Basic Phrases of the Tibetan Language

Tibet is better known as the "Roof of the world". The country is full of rivers and lakes formed due to melting glaciers. In the heart of the Himalayas, Tibet is well known for its stark yet breathtaking panoramas of the mountain.

The lush banks of the rivers and lakes are homes to some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife creatures such as swans and wild geese. The landscape is dotted with thousands of intricately designed monasteries that welcome tourists from different parts of the world. Rugged and hardy, the Tibetans are warm and kind-hearted people.

The Tibetan language belongs to the Tibetan-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Created in the early 7th century, the Tibetan language has a phonetic system of writing. It is based on the writing system of the ancient Sanskrit language of India.

Some of the basic phrases of the Tibetan language are:

Greetings

Hello	---	tashi deleg
Goodbye	---	kale shoo
Good night	---	sim-ja nan-go

Basics

Yes	---	la-yo-re
No	---	la-yo-ma-re
Thank you	---	thoo jaychay
You're Welcome	---	kay-nang-gi-ma-ray
Sorry	---	gonad
I don't understand	---	ha ko ma song
See you later: jay	---	la shong

Small Talk

What is your name	---	Khye-rang-gi ming-la ka-re re?
My name is	---	Nge ming-la / nga ming-la
Nice to meet you	---	Khye ran jel-ne ga-po joong
How are you?	---	Keh-rang ku-su de-bo yin-peh?
I am fine	---	La yin. Ngah sug-po –de-bo-yin

Food

I am hungry	---	Nga dhro-go-to-gi-du
I am thirsty	---	Khong-tso kha-kom-gi-du
I want some tea	---	Nga la cha go
Tea	---	Cha
Meat	---	Sha
Water	---	Chu
Restaurant	---	Sa-khang

Directions

Left	---	Yong-qang
Right	---	Yehang-qang
Go straight ahead	---	Ke-er-duom

Transport

Bus	---	Lam-kor
Bus station	---	Lam-kor kak-sa
Car	---	Mo-tha
Taxi	---	Te-ksi
Plane	---	Nam-dhru
Boat	---	Dhru
Train	---	Ri-li

Numbers

1	---	Chig
2	---	Nyee
3	---	Sum
4	---	Zhi
5	---	Nga
6	---	Dug
7	---	Dhun
8	---	Gyey
9	---	Gu
10	---	Chu

Days of the Week

Nyima	---	Sunday
Dawa	---	Monday
Mingma	---	Tuesday
Lhakpa	---	Wednesday
Phurbu	---	Thursday
Pasang	---	Friday
Pemba	---	Saturday

A Few Other Handy Phrases

Do you speak English?	---	In-ji-ke shing-gi-yo-pe?
How much?	---	Ka tso ay?
I will take it	---	Nhi-geying
Hotel	---	Zhun-kangha
Gas station	---	Nong-lu-sah
Monastery	---	Kuong-bah
Hospital	---	men-khang
Market	---	Throm
Bank	---	Ngu-khang

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