Conceptual Metaphors in Nepali

Being a ठुलो मान्छे (big person) means to be a successful person. The concept of bigger is better is very much prevalent. Having a big house and big land is always a good thing. It reflects most of the cultures present in the world, but in a way, it is a selfish notion in Nepal. In English, successful could mean to have completed their dreams, worked for society and/or helped other people. But in Nepal, only personal earnings and wealth is accounted for. This highly limits the progress of the society and that can be seen in politics and economy of the country.

कहिले घाम त कहिले छाँया। “Life is sometimes sunny, sometimes shaded and gloomy.” This is the Nepalese way of saying life is full of ups and downs. A bright sunny day is considered good while a cloudy day is not as nice.

म्याथ त पानी हुनु पर्छ। “Your [mathematical] skills should be water.” This implies the clarity and smoothness of water. It also ties in to how water is considered very holy and pure.


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