Learning Nepali, an Indo-Aryan language spoken mainly in Nepal and by minority groups in Bhutan, India, and Myanmar, offers a gateway to understanding the rich cultural tapestry of the Nepalese people. A fundamental aspect of this journey is mastering the Nepali numerical system, crucial for everyday situations such as shopping, telling time, discussing prices, and understanding distances. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Nepali numbers, including pronunciation guides, structural explanations, and practical applications to facilitate learners at all levels.

Introduction to Nepali Numerals

The Nepali numerical system is decimal-based, akin to many world languages but adorned with unique linguistic features. Proficiency in numbers is vital for effective communication in both formal and informal contexts within Nepali-speaking regions.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

The foundation of learning Nepali numbers is mastering the basics, 1 through 10. Here are the primary Nepali numbers with phonetic transliterations for pronunciation aid:

1. एक (Ek) – [ek] – One
2. दुई (Dui) – [du-ee] – Two
3. तीन (Tin) – [teen] – Three
4. चार (Char) – [chaar] – Four
5. पाँच (Pānch) – [paanch] – Five
6. छ (Chha) – [chha] – Six
7. सात (Sāt) – [saat] – Seven
8. आठ (Āṭh) – [aath] – Eight
9. नौ (Nau) – [nau] – Nine
10. दस (Das) – [das] – Ten

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers 11 through 19 in Nepali are relatively straightforward:

• एघार (Ēghāra) – [eːɣaːr] – 11
• बाह्र (Bāhra) – [baːhɾə] – 12
• तेह्र (Tehrā) – [t̪eɦraː] – 13
• चौध (Caudha) – [tʃaud̪ʰa] – 14
• पन्ध्र (Pandra) – [pand̪ra] – 15
• सोह्र (Sohrā) – [soɦraː] – 16
• सत्र (Satra) – [sat̪ra] – 17
• अठार (Aṭhāra) – [aʈʰaːra] – 18
• उन्नाइस (Unnāis) – [unːaːis] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

Understanding how to count by tens is essential for forming larger numbers and practical applications:

• बीस (Bīs) – [bees] – 20
• तीस (Tīs) – [tees] – 30
• चालीस (Chālīs) – [chaalees] – 40
• पचास (Pachās) – [pachaas] – 50
• साठी (Sāṭhī) – [saathee] – 60
• सत्तरी (Sattarī) – [sattaree] – 70
• अस्सी (Assī) – [assee] – 80
• नब्बे (Nabbē) – [nab-bay] – 90
• सय (Saya) – [saya] – 100

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers between 21 and 99, Nepali forms compound numbers using the tens and then adding the unit, connected with “एकाइस (Ekaais)” for 21, “बाइस (Bāis)” for 22, and so on:

• बाइस (Bāis) – [baais] – 22
• त्रिस (Tris) – [trees] – 33
• This pattern repeats for all numbers in this range.

Larger Numbers

Discussing larger quantities, dates, and other numerical information requires familiarity with these terms:

• सय (Saya) – [saya] – 100
• हजार (Hajār) – [hajaar] – 1,000
• दश हजार (Dash Hajār) – [dash hajaar] – 10,000
• लाख (Lākh) – [laakh] – 100,000
• दश लाख (Dash Lākh) – [dash laakh] – 1,000,000 (One Million)
• करोड (Karoḍ) – [karod] – 10,000,000 (Ten Million)

Practice and Exercises

• Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Engage with Nepali audio resources or language learning apps to hear the pronunciation of numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
• Writing and Reading: Write numbers in both numeral and word forms to improve your literacy in Nepali.
• Practical Application: Use numbers in real-life situations, such as discussing prices or planning schedules, to reinforce learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Regular Practice: Consistent interaction with Nepali numbers will enhance your recall and understanding.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards with numbers on one side and their word forms on the reverse to test your memory.
• Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Using numbers in conversation will improve your fluency and confidence.

Conclusion

Achieving fluency in Nepali numbers is a crucial step toward effective communication and deeper cultural understanding. Begin with the basics, gradually move to more complex numbers, and incorporate regular practice into your study routine. With patience and consistent effort, you’ll find yourself confidently navigating numerical contexts in Nepali.