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Sherpa Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sherpa

[ˈʃəːpə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mountaineering

A member of a Himalayan people living on the borders of Nepal and Tibet, renowned for their skill in mountaineering.

Synonyms

guide, mountaineer, porter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sherpa

Sherpa is typically used to describe a member of an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Nepal, known for their skill in mountaineering and their role in guiding and supporting expeditions in the Himalayas.

  • The Sherpa guided the team up the steep slopes of Everest.
  • Many Sherpas have an exceptional ability to navigate the harsh terrain of the Himalayas.
mountaineer

Mountaineer is used to describe a person who climbs mountains for sport or passion. It emphasizes the skill and experience in climbing, rather than the professional role of guiding others.

  • The experienced mountaineer reached the summit after a challenging ascent.
  • As a dedicated mountaineer, she has climbed several of the world's tallest peaks.
guide

Guide refers to a person who leads others on a journey, helping them navigate and providing information about the area. It is a general term that can be used in various situations, including hiking, city tours, museums, and more.

  • The guide showed us around the historical landmarks of the city.
  • We hired a guide to help us find the best trails in the national park.
porter

Porter refers to a person employed to carry supplies, luggage, or other loads, especially on hiking and mountaineering expeditions. It often implies a physically demanding role.

  • The porters carried our heavy gear up the mountain.
  • Hiring a porter made the trek easier for us as they managed the bulk of our supplies.

Examples of usage

  • The sherpas are essential for successful mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas.
  • Many sherpas work as guides and porters for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Sherpas are traditionally known for their incredible altitude tolerance, making them invaluable in high-altitude expeditions.
  • Many Sherpas practice Buddhism, which influences their community values, including a strong sense of hospitality.
  • They have their own unique customs and celebrations, often centered around agriculture and mountain worship.

History

  • Sherpas played a crucial role in the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, aiding climber Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
  • During the Nepalese civil war, the Sherpa community faced challenges as conflict affected their economy and livelihoods.
  • The growth of commercial expeditions in the 1980s and 1990s transformed the Sherpa's role, leading to increased tourism and training opportunities.

Adventure and Exploration

  • Sherpas are renowned for their navigation skills, often being able to find routes in treacherous terrains invisible to others.
  • They are instrumental in carrying supplies and setting up camps on expeditions, showcasing exceptional strength and endurance.
  • Today, many Sherpas are also becoming skilled mountaineers and climbers in their own right, often guiding international teams.

Modern Challenges

  • With the rise in tourism, Sherpas have increasingly become advocates for the sustainable development of their communities.
  • In recent years, they have called attention to the risks they face on dangerous climbs, leading to discussions about safety regulations in the industry.
  • Climate change is impacting the Himalayas, affecting Sherpa livelihoods, traditions, and access to their natural resources.

Origin of 'sherpa'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'sherpa' comes from the Sherpa people, who have lived in the mountainous regions of Nepal for centuries.
  • In the Sherpa language, 'Shar' means 'east' and 'pa' means 'people', indicating their origin from eastern Tibet.
  • The word was first used in English in the early 1900s as mountaineering became popular.

The word 'sherpa' is derived from the Tibetan words 'shar' (east) and 'pa' (people), which translates to 'people from the east'. Sherpas are well-known for their expertise in mountaineering and have been essential in assisting climbers in the Himalayas for many years. Their reputation for strength, resilience, and high-altitude skills has made them invaluable members of mountaineering expeditions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,174, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.