10 Nepali Words You Already Know from Bengali
As a Bengali speaker, you have a huge advantage when learning Nepali. Both languages share Indo-Aryan roots, and that means a surprising amount of vocabulary overlap — around 60% by some estimates!
Let’s look at 10 words that are virtually identical in both languages. You already know these!
1. নদী → नदी (Nodi/Nadi)
Meaning: River
Both Bangladesh and Nepal are lands of rivers. The word for river is nearly identical, just written in different scripts. The Ganges (গঙ্গা/गंगा) connects our cultures in more ways than one!
2. কালো → कालो (Kalo)
Meaning: Black
Colors are often similar across Indo-Aryan languages. কালো in Bengali becomes कालो in Nepali — same pronunciation, same meaning.
3. ভাত → भात (Bhat)
Meaning: Rice (cooked)
The staple food of both nations shares the same name! When you order भात in a Nepali restaurant, you’re using a word you’ve known your whole life.
4. ঘর → घर (Ghor/Ghar)
Meaning: House/Home
Home is where the heart is, and the word for it is the same in both languages. The feeling of ঘর translates perfectly to घर.
5. পানি → पानी (Pani)
Meaning: Water
This essential word is nearly identical. When trekking in Nepal and you need water, पानी चाहिन्छ (Pani chahinchha) will get you what you need!
6. নাম → नाम (Nam)
Meaning: Name
Introducing yourself? আমার নাম… becomes मेरो नाम… — same core word, slightly different grammar.
7. দিন → दिन (Din)
Meaning: Day
Whether it’s আজকের দিন or आजको दिन, you’re talking about “today” with the same word.
8. রাত → रात (Raat)
Meaning: Night
Just like “day,” the word for “night” is identical. শুভ রাত্রি parallels शुभ रात्रि perfectly.
9. ভাই → भाइ (Bhai)
Meaning: Brother
Family terms often share roots. ভাই and भाइ are pronounced the same way. In Nepal, you’ll hear “dai” (दाइ) for elder brother — a term of respect used widely.
10. চা → चिया (Cha/Chiya)
Meaning: Tea
The beloved drink that fuels both nations! While Bengali uses চা (cha), Nepali often uses चिया (chiya) — but you’ll be understood either way.
The Bridge Learning Method
These cognates are the foundation of bridge learning — the method behind Mitho Bol. Instead of starting from scratch, we help you recognize and build upon what you already know.
Your Bengali isn’t a different language to unlearn — it’s your superpower for learning Nepali.
When you see a Nepali word for the first time, we show you the Bengali equivalent. Your brain instantly makes the connection, and learning becomes recognition rather than memorization.
Ready to Discover More?
These 10 words are just the beginning. In Mitho Bol’s 21-day curriculum, you’ll discover hundreds of Bengali-Nepali connections across vocabulary, phrases, and grammar patterns.
Start your journey today — your Bengali has already given you a head start!