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If you've seen the word "authorized" on a Nepali government form, a translator's certificate, or a power-of-attorney document, you've probably wondered what the exact Nepali equivalent is. There are actually two terms that get used — and they aren't interchangeable. Here's the direct answer and when each one applies.
Authorized meaning in Nepali: two terms cover this, with different connotations. अधिकृत (adhikrit) means "officer" or "officially appointed" — used for government posts and authorized officials. प्राधिकृत (prādhikrit) means "empowered" or "given authority" — used for delegated authority, authorized signatories, and authorized translators. Both come from the Sanskrit root अधिकार (adhikār) = right or authority.
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Two Words, Two Meanings
Both अधिकृत and प्राधिकृत translate to "authorized" in English, but they're used in different contexts:
| Nepali Term | Pronunciation | English Equivalent | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| अधिकृत | adhikrit | "Officer" / "Officially designated" | Government officers (e.g., Section Officer = शाखा अधिकृत) |
| प्राधिकृत | prādhikrit | "Empowered" / "Authorized" | Delegated authority, authorized signatory, authorized translator |
If someone says "I am authorized to sign on behalf of the company", the Nepali equivalent is "म कम्पनीको तर्फबाट हस्ताक्षर गर्न प्राधिकृत छु" — using प्राधिकृत. But "I am an authorized officer" in a government context translates as "म अधिकृत हुँ" — using अधिकृत.
"Authorized" in Nepali Legal Documents
The word "authorized" appears across several types of legal documents in Nepal:
Power of Attorney (अख्तियारनामा)
A power of attorney empowers another person to act on your behalf. The "authorized person" is referred to as प्राधिकृत व्यक्ति (prādhikrit vyakti). Common in NRN property management, business proxies, and family delegations.
Authorized Translation (प्राधिकृत अनुवाद)
A translation done by a Notary Public Council-licensed advocate or recognised translator, accompanied by a notarised certificate of accuracy. Required for foreign embassy, court, and government use.
Authorized Signatory (प्राधिकृत हस्ताक्षरकर्ता)
A person formally designated to sign documents on behalf of an organisation. Typically established by board resolution and notarised.
Authorized Capital (अधिकृत पूँजी)
The maximum amount of share capital a company is legally permitted to issue, as stated in its Memorandum of Association. Note this uses अधिकृत, not प्राधिकृत.
What "Authorized" Means for Legal Validity
When a document is described as "authorized" in Nepal, three conditions usually apply:
- There is a source of authority. Either a statute, a court order, a notarised power of attorney, or a board resolution that empowers the person or act.
- The act is within the scope. Authority is rarely unlimited — a power of attorney specifies what acts are authorized. Acting beyond scope is invalid.
- The act is properly documented. "Authorized" status without a paper trail is hard to prove. Notarisation creates that paper trail.
Failure on any of the three typically renders the act unenforceable.
Common Translations in Nepali Legal Practice
| English Phrase | Nepali Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Authorized person | प्राधिकृत व्यक्ति |
| Authorized signatory | प्राधिकृत हस्ताक्षरकर्ता |
| Authorized translation | प्राधिकृत अनुवाद |
| Authorized capital | अधिकृत पूँजी |
| Authorized officer | अधिकृत |
| Authorized dealer | प्राधिकृत डिलर |
| Authorized agent | प्राधिकृत एजेन्ट |
| Authorization letter | अख्तियार पत्र / अधिकार पत्र |
How to Become an "Authorized" Signatory or Translator in Nepal
For a person to act as a properly authorized signatory, agent, or translator under Nepali law:
- Authorized signatory — board resolution from the company specifying the person's name, scope, and limit of authority, notarised at registration
- Authorized representative (POA) — notarised power of attorney drafted by an advocate, specifying the scope and duration of authority
- Authorized translator — translation done by a Notary Public Council-licensed advocate or recognised translator, with a notarised translator's certificate
For more on certified translation in Nepal, see our authorized document translation service or the dedicated guide on authorized translation in Nepal.
Conclusion
"Authorized" in Nepali splits into two terms: अधिकृत (adhikrit) for officially-appointed positions, and प्राधिकृत (prādhikrit) for delegated authority. Both stem from the root word अधिकार (authority/right). For most legal contexts — authorized signatories, authorized translations, authorized representatives — प्राधिकृत is the term you want. Authority should always be backed by a notarised paper trail to be enforceable.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, or solicitation. Notary Kathmandu and its team are not liable for any consequences arising from reliance on this information. For legal advice, please contact us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Powers of attorney can be revoked by the grantor at any time before the authorized act is completed, unless they are stated to be irrevocable. Revocation should be made in writing, notarised, and notified to:
- The authorized person
- Any third parties who were dealing with them on your behalf
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