Useful Bhutanese Words and Phrases

Useful Bhutanese words and Phrases

Bhutanese government has been trying its best to preserve its culture from external influence. So, we recommend every visitor to learn some of greeting etiquette, word and phrases which you can use while conversing with locals and guides. Doing so will signify you paying respect to their efforts to preserve their culture and your fascination to the unique culture of the nation. The national language of Bhutan is “Dzongkha”. We have curated list of Bhutanese words that you should learn if you are visiting Bhutan.

Greeting etiquette in Bhutan is quite unique than those of western country. Bhutan, as it is Buddhist kingdom, is heavily influenced by the Buddhist way of life which emphasize in paying respect and reverence, and being compassionate and kind to everything. Hugging is uncommon and kissing in public while greeting is avoided. Slightly bowing with open hand while greeting is the right way to greet, you can also shake hands while meeting but it is not very common.

Useful Words and phrases in Dzonghka:

• Hello(formal): Kuzu zangpo la
• Hello(informal): Kuzu zangpo
• Welcome: Joen pa leg so
• How are you?: Ga Day  Bay Zu Yoe Ga?
• Thank you: Kadrin Cheyla
• Good wishes: Tashidelek!
• My name is….. : Ngegi ming ……. ein
• What is your name?(for elders with respect): Na gi Tshen ga chi mo?
• What is your name? (for peers): Chhoe gi ming ga chi mo?
• Good Bye/we’ll meet again: Log jay gay
• See you later?(informal): Shu lay loog jay gae! Or Tama che gae
• See you tomorrow: Naba che gae
• Nice to meet you: Nga choe de chebay sem ga yi
• Where are you from?: Choe gatey ley mo?
• How old are you?: Kay lo gadem chi ya shi?
• I am from….: Nga …. Ley in
• Where does this road take?: Lam dig a thay jow mo?
• Is it far?: Tha ring sa in-ma
• Here: Na/nalu
• There: Pha/phalu
• Where?: Ga tey?
• Which?: Gadee?
• No problem: Ke mi
• No: Men
• Yes, Yes: Ong, Ong
• In front of: Dongkha
• Next to: Bolokha
• Behind: Japkha
• What is this?: Ani ga chima?
• How much is it?: Dilu gadem chi mo?
• That is too much.: Gong bom may.
• Who is speaking?: Ga sung mo la?
• I’m speaking: Nga …… zhu do la.
• I’m sick: Nga nau may
• Water: Chhu
• Hot-water: Chhu Tshe
• Milk Tea: Na ja
• Butter Tea: Su Ja
• Sorry: Tsip Maza/Gom mathrae
• Excuse me: Atsi Zur nang
• Delicious: Zhim bay