November 17, 2025
Law

Nepali Meaning Of Dilapidated

Across many languages, words carry unique shades of meaning depending on cultural, emotional, and social contexts. One such English word, dilapidated, is often used to describe a state of disrepair or neglect, especially in reference to buildings or objects. In Nepali, understanding the meaning of dilapidated can help learners of English build a more vivid vocabulary and express observations about the environment with greater precision. This topic explores the Nepali meaning of dilapidated, provides examples, and discusses how the term is used in various real-life situations.

Understanding the Word Dilapidated

General Definition

The English word dilapidated is an adjective that refers to something that is falling apart, broken down, or in a state of ruin due to age, neglect, or lack of maintenance. It often evokes an image of old buildings with cracked walls, broken roofs, or faded paint. This term is commonly used when talking about old houses, abandoned vehicles, or even worn-out furniture.

Translation in Nepali

The Nepali meaning of dilapidated is usually translated asजिर्ण(jÄ«rṇa),खण्डहर(khaṇḍahar), orटुटेको(á¹­uá¹­eko). These words reflect conditions where a structure or object has been damaged or worn out over time.

  • जिर्ण (jÄ«rṇa): Generally refers to something old, worn out, or no longer in good condition.
  • खण्डहर (khaṇḍahar): Specifically means a ruin or remains of a building that has collapsed or decayed.
  • टुटेको (á¹­uá¹­eko): Translates to broken and is often used for things that are damaged or destroyed.

Examples of Dilapidated in Context

Using in English Sentences

To understand how the word functions, here are a few sentences with the word dilapidated along with their Nepali translations:

  • English: The house stood abandoned and dilapidated at the end of the street.
    Nepali: सडकको अन्त्यमा त्यो घर त्याठिएको र जिर्ण अवस्थामा उभिएको थियो।
  • English: We found shelter in a dilapidated shed during the storm.
    Nepali: आँधीका बेला हामी एउटा जिर्ण झोपडीमा आश्रय लियौं।
  • English: The school is so dilapidated that it’s unsafe for children.
    Nepali: विद्यालय यति जिर्ण छ कि बच्चाहरूका लाठि असुरक्षित भएको छ।

Common Nepali Phrases Related to Dilapidation

In the Nepali language, the concept of dilapidation is often tied with words that suggest aging, abandonment, or destruction. Some related Nepali phrases include:

  • पुरानो घर भत्किन थालेको छ – The old house has started to collapse.
  • टुटेको झ्यालबाट हावा पसेको छ – Wind is coming in through the broken window.
  • खण्डहरजस्तै देखिने भवन – A building that looks like a ruin.

Where You Might Encounter the Word Dilapidated

Architecture and Infrastructure

The most common use of dilapidated is in discussions about buildings or places. In urban areas of Nepal and elsewhere, you may find homes, schools, or temples that have not been maintained. These would be rightly called dilapidated in English and described using words likeजिर्णorखण्डहरin Nepali.

Old Vehicles and Machinery

Abandoned cars, motorcycles, or farming equipment that have rusted over time also fall under the description of dilapidated. For instance, an old tractor sitting unused for decades might be described as a dilapidated vehicle or in Nepali, जिर्ण ठाडी।

Clothing and Furniture

While less common, dilapidated may also describe furniture or clothing that is torn, faded, or structurally unsound. A dilapidated couch might have springs sticking out or torn fabric, while old shoes falling apart could be described as टुटेको जुत्ता।

Emotional and Cultural Associations

More Than Just Physical Damage

Though the word primarily refers to physical decay, it can sometimes carry emotional weight. In storytelling or descriptive writing, dilapidated settings often symbolize sadness, loss, or the passage of time. In Nepali literature or films, aजिर्ण घरmay represent a family’s decline or forgotten heritage.

Reflections in Nepali Culture

In many older villages in Nepal, traditional homes made from mud and stone naturally age over time. Describing such places as dilapidated is not always negative but sometimes viewed with nostalgia and history. The term in Nepali may evoke a sense of beauty in imperfection, especially when referring to heritage sites or ancestral homes.

How to Use Dilapidated Correctly

Grammatical Tips

Dilapidated is an adjective, so it always modifies a noun. You can use it in various tenses and sentence structures. Here are some correct patterns:

  • A dilapidated building– Correct
  • The chair was dilapidated– Correct
  • They dilapidated the room– Incorrect (The word is not a verb)

Synonyms to Expand Vocabulary

Some other English synonyms that share meaning with dilapidated include:

  • Run-down
  • Decrepit
  • Ramshackle
  • Derelict

Each of these words may have slightly different connotations, but they all relate to neglect and decay. In Nepali, these could still be translated with जिर्ण or similar terms, depending on the exact context.

Why Learning Words Like Dilapidated Matters

Expanding Expressive Power

For English learners, especially those who speak Nepali, understanding nuanced vocabulary like dilapidated enhances their descriptive ability. Whether you are writing essays, speaking about places, or translating literature, having the right word allows more accurate and powerful communication.

Contextual Awareness

Words like dilapidated are often used in travel writing, news reports, historical descriptions, and literature. Being familiar with its meaning and Nepali equivalent helps in both comprehension and expression when engaging with such texts.

In summary, the word dilapidated carries a deep and vivid meaning in English that translates effectively into Nepali asजिर्ण,खण्डहर, orटुटेको. It describes the physical decline of structures, objects, and sometimes metaphorically, of time and life. By learning how to use dilapidated properly and understanding its cultural and linguistic relevance, English learners in Nepal can enrich their language skills while appreciating the value of words in both languages.