Emergency Phrases

Calling for Help

In a genuine emergency, a few short, urgent phrases matter far more than grammatical correctness — clarity and volume count more than polish in this context. "Madad garnuhos!" (Help me!) is the single most important phrase to have memorized without hesitation, usable in almost any emergency situation to immediately signal distress to anyone nearby.

Following up with a specific need helps bystanders act faster: "Ambulance bolaunuhos" (Call an ambulance), "Prahari bolaunuhos" (Call the police), or "Aagjani vayo" (There is a fire) each communicate exactly what kind of help is needed, rather than leaving people who want to help unsure of what to do next.

Emergency Call Phrases

Medical Emergencies

Communicating a medical issue clearly, even with limited Nepali, can genuinely affect how quickly you receive appropriate help. "Malai dukhcha" (I am in pain) combined with pointing at the affected area communicates basic distress even without precise medical vocabulary. "Malai chikitsak chahincha" (I need a doctor) is the direct request for medical attention, while "Aspatal kaha cha?" (Where is the hospital?) is essential if you need to direct transport toward care.

For travelers heading to high-altitude regions, altitude sickness deserves special mention: "Malai uchaai ko bimaari bhayo" (I have altitude sickness) is worth memorizing before any high-altitude trek, since recognizing and communicating altitude sickness symptoms early — headache, nausea, dizziness — to guides or fellow trekkers can be genuinely life-saving, as the only reliable treatment for worsening symptoms is descending to lower altitude promptly.

Medical Phrases

Reporting Theft or Crime

If you experience theft or another crime, reporting it to the police promptly matters both for your own safety and, practically, because most travel insurance claims for lost or stolen items require an official police report. "Mero saamaan churaayo" (My belongings were stolen) is the direct way to report theft, and "Police report chahincha" (I need a police report) clarifies that you specifically need documentation, not just informal assistance.

The nearest tourist police post — a dedicated unit in major tourist areas like Thamel specifically set up to assist foreign visitors, often with better English support than general police stations — is usually a faster and smoother option than a general police station if one is nearby, and asking "Tourist police kaha cha?" (Where is the tourist police?) is worth knowing for exactly this situation.

Reporting Crime Phrases

Frequently Asked Questions