Useful words & phrases

Useful words & Phrases

Bhutan’s government actively preserves its unique culture. Visitors are encouraged to learn basic etiquette and useful words & phrases to show respect for these efforts. Although guides widely speak English, the national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. Buddhist values of respect influence Bhutanese greetings. The proper way to greet someone is with a slight bow and open hands; hugging or public kissing is uncommon and should be avoided. Learning a few useful words & phrases like “Kuzoozangpo La” (Hello) and using the suffix “-la” (to show respect) is a great way to interact politely with locals and guides.

Essential Greetings & Basics

• Hello, Greetings: Kuzoozangpo La
• Thank You: Kaadinchhey La
• Welcome: Joen pa Leg So
• Good Wishes/Luck: Tashidelek! (used for “hello,” “goodbye,” or “good luck”)
• Goodbye: Log Jay Gay (“We will meet again ”)
• Yes: Ong, Ong
• No: Ma Ong
• I am Fine: Nga Leg shom Bay Rang Yoey
• Excuse Me / Sorry: Lha Gyel La

Introductions & Personal Info

• How are you? : Ga Day Bay Zhu Yoe Ga?
• What is your name? (Elders/Respectful): Na gi Tshen Ga Chi Mo?
• What is your name? (Friends/Peers): Chhoey gi Ming Ga Chi Mo?
• My name is…: Ngegi Ming [Name] Ein
• Where are you from? Chhoey ga te lay mo?
• How old are you?: Kay Lo gadem chi Ya shi?
• I am from…: Nga [Country/City] lay

Shopping & Daily Needs

• How much is it? : Dilu gadem chi mo?
• That is too expensive: Gong bom may
• Can you lower the price?: Che chi bom may?
• What is this? : Ani ga chi mo?
• Water: Chhu
• Hot Water: Chhu Tshe
• Milk Tea (Sweet): Na Ja
• Butter Tea (Traditional): Su Ja
• I am sick: Nga nau may
• Medicine: Sogem Lek
• Toilet / Bathroom: Chhu Ney
• Restaurant: Zhakhang

Directions & Positions

• Where?: Ga tey?
• Where does this road go?: Lam dig a thay jow mo?
• Is it far?: Tha ring sa in-na
• Here: Na / Nalu
• There: Pha / Phalu
• In front of: Dongkha
• Next to / Beside: Bolokha
• Behind: Japkha
• Left / Right: Nga / Min
• Straight / Go straight: Dra / Dra-na
• Turn: Dra-lay

Travel & Transport

• Taxi / Car: Taksi
• Bus: Baso
• Airport: Lhakhang Gaa
• Train: (Not common in Bhutan)
• Hotel / Lodge: Zhakhang / Lhakhang
• How far is it? : Tha ring sa chi mo?
• I need help: Nga zhi-la
• Stop here: Na-lay sho
• Go slowly: Dra-tha shom

Food & Drinks

• Vegetarian: Shaka
• Non-vegetarian: Sogem
• Spicy/Hot: Phu-nga
• I am hungry: Nga sha may
• I am thirsty: Nga chhu may
• Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner: Tsok / Za / Nga-la
• Delicious: Ga-tha

Emergencies & Health

• Help! / Emergency: Zo-la!
• Call the police: Polis La Gi
• Hospital / Clinic: Men-la Zhakhang
• I need a doctor: Nga Druk Gyel-la
• I am lost: Nga thag mo
• Fire / Danger: Me / Zo-la

These useful words & phrases can help travelers handle emergencies effectively.

Politeness & Etiquette Tips

• Always use “-la” at the end of greetings and requests.
• Bow slightly with palms together when meeting someone.
• Avoid touching heads, hugging, or kissing in public.
• Speak softly in temples and monasteries; remove shoes and hats.
• Ask before taking photos of monks, children, or religious sites.

Extra Useful Words & Phrases

• Today: Nga-day
• Tomorrow: Nga-may
• Yesterday: Nga-tho
• Now: Nga-lo
• Morning / Afternoon / Evening: Ma / Chhu / Nye
• Cold / Hot: Chhu / Tshe
• Rain / Snow: Chey / Phe
• Mountain: Ri
• River: Chhu-la
• Road: Lam
• Market: Chhoey Zong
• Friend: Chhoey
• Family: Gompa

These extra useful words & phrases make everyday communication and travel easier and more polite.

Numbers & Counting

• One: Chi
• Two: Nyi
• Three: Sum
• Four: Zhi
• Five: Nga
• Six: Chu
• Seven: Dgu
• Eight: Brug
• Nine: Gya
• Ten: Chu
• How much? Dilu gadem chi mo?

Days & Time

• Today: Nga-day
• Tomorrow: Nga-may
• Yesterday: Nga-tho
• Morning: Ma
• Afternoon: Chhu
• Evening: Nye
• Night: Tshe
• What time is it? : Nga ga-gi chi mo?

By learning these useful words & phrases, travelers can navigate Bhutan confidently, communicate politely, and respect local customs. Using these phrases daily, along with “-la” for respect, enhances interactions with locals and makes your journey safe, enjoyable, and culturally enriching.