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Languages in Bhutan


Languages in Bhutan

Common Languages
  • Dzongkha. The mother tongue of most people residing in Western Bhutan, and the kingdom's official language.
  • Sharchopkha. The major regional language spoken in Eastern Bhutan.
  • Bumthangkha. Similar to Sharchopkha - spoken in the Bumthang region.
  • Nepali. Most people of the borders used to use nepali language.
  • English and Hindi. Both languages are understood by most people in urban areas.
  • Usage
  • La. The suffix 'la' is an honorific, and many Bhutanese feel that their remarks sound too harsh if it is not used, and this carries over even into English. So, don't be surprised if you hear expressions such as "Yes-la" or "I'm not sure-la". It just implies respect.
  • Reach. In Bhutan, the verb 'reach' means to 'take' or 'accompany' (a person). For example: "I'll reach you to the bus station" means "I'll take/accompany you to the bus station."
  • Cousin-brother, Cousin-sister. Extended families living under one roof are common in Bhutan. As a result, the dividing line between siblings and cousins is blurred, and so it is not uncommon to be introduced to a "cousin-brother" or "cousin-sister". Although these people are just cousins, the English word implies a more distant relationship than is the fact in Bhutan.
  • BST. The exact meaning of this phrase is 'Bhutan Standard Time', but as Bhutanese people are notorious for being late or just not turning up at all, it has taken on the meaning of 'Bhutan Stretchable Time'. Therefore, when someone arrives late, they will often excuse themselves by saying that they are running on BST.

  • The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Bhutan


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