{"id":30943,"date":"2019-07-30T12:18:31","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T12:18:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adventureinyou.com\/?p=30943"},"modified":"2019-08-05T05:32:32","modified_gmt":"2019-08-05T05:32:32","slug":"basic-burmese-phrases-for-travelers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adventureinyou.com\/myanmar\/basic-burmese-phrases-for-travelers\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Burmese Phrases Every Traveler Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

No matter where you go, learning the local language is the best way to navigate a new city. When ordering food or walking around town, it\u2019s nice to know a few phrases to help connect with the local people and show respect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The people in Myanmar are unbelievably friendly \u2014 in fact they\u2019re some of the loveliest people I\u2019ve ever met while traveling!. Everyone is smiling everywhere you look and eager to speak to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unless you\u2019re in a touristy area, English speakers are rare so being able to engage and acknowledge those around you in Burmese will get you far, and probably make you a friend or two at the same time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some basic Burmese phrases that will help you along your way in Myanmar, and a few tips when it comes to learning Burmese.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basic Burmese Phrases for Travelers
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During your stay in Myanmar, these words and phrases will be essential. So, it’s worth it to take the time to memorize a few of them. <\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll use them on a daily basis, and soon you\u2019ll be a pro at greeting the local people! Burmese people love to smile so be sure to show your pearly whites when trying out your new phrases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello<\/strong> – Min ga la ba<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you<\/strong> – Je zu tin ba deh\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Yes<\/strong> – Ho de<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

No<\/strong> – Ma ho bu<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Goodbye<\/strong> – Ta ta!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sorry<\/strong> – Taung pan par tal<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Do you speak English?<\/strong> – In-glei sa-ga go pyaw tat de la?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t understand<\/strong> – Na ma le ba bu<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Where is the restroom?<\/strong> – Toilet beh ma lay?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"shwedagon<\/p>\n

Introducing Yourself in Burmese<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When making friends with locals, it\u2019s nice to be able to initiate a short conversation. Wouldn’t it be great to introduce yourself or even ask how their day is going? <\/span><\/p>\n

Practice these phrases a couple of times, and you\u2019ll find them rolling off your tongue every time you meet someone new!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How are you?<\/strong> – Nei kaon la?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s nice to meet you<\/strong>. – Tway ya da wanta ba de<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

What is your name?<\/strong> – Na meh be lou kor d\u2019le?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My name is [name].<\/strong> – Ja nor na meh [name] ba (for guys), Ja ma nau na meh [name] (for girls)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ordering Food in Burmese<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the best parts of visiting a foreign country is trying new foods. <\/span><\/p>\n

Most local restaurants in Myanmar won\u2019t have an English menu so you\u2019ll have to rely on basic phrases (and pointing, of course) to end up with something yummy. Although, no matter what you\u2019re served, it\u2019s sure to be delicious. <\/span><\/p>\n

Try these basic Burmese phrases when you go out to eat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is this?<\/strong> – Da ba lay?\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Check, please!<\/strong> – She meh<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

It was delicious.<\/strong> – Di har sar lote kaung deh<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Cheers!<\/strong> – Aung myin par say!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Not sure what to order? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best Burmese food<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"man<\/p>\n

Basic Burmese Phrases for Shopping
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From spices to fabrics to jade and more, Myanmar is shopping heaven. You\u2019ll find little alleys and long streets filled with trinkets that are sure to make you swoon. <\/span><\/p>\n

Similar to most Southeast Asian countries, bargaining in Myanmar is key so here are some phrases to help you get the best prices for whatever you want to buy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Market<\/strong> – Zei<\/em><\/p>\n

How much is this?<\/strong> – Zey beh lout le?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Too expensive!<\/strong> – Zei mya de<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Can you lower the price?<\/strong> Zay shot pay bar lar?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Bonus<\/strong>: Numbers are useful so that you can tell prices! (ti, hni, thone, lay, ngar, chauk, kunit, shitt, koe, tasel<\/em>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Useful Phrases for Traveling in Myanmar<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Getting around Myanmar can be a little bit tricky because of the\u00a0language barrier and congested roads. <\/span><\/p>\n

To have a less stressful experience getting from place to place, plan ahead to account for bad traffic and always confirm the price with a taxi upfront so you don’t get any nasty surprises at the end of the trip. In the meantime, these phrases should help you get where you’re going.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I would like to go [location name].<\/strong> –\u00a0 [Location name] twar chin deh<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Stop here<\/strong>. – Dima seh meh<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

How much is it?<\/strong> – Zey beh lout le?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Where is [location name]?<\/strong> – [Location name] bae nae yar lae?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Is it far?<\/strong> – Ae di nay yar ka way lar?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Bus<\/strong> – Basa ka<\/em><\/p>\n

Taxi<\/strong> – Ta ka se<\/em><\/p>\n

Car<\/strong> – Ka<\/em><\/p>\n

Bus Station<\/strong> – basa ka hma’tain<\/em><\/p>\n

Railway Station<\/strong> – Buda youn<\/em><\/p>\n

Airport<\/strong> – Le zei<\/em><\/p>\n

\"many<\/p>\n

Myanmar Travel Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0To find the best deals for traveling around the country, be sure to check out Flymya<\/strong><\/a>. They offer reasonably priced flights throughout Myanmar, so you’re able to make the most of your trip!<\/p>\n

Tips for Learning Burmese<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Want to practice your pronunciation and learn more Burmese? Here are a few tips to improve your new language skills!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Speak With Locals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The absolute best way to improve your Burmese and learn more is to converse with locals. With some of the friendliest people in the world, it shouldn\u2019t be hard to find someone who\u2019s willing to have a chat. Talking to local people is a great opportunity for cultural exchange and a chance to pick up some new vocab!<\/span><\/p>\n

Take Burmese Lessons<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For those serious about learning Burmese, consider taking classes to really get a foundation of the language and the hang of pronunciation. While in Myanmar, it\u2019s fairly easy to find someone willing to teach you the language for a reasonable price.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get a Phrasebook<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Purchasing and using a phrasebook<\/strong><\/a> is a super easy way to get around a country and improve your language skills.<\/p>\n

While in Myanmar, carry this handy Lonely Planet guide<\/strong><\/a> with you. If you’re having trouble remembering Burmese, you’ll have it right at your fingertips.<\/p>\n

Practice, Practice, Practice\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The only way to learn a new language is to practice, so start repeating these words and phrases and using them as much as possible! You may feel shy, but as soon as you bust out your Burmese, locals will be smiling at you left and right. <\/span><\/p>\n

The more you speak, the more confident you\u2019ll be — so start practicing and you\u2019ll be unstoppable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cute<\/p>\n

Bonus: Basic Burmese Etiquette<\/h2>\n

While practicing your new language skills, it’s important to use proper etiquette to show respect to the people of Myanmar. Remember these basic points and you should be just fine.<\/p>\n

Always Use Your Right Hand<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When making any transactions, as a sign of respect, you should always use your right hand to give money or anything else to a local person. You should also always use your right hand when eating to fit in with local norms and customs!<\/p>\n

Don’t Touch People’s Heads<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Similar to its Southeast Asian counterparts, in Myanmar, it’s disrespectful to touch someone’s head. In Buddhism, the head is considered holy, and since the majority of people in Myanmar practice Buddhism, you’ll should respect this and avoid touching anyone’s head.<\/p>\n

Hide the Bottom of Your Feet<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the head is considered holy, the feet are thought to be impure. This means you’ll want to avoid pointing the bottom of your feet at anyone.<\/p>\n

You’re also going to want to want to keep your feet tucked under your body when sitting on the ground, and refrain from touching any objects with your feet either. Finally, be sure not to point your feet at a pagoda as this is severely disrespectful. Keep them hidden and you should be just fine.<\/p>\n

No matter where you travel, learning some of the local language is valuable in more ways than one. When in Myanmar, you\u2019ll quickly realize how lovely it is to be able to connect with just a few simple words.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoy your time and don\u2019t forget to smile!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Traveling to Myanmar? Our articles can help<\/h3>\n