Read and Write in Nepali

Learn Nepali Reading and Writing for Free!

On this page you will find one part of a free lesson. This is a sample lesson that teaches & . The full lesson contains additional material to help your child learn! Also don't forget to download the homework at the end. You can sign up at the bottom of this page to receive similar lessons for free. We'll send you an email on a regular basis with a different lesson each time. You can use the lessons to teach your children the entire alphabet.

Background

Nepali is written using the Devanagri script. Devanagari, also called Nagari (Nagari), is an Abugida alphabet of India and Nepal. It is written from left to right, lacks distinct letter cases, and is recognizable by a distinctive horizontal line running along the top of the letters that links them together. Since the 19th century, it has also been the most commonly used script for Sanskrit. While the use of the name Devanagari is relatively recent, the older term Nagari is still common. The same script is also used to write Hindi and other languages in India.

The Alphabet

In total there are 48 letters in popular use within the scripts used for Nepali. The letters are divided into 12 vowels and 36 consonants. While in fact there are more letters these are the most common ones in popular use. Letter conjuncts can be formed by combining the vowel with a consonant for a total of 432 combinations! Additional conjuncts can be formed through the use of half letters. Below are all the letters in common use and those that will be taught at Sabda Mala:

Nepali Letters

Learning Nepali

1. The first letter we will be learning is Nepali letter awe.

a. This letter also sounds like the English word "AWE". It is also the first syllable in the word "awesome".

b. Repeat saying the letter three times

2. Good job! Below are two examples of words that begin with the letter . Identify the the Nepali word for each and say the first letter aloud three times. Now, practice saying both words. Now say the words two times each.

Word
Picture
Translation
Pickle Sauce
Word
Picture
Translation
Letters
     


3. Great work so far! Now lets write the letter.

a. Here is how you write the letter step by step. Follow along by writing each step on a piece of paper, just like you see it written here. Practice writing each step until you have the whole letter. Do this at least three times before you go on.

b. Once you have learned to write the letter by following the steps above it is time to write the entire letter at once. Write the letter three times.

4. Fantastic! You have learned your first letter! Now lets move on to the next letter. The second letter in this lesson is .

a. This letter also sounds like the "aaa" in the English word "Father". Try saying "Father" slowly. You will notice that the second syllable with the letter "a" sound like "aaaa".

b. Repeat saying the letter three times


5. Good! Below are two examples of words that begin with the letter . Identify the the Nepali word for each and say the first letter aloud three times. Now, while looking at each Nepali word, say each word twice.

Word
Picture
Translation
Mother
Word
Picture
Translation
Fire
     

6. Now lets write the letter:

a. Here is how you write the letter step by step. Follow along by writing each step on a piece of paper. Do this at least three times.

b. Once you have learned to write the letter by following the steps above you should write the entire letter three times. Great work!!

Congratulations! You have now completed this lesson. You are ready to do the homework.

Click here to download the full homework for this lesson.

Bonus Sample Video

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