This is one of the most alluring destinations in Asia, hidden away from the crowds and home to friendly people and spectacular temples and attractions

Unless you're in a hotel or a tourist hotspot you will find most people don't speak English so it will be really helpful for you to learn some basic words and phrases.

It also shows respect to the local people and culture if you try to make an effort to speak the local language.

Whether you plan to travel solo, or are going to book a Myanmar tour, knowing at least the very basic words will really enhance your experience and make it more fun. Local people are very open, and will be happy to see you trying to converse in their language.

If you want to start learning Burmese you could use an app, book classes but the best way to get started is to check out our list of the best basic Burmese phrases for Myanmar below:

 

Greetings 

  • Hello – Mingalabar
  • Good morning - Min ga la ba
  • Good afternoon - The same as good morning: min ga la ba
  • Goodbye - Bhine
  • Nice to meet you – Twe-ya-da wun-tha-ba-deh
  • Welcome - Kyaosopartaal

 

Conversational

  • How are you? - Nei kaon la?
  • What is your name? - Na meh be lou kor d’le?
  • My name is... - Ja nor na meh (...) ba
  • Where are you from? - Sain bhaalkalell?
  • Do you speak English? - In-glei sa-ga go pyaw tat de la?
  • How do you say (...) in Burmese? - Bama lo (...) go balo pyaw leh?
  • I don’t understand - Na ma le ba bu

 

Basics

  • Yes - Ho de
  • No - Ma ho bu
  • Please: Kyeizu pyu yue
  • Thank you – Cè-zú tin-ba-deh 
  • Excuse me – Ta-sait-lout 
  • Cheers: Aung myin par say
  • What time is it? - Be ne na yee toe bi le?
  • Help - Keh ba

 

Shopping & Eating Out

  • Restaurant - Sa thau hsain
  • Do you have...? – Shie la...?
  • How much? – Beh lauq leh? 
  • Not too spicy – A sah masa bu 
  • Bill, please – Shi-mae
  • Very expensive - Zei mya de

 

Transportation & Directions

  • Taxi - Ta ka se
  • Car - Ka
  • Bus - Basa ka
  • Bicycle rickshaws - Saiq-ka
  • Left - Bebe
  • Right - Nya be 
  • Straight - Teh Teh
  • Stop here - Dima seh meh

 

Places

  • Airport - Lei zei
  • Bus Station - Ba saka: hma'tain
  • Railway Station - Buda youn
  • Hotel - Hou te
  • Guest house - E yei tha
  • Post Office - Sa dai
  • Market - Zei
  • Hospital - Hsei youn
  • Clinic - Hsei gan
  • Police Station - Ye sa khan
  • Embassy - Than youn

 

Numbers

  • 1 - Tit
  • 2 - Hnit
  • 3 - Thone
  • 4 -  Lay
  • 5 - Nga
  • 6 - Chout
  • 7 - Khoon nit
  • 8 - Shitt
  • 9 - Ko
  • 10 - Tseh

 

Emergencies

  • Where is the toilet? - Ein-tha be ma le?
  • Help - Kuu nyi par ohn
  • Call the police! - Ye kor like!
  • Where is the bathroom?: Ein tha be ma shi tha le?

 

Hopefully these phrases will help to provide a good starting point you when exploring the delights of Myanmar!

This country is still very authentic compared to others destinations in Asia, you will love the experience of travelling here. If you want to do something meaningful, you could also consider going to volunteer in Myanmar. This is a great way to meet locals and make a difference.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to visit Myanmar? Let us know in the comments section below.