Languages of Bhutan
Bhutan is a linguistically rich country with over 19 languages spoken across its valleys. Dzongkha is the national language — learn a few phrases and you'll immediately win hearts across the kingdom.
Source: Dzongkha Development Commission, Royal Government of Bhutan
Dzongkha — The National Language
Dzongkha (རྫོང་ཁ) literally means the language of the dzong (fortress). It is the national language of Bhutan, used in government, official communications, national media, and education (from Kindergarten).
Dzongkha is a Sino-Tibetan language closely related to Classical Tibetan. Its script — Chhokey (or Uchen script) — is the same as Classical Tibetan, though pronunciation differs significantly.
While only around 25% of Bhutanese speak Dzongkha as their first language, it is studied by all Bhutanese children in school and widely understood throughout the country.
The Script: Chhokey (Uchen)
Dzongkha is written in the Uchen script, a form of Tibetan script first developed in the 7th century. It is an abugida (alphasyllabary) written left to right. The script has 30 root letters, each representing a consonant with an inherent vowel.
In official government use and on road signs, Dzongkha appears alongside English. Learning to recognise even a few letters will help you navigate dzong names and place signs.
English in Bhutan
English is the second official language of Bhutan and the primary medium of instruction from Class 4 onwards. Government officials, hotel staff, tour guides, and most educated Bhutanese speak English fluently.
In remote villages and among older generations, English may be limited, but Dzongkha or local dialects will be spoken. Your licensed tour guide will always be able to translate.
Travel Tip
Making the effort to speak even a few words of Dzongkha will immediately delight Bhutanese hosts. A simple Kuzu Zangpo La (hello) and Kadrin Che La (thank you) goes a long way. Bhutanese people are known for their warm hospitality and will happily help you practice.
Essential Dzongkha Phrases
| English | Dzongkha | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (formal) | Kuzu Zangpo La | koo-zoo zang-poh lah |
| Hello (informal) | Kuzu Za | koo-zoo zah |
| Thank you | Kadrin Che La | kah-drin chay lah |
| Thank you very much | Kadrin Che La Sum | kah-drin chay lah soom |
| How are you? | Gaday Bay Zhuwa? | gah-day bay jhoo-wah |
| I am fine / Good | Legsho / Legpa | leg-shoh / leg-pah |
| Please | Yab La | yahb lah |
| Yes | In La | in lah |
| No | Men | men |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Gom Che | gom chay |
| What is your name? | Choe gi ming ga chi mo? | choh-ee ming gah chee moh |
| My name is… | Ngay ming... in | ngay ming... in |
| Where is…? | … ga-tey yoe? | gah-tay yoh-ay |
| How much does this cost? | Di kha tshi ray? | dee kah tsee ray |
| Too expensive | Gong che drag | gong chay drahg |
| Delicious! | Zimpoi! | zim-poy |
| Water | Chu | choo |
| Food | Khalag | kha-lahg |
| Toilet / Bathroom | Sangchung | sang-choong |
| Help! | Rota Goi! | roh-tah goy |
| Beautiful | Lungten Wangchuk | loong-ten wang-chook |
| Goodbye | Loa Loa | loh-ah loh-ah |
Numbers in Dzongkha
Languages & Dialects of Bhutan
Bhutan is home to approximately 19 indigenous languages, a remarkable diversity given its small population of around 800,000 people. Many of these are endangered, with some spoken by fewer than 1,000 people.
| Language | Region | Approx. Speakers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dzongkha | West & Central Bhutan | ~25% (first language) | National and official language |
| Sharchopkha (Tshangla) | Eastern Bhutan | ~28% | Most spoken language by number of native speakers |
| Lhotshamkha (Nepali) | Southern Bhutan | ~22% | Indo-Aryan language; community known as Lhotshampa |
| Bumthap | Bumthang Valley | Regional | Ancient language with links to classical Tibetan |
| Khengkha | Zhemgang District | Regional | Closely related to Bumthap |
| Kurtoep | Lhuentse District | Regional | Spoken in the Kurtoe region; distinct phonology |
| Olekha | Rukha Village, Wangdue | Critically endangered | Spoken by fewer than 1,000 people; preservation efforts ongoing |
| Gongduk | Mongar District | Critically endangered | Language isolate with no known relatives; under 1,000 speakers |
Pronunciation Tips
- Zh is pronounced like the s in measure or vision — a soft French-style j
- Ch is like ch in church — never like k
- La at the end of formal phrases is a particle of respect — always add it in formal contexts
- Tones: Dzongkha has tonal elements similar to Tibetan. Don't worry too much about tones as a beginner; context will carry the conversation.
- Ng can appear at the start of words (like Ngawang) — pronounced like the ng in singer
Language in Daily Life
Radio and TV broadcasts in Bhutan are primarily in Dzongkha and English. The state broadcaster, Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS), operates channels in both languages. Newspapers publish in English and Dzongkha.
Road signs, dzong names, and government buildings typically display both Dzongkha script and English transliteration.