Nepali Meaning Of Knelt

Knelt is the past tense and past participle of the verb ‘kneel,’ which means to rest on one or both knees, typically as a gesture of respect, submission, or prayer. This action holds significant cultural, religious, and social meanings across many languages and societies. Understanding the Nepali meaning of ‘knelt’ is important for learners of English and Nepali who want to grasp the nuances of this term. This topic explores the meaning of ‘knelt’ in Nepali, its contextual usage, cultural significance, and examples to enhance your vocabulary and language skills.

Nepali Meaning of Knelt

In Nepali, ‘knelt’ can be translated asघुँडा टेक्नु (Ghunda Teknu)orघुँडा टेके (Ghunda Teké). These phrases literally mean ‘to place the knee down’ or ‘to rest on the knee,’ capturing the physical action of kneeling.

  • घुँडा टेक्नु (Ghunda Teknu): The infinitive verb form meaning ‘to kneel.’
  • घुँडा टेके (Ghunda Teké): The past tense form, equivalent to ‘knelt.’

How to Use Knelt in Nepali Context

When describing someone who has knelt, you would useघुँडा टेके. For example, ‘He knelt before the king’ would translate to ‘उहाँले राजा अठाडि घुँडा टेके।’ This clearly illustrates the act of kneeling as a sign of respect or submission.

The Cultural and Symbolic Importance of Kneeling

Kneeling is more than just a physical posture. In many cultures, including Nepali culture, kneeling symbolizes humility, reverence, and devotion. For instance, in religious ceremonies, devotees might kneel before deities or sacred spaces. Similarly, kneeling can be an expression of apology, respect to elders, or part of traditional rituals.

Kneeling in Religious Practices

In Hindu and Buddhist traditions commonly followed in Nepal, kneeling or sitting on the knees is often part of prayer rituals. This act signifies submission to the divine, a way of showing respect and seeking blessings. Hence, the word ‘knelt’ can carry both physical and spiritual meanings.

Examples of Knelt in English and Nepali Sentences

  • English: She knelt down to tie her shoe.
    Nepali: उनी आफ्नो जुत्ताको फीता बाँध्नका लाठि घुँडा टेकी।
  • English: The soldier knelt during the national anthem.
    Nepali: सैनिकले राष्ट्रिय ठीत चल्दा घुँडा टेके।
  • English: He knelt before the altar in prayer.
    Nepali: उहाँले वेदी अठाडि प्रार्थनाको लाठि घुँडा टेके।
  • English: The child knelt beside his mother.
    Nepali: बच्चाले आमा छेउमा घुँडा टेके।

Synonyms and Related Terms

Other related words that might be useful include:

  • Bow down – झुक्नु (Jhuknu)
  • Prostrate – शिर झुकाउनु (Shir Jhukaunu)
  • Submit – समर्पण ठर्नु (Samarpan Garnu)
  • Respect – सम्मान ठर्नु (Samman Garnu)

While these terms may overlap in meaning with ‘knelt,’ each has its own connotations depending on context. ‘Knelt’ specifically describes the physical act of lowering oneself onto the knees.

Grammatical Usage of Knelt

In English, ‘knelt’ is an irregular verb. The present tense is ‘kneel,’ the past tense and past participle is ‘knelt’ (sometimes ‘kneeled’ is also used, but ‘knelt’ is more common in British English). It is often used to describe acts of respect, prayer, or submission.

Example in a sentence: ‘They knelt quietly in the church.’

In Nepali, the verb form changes based on tense and subject. As shown earlier, ‘घुँडा टेक्नु’ is the infinitive form, while ‘घुँडा टेके’ is past tense, making it easy to integrate into various sentences.

Physical and Emotional Connotations

Kneeling physically lowers a person, which metaphorically implies humility, respect, or vulnerability. This dual meaning enriches the use of ‘knelt’ in storytelling, speeches, and poetry.

For example, a character who ‘knelt in despair’ is showing emotional submission, not just a physical action. The Nepali phrase for this emotional depth would be more context-dependent but may combineघुँडा टेकेwith words describing emotion, such as ‘विस्मित’ (bismit – amazed or shocked) or ‘दुखी’ (dukhi – sad).

Common Phrases and Idioms Involving Kneeling

  • ‘To kneel before someone’ – to show respect or submission.
  • ‘Kneel in prayer’ – to engage in spiritual devotion.
  • ‘Knelt down to help’ – often used when someone lowers themselves physically to assist another.

Nepali Equivalents

  • कसैको अठाडि घुँडा टेकिनु (Kasai ko agadi ghunda tekinu)
  • प्रार्थनाको लाठि घुँडा टेकिनु (Prarthana ko lagi ghunda tekinu)
  • मद्दत ठर्न घुँडा टेकिनु (Maddat garnu ghunda tekinu)

Why Understanding the Meaning of Knelt Matters

Knowing the Nepali meaning of ‘knelt’ is essential for language learners to communicate respect and humility effectively. It also helps in understanding historical and cultural contexts, as kneeling is a universal gesture but expressed differently across cultures.

For writers and speakers, incorporating the idea of kneeling or ‘knelt’ adds emotional depth and cultural richness. It conveys not only physical posture but also attitudes of submission, respect, or supplication.

Summary

In summary, ‘knelt’ means the act of resting on one or both knees and is translated in Nepali asघुँडा टेके. This action is significant both physically and symbolically, representing respect, humility, and devotion. Understanding its meaning and usage in Nepali enriches communication and appreciation of cultural values. From religious ceremonies to everyday gestures, kneeling is a profound expression of human emotion and behavior.

By exploring examples, synonyms, and cultural contexts, learners can better grasp the meaning of ‘knelt’ and confidently use it in appropriate situations. This knowledge also opens doors to appreciating literature, history, and social customs where kneeling plays an important role.