Burmese is the official language of Myanmar, spoken by around 33 million people. A tonal language with a unique circular syllabic script, it opens the door to a refined Buddhist culture. With this kit, you have the basics to greet, eat and find your way from Yangon to Mandalay.
Burmese, the official language of Myanmar (formerly Burma), is spoken by around 33 million native speakers and understood by almost the entire population through schooling. It belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, Tibeto-Burman branch, and is written in a syllabic alphabet with circular curves inherited from the Mon script, itself derived from the Indian Brahmi. This rounded script partly comes from the historical use of palm leaves as writing material: straight angles would tear the fibre.
A tonal language, Burmese distinguishes several pitch levels (high, low, creaky, glottal) that radically change the meaning of a syllable. Grammar follows subject-object-verb order and makes extensive use of particles to mark politeness, respect or the speaker's gender. For instance, a man and a woman do not say "yes" the same way. Spoken Burmese differs noticeably from literary Burmese used in formal writing, the press and speeches.
Beyond the language, you will discover a culture steeped in Theravada Buddhism: golden pagodas, early-morning processions of monks, offerings of flowers and water. Etiquette rests on deference, discretion and respect for elders. This kit gathers the essentials to greet, order a meal, ask for directions, handle a medical issue and take leave gracefully. Memorize these phrases before leaving and you will gain confidence as soon as you arrive in Yangon or Mandalay.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land in Yangon in the late morning. The humid heat hits you as soon as you step off the plane. You greet the immigration officer with a smile, say hello and thank you after collecting your stamped passport.
The driver looks at you in the rearview mirror and asks where you are going. You give him your hotel, ask what the neighbourhood is, who that monument refers to and when the trip will be over.
You sit down in a neighbourhood tea house in the late afternoon. The waiter comes over and waits for your order. You ask for rice, water, milk tea and a little grilled fish.
You feel unwell after a long day walking in the heat. At the pharmacy, you point to the parts of your body that hurt so you can be understood. The pharmacist nods and offers you a remedy.
On the morning of departure, you greet the receptionist at your guest house who asks how you are. You answer that everything is fine and say goodbye before catching your taxi to the airport.
What you need to know before travelling to a birman-speaking country.
In Myanmar, people don't shake hands or kiss in greeting. A smile and a slight head bow are more than enough. To greet a monk, join your hands at forehead level.
Feet are considered the most impure part of the body. Never point your feet at a person, a Buddha statue or an altar. Sit with your legs folded to the side in pagodas.
Always remove your shoes before entering a pagoda, temple or private home. This rule even applies to the entire complex of some pagodas, starting at the entrance gate.
The head is sacred. Never touch anyone's head, even a child's. Also avoid passing objects over someone's head or standing higher than a monk or an elder.
Burmese is a tonal language: the same syllable can mean very different things depending on pitch and length. Don't get discouraged if you are corrected, it is normal at the start.
Thanaka, that creamy yellow paste applied to the cheeks, is at once sunscreen, skincare and traditional ornament. You can try it in most markets.
Give and receive objects with your right hand, or with both hands as a sign of respect, supporting your right elbow with your left hand. The left hand alone is considered impolite.
Avoid discussing politics in public, especially in places visited by strangers. The context remains sensitive and locals will prefer to avoid these topics with you.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Taung-pan-ba-de
sorry
Khwin-pyu-ba
excuse me
Kyo-so-ba-de
welcome
Kyei-zu-pyu-pyi
please
Sà
to eat
Thauk
to drink
Thwà
to go
Là
to come
Eik
to sleep
Myin
to see
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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