In Nepali, speaking respectfully isn’t optional—it’s fundamental to how the language works. The way you address elders, strangers, authority figures, and close friends differs significantly. This lesson explores the crucial distinction between formal (respectful) and informal (casual) speech, using the verb “to go” (जाना jana) as your guide. By understanding when and how to use each style, you’ll connect authentically with Nepali speakers and avoid common mistakes that can seem disrespectful.
Nepali grammar inherently includes respect markers. The language itself requires you to choose: are you speaking to someone you’re close to and equal with, or someone you respect and want to honor? This choice affects pronouns, verbs, and even the overall structure of what you say.
Use with: Close friends, siblings, classmates, people your age or younger. Pronouns like Timi, simple verb forms. Example: “Timi janchu?” (You go?)
Use with: Parents, grandparents, teachers, elders, strangers, authority figures. Pronouns like Tapai/Uha, complex verb structures with हुनु. Example: “Tapai janu huncha?” (You go, respectfully?)
Using informal speech with elders is considered disrespectful. Using formal speech with close friends creates distance. Context determines correctness. There is no “standard” Nepali that ignores respect—it’s always present in the language.
These informal conjugations of जाना (jana – to go) use simple, direct forms. Notice the pronouns (Ma, Timi, Uh, Hami, Uniharu) and straightforward verb endings. This is how you speak comfortably with people you’re close to.
| English | Romanized Nepali | Nepali Script |
|---|---|---|
| PRESENT (Now) | ||
| I go | Ma janchu | म जान्छु |
| You go | Timi janchau | तिमी जान्छौ |
| He/She goes | Uh jancha / Uni janchin | ऊ जान्छ / उनी जान्छिन् |
| We go | Hami janchau | हामी जान्छौं |
| They go | Uniharu janchan | उनीहरू जान्छन् |
| PAST (Went) | ||
| I went | Ma gaye | म गएँ |
| You went | Timi gayou | तिमी गयौ |
| He/She went | Uh gayo / Uni gain | उसले गयो / उनी गइन् |
| We went | Hami gayou | हामी गयौं |
| They went | Uniharu gaye | उनीहरू गए |
| FUTURE (Will Go) | ||
| I will go | Ma janechu | म जानेछु |
| You will go | Timi janechau | तिमी जानेछौ |
| He/She will go | Uh janecha / Uni janechin | ऊ जानेछ / उनी जानेछिन् |
| We will go | Hami janechau | हामी जानेछौं |
| They will go | Uniharu janechan | उनीहरू जानेछन् |
These formal conjugations of जाना (jana – to go) include respectful pronouns (Tapai, Uha, Uhaharu) and the हुनु (hunu) infinitive marker. This structure shows you honor and respect the listener. Use this with anyone you want to show respect to.
| English | Romanized Nepali | Nepali Script |
|---|---|---|
| PRESENT (Now) | ||
| You go (formal) | Tapai janu huncha | तपाईं जानुहुन्छ |
| He/She goes (formal) | Uha janu huncha | उहाँ जानुहुन्छ |
| PAST (Went) | ||
| You went (formal) | Tapai janu vayo | तपाईं जानुभयो |
| He/She went (formal) | Uha janu vayo | उहाँ जानुभयो |
| FUTURE (Will Go) | ||
| You will go (formal) | Tapai janu hunecha | तपाईं जानुहुनेछ |
| He/She will go (formal) | Uha janu hunecha | उहाँ जानुहुनेछ |
See exactly what changes when you shift from informal to formal speech. The same meaning is expressed completely differently based on respect and relationship.
PRESENT – Informal: Timi janchau (तिमी जान्छौ)
PRESENT – Formal: Tapai janu huncha (तपाईं जानुहुन्छ)
Change: Timi→Tapai, janchau→janu huncha
PAST – Informal: Timi gayou (तिमी गयौ)
PAST – Formal: Tapai janu vayo (तपाईं जानुभयो)
Pattern: Informal uses simple past. Formal uses infinitive + vayo.
FUTURE – Informal: Timi janechau (तिमी जानेछौ)
FUTURE – Formal: Tapai janu hunecha (तपाईं जानुहुनेछ)
Observation: Even future tense maintains formal structure.
Speech registers in Nepali aren’t optional stylistic choices—they’re built into the grammar itself. Understanding when to use formal versus informal speech is essential for sounding natural, showing respect, and successfully navigating Nepali social contexts. This single lesson applies to hundreds of verbs and thousands of conversations.
Nepali grammar forces a choice: respect or casualness. You cannot speak “neutral”.
Formal uses: different pronouns, infinitive forms, and complex auxiliaries.
These patterns apply to virtually all regular Nepali verbs.
Using the correct register shows you understand and respect Nepali culture.
Master register awareness:
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