata gayou? |
| Their house is nice. | Uhaaharuko ghar raamro chha. | Uhaaharuko ghar ramro chha. | Uniharuko ghar ramro chha. | Tiniharuko ghar ramro chha. |
| Please sit. | Kripaya basnuhos. | Basnuhos na. | Basa na. | Bas na. |
Speaking appropriately in different social contexts is the mark of a truly respectful and culturally aware Nepali speaker.
Extreme Formal (Hajur): Government officials, elderly strangers, formal ceremonies | Formal (Tapaai): Teachers, shopkeepers, new acquaintances | Informal (Timi): Friends, family, peers | Extreme Informal (Ta): Very close friends, younger children, intimate relationships
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