Dzongkha Vocabulary

The following is a brief introduction to DZONGKHA, the official language of the Kingdom of Bhutan. This is not meant as an authoritative work on this complex language, but as an introduction for Shangri-La Bhutan clients visiting the country. It is presented with the hope that it will encourage more interaction between our clients and non-English speaking Bhutanese. We wish this to be a tool that can be used to promote a closer bond between peoples of such diverse cultures.

Although Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan, almost all the schools are taught in English Medium and used in the government. (The newspaper of Bhutan - KUENSEL - which means mirror, is printed in English.)

Therefore, any person that you will come in contact with that has been to school or is involved in the government will be able to speak English. Once outside of Thimphu or Paro, there will be less spoken English.

Dzongkha is the major language of the western part of the country, but is one of many diverse languages and dialects found throughout Bhutan. With reason for the development of the different dialects and languages is the geographical diversity of Bhutan. With the dense jungles in the south and the high Himalayas in the north, isolated branches of the main languages developed in many different areas over the centuries. In central Bhutan a dialect known as "Bumthap" is spoken. In the central southern area, the dialect is "Kheng", and in the Far Eastern portion of the country "Sharchopkha" is spoken. These are different enough that a Dzongkha speaker could not understand a Sharchopkha speaker without a translator.

We hope that our clients will find this brief introduction useful in the Western part of the country, but a glossary for the other dialects is separate project entirely!
 
Please note that the translation of Dzongkha terms is an approximation of the dialect of western Bhutan. Pronunciation will differ valley to valley.

TASHI DELEK! If you think of others words that you would find useful to know, ask your guide or native speaker and write it down. As stated, this is only a small beginning and any new information from your side will be appreciated.