SAY IT

IN
TIBETAN
SAY IT
IN
TIBETAN
CONVERSATIONS IN COLLOQUIAL
TIBETAN
by
NORBU CHOPHEL
Paljor Publications
First Print 1989
Reprint1990,1992, 1993,1994,1995,1997,
1998, 1999 (twice), 2000
Published by:
Paljor Publications,
D-39, Jangpura Extn.
New Delhi-110 014
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the publisher.
ISBN: 81-86230-01-7
Typesetting and design by:
Paljor Publications
Printed at:
lndraprastha Press (CBT), New Delhi-110 002
CONTENTS
1. Introduction x
2. Pronunciation Guide xi
3. Introductory Phrases 1
4. Social Phrases 3
5. Basic Questions and Answers 6
6. Talking About Yourself 11
7. Making Yourself Understood 16
8. Making Yourself Familiar with the Place 18
9. Customs Office 21
10. Baggage 23
11. Travel Directions 25
12. Bus and Taxi 30
13. Postoffice 33
14. Telephone 35
15. Hotel 39
16. Bar 46
17. Visiting a Restaurant 49
18. Sightseeing 55
19. Visiting a Monastery 60
20. Hiking and Camping 64
21. Shopping 68
22. Books and Stationery Shop 75
23. Health 77
24. Pharmacy and Drugstore 84
25. Visiting a Dentist 85
26. Parts of the Body 88
27. Stores and Services 92
28. Domestic Items 94
29. Clothing and Accessories 96
30. Colours 98
31. Materials 100
33. Meat 102
33. Vegetables 103
34. Grains and Cereals 104
35. Fruits 105
36. Camera and Photography 106
37. Laundary and Drycleaning 108
38. Accident 111
39. Weather 113
40. Time 116
41 . Days of the Week 120
42. Months and Seasons 122
43. Family Members and Relatives 125
44. Counting 127

1
1

3
2
"" --

3
c-. c-., c-.,

6
11
""
4

16
5
....... -- '

18
6
_...,
.-..

21
7

23
8
--

9
-
25
30
10
-

11

33
12

35
39
13
-
14


46
49
15
-

55
16
...,....-

60 17
- -v-

64 18
c-.,....-

19
-c-.

68
75
20

77
21
...............

84
22

23
"" '"' ......

85
88 24
c--. "'V"

25

92
26

94
96
27
-

98 28


29

100
102 30
c-.

31
c-

103
104 32
c-..

105 33
e-. ..........
""4"'r1
34

106
35

108
111 36
--

113 37
t:'o-

116 38
-4

\I,
120 39
r;o...

40

122
125
"'
'
41

42
!!l """',
127
Note from the Publisher
Welcome to the eleventh edition of Say it in Tibetan, by
Norbu Chophel. lt gives us great pleasure in bringing out
this latest edition. The book has been well received by
the students of Tibetan as well as English Language as
an ideal guide and reference.
The book was first published in 1989. lt was mainly to
fulfill the then need of foreign tourist wanting to pick up
some Tibetan conversational knowledge. But today it has
become a best selling guide on the subject. The book is
not only used by foreigners to study English but also by
Tibetans to study English. Many students have benefited
from the book. We congratulate the author for the
remarkable work.
To master the pronunciation effectively, we have audio
cassette tape of the book too. Please note that some
lessons toward the end of the book are not in the cassette.
This is done only to maintain the standard time length of
audio cassettes. We sincerely believe that the book will
go long way in promoting better and constructive
communication between our people and our foreign friends.
1Oth Dec 2000 Tsewang Gyalpo
President
INTRODUCTION
With the opening of Tibet to tourism, tourists have felt an
urgent need to learn the Tibetan language and there was
a frantic search for books catering to this need. But,
unfortunately, there were no books dealing exclusively
with conversations and hence this book was written to
fill the gap.
The conversations have been grouped according to
different situations, so that the user can refer to them
easily depending on his need. I hope this particular
arrangement will make the book much more useful.
Mr. Losang Tenzin Rikha has contributed much to the
writing of this book, and indeed initiated the whole idea
in the first place. I am very grateful to him, for without
his help, initiative and useful suggestions, I would not
have been able to complete the book.
Readers are advised to read the PRONUNCIATION
GUIDE carefully before proceeding to the conversations.
Norbu Chophel
January 1992
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Remember that the phonetic sounds are given as they
are sounded in general colloquial/spoken Tibetan and
not as they are written. Every Tibetan word is given in its
nearest possible English sound so that a reader can get a
fairly good pronunciation simply by reading the phonetics-
practice with the tape will make it even better.
I have followed no particular system of phonetics but
my research in requesting many non-Tibetans to read the
sentences has convinced me that my own system is
acceptable to all. Pay special attention to 18 (tsha), 21
(zha) and 22 (?a) as there are no proper English
phonetic equivalents for them.
Try pronuncing the 30 consonants by listening to the
tape.
1. ka as in skill
2. kha
as in khampa
3. ga as in goat
4. nga - as in sing
5. cha - as in chill
6. chha
as in China
7. ja
-
as in jam
8. nya - as in Daniel
9. ta
- as in French tu (thou)
10. tha - as in with
11. dha - as in dharma/thou
12. na
as in net
13. pa
- as in spin
14. pha - as in pheasant (lips closed)
15. ba as in big
16. ma - asjn met
17. tsa - as in ritz
18. tsha
- as in ritz but in low tone.
19. za
as in zebra
.
XI
20. wa - as in water
21. zha - no English equivalent
22.
?a
no English equivalent
23. 'a - final sound of baa
24. ya as in yell
25. ra - as in rail
26. la - as in lass
27. sha as in shell
28. sa
- as in sell
29. ha - as in hell
30. a a as in aunty
As you go through the conversations the proper sound
of the following letters will give you problem. These are
the results of scribing ( ), super-scribing ( 'Q,' ) of letters
and adding of prefixes and suffixes ( ) to letters
changing completely the original sound of the 'base' letter.
I have used here special diacritical marks to differentiate
the sound of these from the normal sounds.
1. riga = as in sing but in high tone (eg: )
- 2. iiya = as in Daniel but in high tone (eg: 1t}' )
3. ta = as in stick (eg: )
4. lha = no English equivalent (eg: )
5. Qa = as in net but in high tone (eg: )
6. fTla = as in met but in high tone (eg: )
7. ya = as in yell but in high tone (eg:
8. !a = as in lama but in high tone (eg: )
Different Vowels used in the book:
1. a= always read as 'a' in aunty.
2. aa = read as 'a' in father.
3. a = always read 'a' in man.
4. ay = read as 'ay' in day.
5. e =always read as 'e' in bed.
6. ey = as 'ey' in they (short sound).
7. i =always read as 'i' in fit.
..
XII
8. o =always read as 'o' in rot.
9. o =read as in German offnen.
10. u. = always read as 'u' in put.
11. u = as in German fUr .

xiii
INTRODUCTORY PHRASES
1. Good luck.
tashi delek.
2. Hello.
hello.*
3. Welcome.
chaa-phe uang.
4. Please come in.
nang-la phe-ro nang.
5. Goodbye.
ga-le pheb.
6. Yes.
rey, yin, dhoo.
7. No.
ma-rey, meyn, min-dhoo.
8. Perhaps.
chig jey-na.
9. Please.
thu-je zig, ku-kyi.
10. Sorry.
gong-dhaa.
11. Thanks!Thank you very much.
thu-je-chhe.
12. Alright.
dig-zhaa.
13. Very good.
yag-po zhe-daa.
''"'



* This Tibetanised English word is commonly used and accepted.
The proper Tibetan equivalent (o-loy) is rather awkward and not
very much in use these-days.
1
11
l,
14. I have to go now.
dha nga do-go yo.
15. Don't bother.
thug-yang ma-r,ang.
16. lt doesn't matter.
0.... ......
gang-yang r,ang-gi ma-rey.
17. I am sorry.
gong-gel me-pa chig.
18. Come here.
dhay-phe, dhay shog.
19. Go there.
phaa-phe, phaa gyoo.
20. Come with me.
nga iiyam-dhu phe.
21. Go with him.
khong iiyam-dhu phe.
22. Come back later.
to-tsam ney phe-sho.
23. Come early.
nga-po phe-sho
24. Wait a bit.
to-tsam goo ro-r,ang.
25. Wait for me.
nga la goo-ro r,ang.
26. Not yet.
dha-ta ren min-dhoo.
27. Not now.
dha-ta ma-rey.
28. Listen.
sen-dhang.
2
SOCIAL PHRASES
1. What is your name?
khye-rang gi tshen-la ga-re zhu-gi yo?
' o-._ ...-

2. My name is Norbu.
ngay ming-la Norbu yo.
-- -- ....-- ...... c-..'

3. This is Mr. Kelsang.
khong Kelsang-la rey.
4. This is Mrs. Lhamo.
khong a-chak Lhamo-la rey.
-- ....- ......

5. Pleased to meet you.
khye-rang jel-ney ga-po joong.
6. How are you?
khye-rang dhe-po yin-pey?
' -...,_.c...

7. Very well, thank you, and you?
dhe-po yin, khye-rang ga-day yo?
--- ........ --

3
8. Alright/Fine.
dhe-po-yin.


9. So, so.
a-o-tsam.
- --
1 0. What is the news?
sa-gyoo ga-re dhoo?
......

11. There is nothing new.
sar-pa gang-yang min-dhoo.

12. Please sit down.
zhoo-dhen ja-ro liang.

13. Its a pleasure to see you again.
khye-rang yang-kyar jel-ney ga-po joong.
........ -

14. Congratulations.
tashi delek .
..... ..............

15. I like you very much.
nga khye-rang la zhe-daa ga-gi dhoo.
4
16. Will I see you again?
khye-rang yang-kyar jay-gi re-pey?
" c-.."

17. Lets meet again next week.
dhun-tra je-ma yang-kyar jel-dho.
....... .._....

18. Give my regards to Mr. Tenzin.
Tenzin laa-la ngay tsham-di zhu-ro r,ang.

19. I enjoyed the food very much.
kha-lag zhe-daa zhim-po joong.
-...

20. Thanks for coming here.
dhay phe-paa thu-je chhe.
-.._,

5
1. What is your name?
khye-rang-gi tshen ga-re rey?
..... 0.., "'"'

2. My name is Tenzin.
ngay ming-la Tenzin yo.
c..,.c-.._ ......

3. How old are you?
khye-rang gong-lo ga-tshey yin?

4. I am 30 years old.
nga lo sum-chu tham-pa yin .
....--

5. Which country are you from.?
khye-rang lung-pa ga-ney yin?
.......

6. I am from America.
nga America ney yin.

7. What did you say?
khye-rang-gi ga-re sung-pey?
...... ""

6
8. I did not say anything.
ngey gang-yang lab-med.

9. What is this?
dhi ga-re rey?
c-._ .................
1
1 0. This is a camera.
dhi par-chhey rey.
"' ......

11 . What is that?
pha-gi ga-re rev?
12. That is my book.
pha-gi ngay dheb rey.
c-.. """' .........

13. What shall I do now?
dha nga ga-re ji-go rey?
......... ........ ..,--"'

14. You can go now.
dha khye-rang do-na dig-sa rey.
---"" .........

15. What is the matter?
ga-re Qang-song?
...... --

7
16. Nothing.
gang-yang jey ma-song.
_...

17. What do you want?
khye-rang-la ga-re go?
........ _....

18. I want a book on Tibetan history.
nga-la bo-pay gyal-rab kor dheb-chig go.
-- 0.... --"'"" ..,--

19. When did you come?
khye-rang ga-du phe-pey?

20. I came yesterday.
nga kha-sang leb-yin.
...... 1:'-.

21. When are you going?
khye-rang ga-du phe-gey?
...
22. I will go tomorrow.
nga sang-nyin do-gi yin.


23. Where are you going?
khye-rang ga-paa phe-gey?
"" .........

8
I am going to Lhasa.
nga Lhesa-la do-gi yin.


25. For how long are you going?
gyun ring-lo phe-gey?
0...

26. For two months.
dha-wa nyee ring.
/:'... r:-..

27. \Vhere to?
ga-paa?

28. Which?
ga-gi?
0...

29. When?
ga-dhi.i

30. Howfar?
thaa ring-lo?
1>-. ...,....,.

31. How many?
ga-tshey?

9
32. How much is this?
dhay ga-tshey rey?
0.... B.-::'

33. How many people are there?
mi ga-tshey dhoo?

34. There are 60 people.
mi dug-chu tham-pa dhoo.
eo-..

35. Who is this?
dhi su rey?

36. This is Namgyal.
dhi t,lamgyal rey.
f>..... .......

37. Who are you?
khye-rang su yin-pey?
....... c-._

38. I am Lobsang.
nga l,.obsang yin.
- 0...

39. Who is that boy?
bu pha-gi su-rey?
c-.. .......

10
TALKING ABOUT YOURSELF
1. What is your name?
khye-rang gi tshen-la ga-re zhu-gi yo?
,.,.......,..._.

2. My name is Tashi.
ngay ming-la Tashi zi-gi yo.
o...c-.. 0... :':::::. c-.. ..--

3. How old are you?
khye-rang gong-lo ga-tshey yin?
....... --- kc-..

4. I am 36 years old.
nga lo sum-chu so-duk yin.
5. Which country are you from?
lung-pa ga-ney yin?
6. I am from Canada.
nga Canada ney yin.

7. Where do you stay?
khye-rang ga-paa zhoo-gi yo?
11
8. I am staying at Lhasa Restaurant.
nga Lhasa dhay-gi yo.

9. What is your father's name?
khye-rang-gi paa-la gi tshen ga-re rey?
";;:., #..6 ..............

10. My father's name is Dhondup.
ngay paa-la-gi tshen Dhondup rey.
1>... 1>... ;/.;J;: - .......

11. What is your mother's name?
khye-rang-gi a-ma-laa gi tshen ga-re rey?
....... 1>... ""''"""

12. My mother's name is
ngay a-ma-laa gi tshen Yangchen rey.
0.... ........

13. Do you have any brothers and sisters?
khye-rang-la kum-che bu-dhang bu-mo yo-pey?
'""" "" -

14. Yes, I have two brothers older than me.
la yo, nga-la jo-la iiyee yo.

15. Don't you have any sisters?
khye-rang la kum-chey bu-mo mey-pey?

12
16. No, I don't have any.
la mey, chig-kyang mey.

17. What is your profession?
khye-rang chhaa-ley ga-re oang-gi yo?
..... .... o.......--

18. I am a student.
nga lob-troo yin
...,.- -

19. I am a teacher.
nga ge-gen yin.
20. I am a businessman.
nga tshong-pa yin.

21 . I have no work.
nga-la ley-ka mey.

22. Who are you?
khye-rang su-yin-pey?
.... I>._

23. I am a friend ofTenzin.
nga Tenzin-gi dog-po yin.

"q"
13
24. I am here on a vacation.
nga dhay goong-seng-la yong-pa yin.
0... "" -- 0..

25. I have been here for one week.
nga dhay leb-ney dhun-tra chig chhin-song.
0... "" .... 0... --

26. We plan to stay here until Friday.
nga-tsho dhay pa-sang-bar dhay-tsi yo.
"'<'(C""'e-,. ..... ...--

27. I am going to Gyangtse.
nga Gyangtse-la do-gi yin .
......

28. I am in a hurry.
nga-la de-wa yo.
29. I am busy.
nga de-wa chhen-po yo.
....... ...... _...,_

30. I am feeling cold.
nga khyaa-gi dhoo.
0...

31. I am hungry.
nga do-kho to-gi dhoo.

14
32. I am tired.
nga thang chhey-song.
-

33. I am glad.
nga ga-po joong.
34. I am disappointed.
nga lo-pham joong.
35. I cannot do this.
ngey dhi ji thub-sa ma-rey.
0...' .....

36. They are angry ..
khong-tsho khong-tro lang-dhoo.
37. Are you happy here?
khye-rang dhay kyi-po dhoo-gey?
38. Yes, I am very happy here.
la dhoo, kyi-po zhe-daa dhoo.
0..... ..,_....__

39. How are you?
khye-rang dhe-po yin-pey?
15
MAKING YOURSELF UNDERSTOOD

1. Do you speak English?
khye-rang-gi in-ji khyen-gi yo-pey?
' o-.. "' "' "" 0.... ._...

2. Yes, a little.
la yo, tog-tsa shing-gi-yo.
-- ......- . .t .... :..d f>... _...

3. Can you read Chinese?
khye-rang-gi gya-yig log khyen-gi yo-pey?
' ...... ' ... _

4. No, !.cannot read Chinese.
la mey, ngey gya-yig log shing-gi-mey.
"" c--. ......- :.d

5. Does anyone here speak English?
dhay in-jee key khyen-khen yo-pey?
0..... o.(A... "' ....-

6. Yas, we can all speak English.
yo, nga-tsho tshang-mey in-ji shing-gi-yo.
-- :ti(..s- "' t>.P\ "" Do... -

7. Do you understand me?
ngey zhu-pa khyen-song-ngey?
' ' --

16
8. I understand. I cannot understand.
ngey shey-song. ngey shey ma-song
...... _, ' -

9. I can read some Tibetan.
ngey bo-yig tog-tsa Jog shing-gi-yo.
-- 0.... _,. . .s. -- ...... ....--

10. I do not know.
ngey shing-gi-mey.
11 . Please repeat it.
yang-khar sung-ro Qang.
12. Please write it down.
yig-thog di-ro r,ang.
13. You are right.
khye-rang dhen-pa rey.
..... ....... .......

14. What is the meaning of this?
dhee dhon-dhag ga-re rey?
ll'o..C....,-- "''

17
MAKING YOURSELF FAMILIAR WITH THE PLACE
1 . What is the name of this place?
sa-chha dhee ming ga-re rey?
t>.,.eJ\,CO.. "" .....

2. This is Lhasa.
dhi Lhesa rey.

3. Are there any important monasteries here?
dhi khul gon-pa chhe-khag yo-re-pey?
-- __ ,

4. Yes, Sera, Drepung and Gaden.
yo-rey, Sera dhang Drepung Gaden chey yo-rey.
__ , _..,

5. Can I visit the monasteries?
nga gon-pa dhe-tsho-la do chho-gi re-pey?



6. Yes, you can visit them any time.
rey, ga-dii phe-nay di-gi rey.
...... (loo.._

7. Is there any library in this town?
dong-dhe dhee-nang pe-zo-khang yo-re-pey?
......... _,
'\
18
8. No, there are no libraries here.
dhay pe-zo-khang yo ma-rey.
c... ....... --

9. Where is the newspaper agent?
tshag-par tshong-khen ga-paa yo-rey?

10. The newspaper agent is far from here.
tshag-par tshong-khang dhi-ney thaa ring-po rey.
:Lt. '"'!1C c... 0.. .............

11. I want to buy a newspaper in English.
nga in-jee tshag-par chig nyo-go yo.


12. What is the altitude of this place?
sa-chha dhee tho-tshey ga-tshey rey?
C...t>.. -
--
13. lt is about ten thousand feet.
phu-ti tong-traa chu-tsam rey.
f>... ...-- J' .........

14. What is the population of this place?
sa-chha dhee mi-bor ga-tshey rey?
o...,"'. t>._ - -k.:-

15. lt is about twenty-thousand.
tong-trag nyi-shu tsam rey.

19
16. I want to visit some historical places.
nga lo-gyu dhen-pay sa-chha ga-sheyta-dho dhoo.
:r.:: 0.,. ._....

17. Where is the postoffice?
dag-khang ga-paa yo-rey?

18. There is a small postoffice behind this building.
khang-pa dhee gyab-lo la dag-khang chhung-
chhung chig yo-rey.

19. How is the weather here in winter?
gun-kha Qam-shi ga-day yo-rey?

20. lt is very cold.
zhe-daa dang-mo yo-rey.

21. Where is the Tibetan Library?
bo-kyi pe-zo-khang ga-paa yo-rey?
...,-e>-.. ...... '""' '

22. The Tibetan Library is in Gangchen Kyishong.
bO-kyi pe-zo-khang Gangchen Kyishong la yo-rey.

20
CUSTOMS OFFICE
1. Where is the customs office?
go-trelle-khung ga-paa yo-rey?
-

2. lt is over there.
pha-gay yo-rey.
c-..._,,

3. Here is my luggage/baggage.
ngay cha-lag dhay yo.


4. This is my passport.
dhi ngay paa-si yin.

5. I have only clothes in the box.
gam-dhee nang dhug-lo chig-po yin.
- 0...

6. Everything is for my personal use.
tshang-ma nga-rang ger-gyi be-cho je-yey yln.
0....
.. ..
7. This is not new.
dhi saa-pa ma-rey.

21
8. These are only for gifts.
dhi-tsho la-ta te-ya chig-po yin.
0.... v::-- CO... f>....

9. I brought this ring in India.
tshi-kho dhi gya-kar ney nyo-pa yin.


1 0. I have only one camera.
nga-la par-chey chig-ley mey.

11 . The bag over there is not mine.
to-phey pha-gi ngay ma-rey.
-- '

12. This is all that I have.
nga-la yo-pa dhi-rang yin.
-- 0...

13. Have you finished?
dha tshar-song-ngey?

14. May I go now?
dha nga do-na di-gi re-pey?
-- (>.-.. CO...'

22
BAGGAGE
1. I have five items in my bag.
ngay to-phey nang cha-laa r:-e-kha riga yo.
' ---

2. How much baggage are we allowed to carry?
dho-chey ga-tsey khyer chhog-gi rey?

3. I cannot find my baggage.
ngay dho-cha iiyee-gi min-dhoo .
.:>......- ........

4. One of my baggage is missing.
ngay dho-chey chig tshang min-dhoo.
e-.- c--. ..r eo....

5. I want to leave this suitcase here for tonight.
gam dhi dho-gong-ring dhay zhaa-gi yin.
6. Give me a receipt for the luggage.
dho-po dhay joong-zin chig r:-ang-ro.
--- C>.. --

7. This is not my luggage.
dhi ngay dho-po ma-rey.
e-. 0... .....................

23.
8. My suitcase is black.
ngay gam nag-po rey.

9. Carry this to the busstand.
dhi bus bab-tshoo la kyay-ro r,ang.
a. ' :J ' ._-

10. Don't forget this one.
dhi ma-jey-pa je-aa.

11. I shall carry myself.
dhi nga-rey khyay-chhog.
12. I want a porter.
nga-la dho-po khyer-khen chig go-dhoo
...,.,....,-- " ---

13. I want to hire a taxi.
nga taxi chig (a-gi yin.
' c-.,_ 0...

\
14. Handle this carefully.
dhi jey-te khyer-aa.
' ........

15. What is the charge?
(a-chha ga-tshey rey?

24
-v-"
TRAVEL DIRECTIONS

Useful Words
Monastery
--
gon-pa

Temple
tsug -la-khang

Museum
dem-ton-khang

Hotel

--
Restaurant


Guest house
don-khang

Short-cut
gyog-lam
-

Market
-
trom

Hospital
rpen-khang

Bank
rigul-khang

Postoffice
da-khang

Office
le-khung

Carpet centre
--


25
1. Where is the airlines office?
oam-du'i le-khung ga-paa yo-rey?
c-. ._-::"!.

2. lt is on the other street.
gya-lam-gi phar-chho-la yo-rey.
eo-.. ..,--

3. Where is the travel agent's office?
dim-dulle-khung ga-paa yo-rey?
0...

4. lt is behind the airlines office.
oam-du'i le-khung-gi gyab-lo la yo-rey.
c-.. ""' --'

5. Where is the tourist office?
yul-kor to-chham-gi le-khung ga-paa yo-rey?
............ V"" e-... ....-

6. The third building on the left is the tourist office.
lag-pa yon-gyi khang-pa sum-pa dhe rey.
V"' (>.._ '":';;."':'

7. How long does it take to walk to the monastery?
gon-pa dhe bar gom-pa gyab-na ga-tshey gor-gi
rey?
-- "" .,......... ...-c-..'

26
8. lt will take only ten minutes.
kar-ma chu ma-tog gor-gi ma-rey.
.......
.
9. Is this the shortest way?
lam-khaa dhi thung-sho re-pey?
f>.... V"''

10. Yes, this is the shortest way.
rey. dhi thung-sho rey.
....... f>..... --'

11. How far is the hospital from here?
dhi-ney rpen-khang bar thag ring-lo rey?
e-._ c>o._

12. lt is only three minutes walk from here.
gom-pa gyab-na kar-ma sum-ley gor-gi ma-rey.
_... -v--'1!>.. '

13. Which road is this?
lam-khag dhi ga-gi rey?
14. This is the main road to the temple.
dhi tsug-la-khang-la do-say gya-lam-rey.
f>.... _.-o-.._ .......

15. Is there any public transport service?
mi-rpang dul-khor ycf-re-pey?
c-.... -v-'._--...

27
16. Yes, there are hourly bus services.
yo-rey. chuu-tsho re-re la do-khen bus yo-rey.
....,-- ....... ..,.......,

17. Is there any short-cut route to the river?
tsang-chhu-la do-say gyog-lam yo-re-pey?
k-;c. ---c-.. .. .................
..
18. No, there are no short-cuts.
gyog-lam yo ma-rey.
--- -- "'
19. Can we walk from here?
dhi-ney gom-pa gyab-na teb-kyi re-pey?
0.... ....,-- ..... t:'oo...'

20. Yes, but it will take very long.
rey. yin-nay du-tsho zhe-daa gor-gi rey.

21. Should I turn left or right? .
yon-la kyo-go re-pey, yey-la kyo-go rey?
...- '"""" ._..., -.r''

22. You must turn left.
yon-la kyo-go rey .
....,-- ...,- ....,-- .......

23. Please show me the way to the market.
nga-la trom-la do-say lam-khaa ton-ro .
._., V"' ...,., _,

28
24. Please take me to the handicrafts shop.
nga ngo zog tshong-khang-la tri-ro
-- ..-- ..,-v.:; c-.... ....-

25. Where is the Tibetan Library?
bo-kyi pe-zo-khang ga-paa yo-rey?
............ Do-. ' "':,( ...,_.. .......

26. lt is in Gangchen Kyishong.
Gang-chen Kyi-shong la yo-rey.
0... _... ...,_.,

29
BUS AND TAXI
1 . Where is the busstand?
bus bab-tshug ga-paa yo-rey?
' _....""'

2. lt is in front of that hotel.
don-khang pha-gee dhun-la yo-rey.
3. When does the bus leave for Delhi?
dhi-lir bus ga-du do-gi rey?
' voC\"'

4. lt leaves at 7 in the morning.
zhog-khey chhu-tsho dhun-paa do-gi rey.


5. What is the fare?
la-chha ga-tshey rey?

6. lt is 75 Rupees.
go-mo dhun-chu dhon-riga rey.
7. Does it go by Chandigarh?
Chandigarh gyu-ney do-gi re-pey?
o.._ .....-o.-. "'

30
8. Yes, it will go via Chandigarh.
rey. Chandiagrh gyii-ney do-gi rey.
' 0..,

9. I want to get off at Chandigarh.
nga Chandigarh la bab-gi yin.
10. I want to go to Chandigarh.
nga Chandigarh la do-go yo.
c-.. """"

11. Does this bus go to Lhasa?
bus dhi Lhe-saa do-gi re-pey?
...... e-..,

12. Yes, it will go to Lhasa.
la rey. dhi Lhe-saa do gi rey.
' C>-

I
13. Does it stop on the way?
lam-la kaa-gi re-pey?
&--"

14. Yes, it will stop for Lunch.
la rey. nyin-goong zhe-la la kaa-gi rey.
15. Where is the booking office?
lag-khyer nyo-say le-khung ga-paa yo-rey?
' v--e-. __....._

31
17. Where can I get a taxi?
nga-la taxi chig ga-ney raa-gi rey?
.......

18. Near the busstand.
bus bab-tshug gi nye-dam ney raa-gi rey.
....... <>,'"""
'l
19. Take us to the hospital.
nga-tsho rpen-khang a tri-ro r,ang .
...c"'

20. Take me to the hotel.
nga don-khang la r,ang.


21. The fare is too high.
la-chha chhen-po zhe-daa rey-dhoo.

32
; .
. ii
'
POSTOFFICE
Useful Words
Post office
da-khang

Airmail
oam-dag

Seamail
tsho-dag

Postmaster
da-khang gen-zin

Registered
,,
dheb-kyay
Envelope

yi-koe
Aerogramme

oam-dag yi-koe

Postage stamp
0..... 0.....
ti-ka-si/dag-tham


Parcel
par-sal

Postman
dag-pa

1. Where is the postoffice?
da-khang ga-paa yo-rey?
_...,

2. lt is near the carpet shop.
dum-zay tshong-khang gi tri-dhay yo-rey.

33
3. I want to send this by airmail.
dhi Qam-dag tho tang-go yo.
.............. ....-- ...,.--_.

4. Is it okay to send it like this?
dhi-dey-si tang-na di-gi re-pey?
5. The packet contains only books.
dhee nang dheb sha-taa yin.
'

6. I want to send this parcel.
nga parcel dhi tang-go yo.
0....

7. What time does the post office open?
da-khang chhu-tshu ga-tshey la go chhe-gi rey?
..,....<..e-.,,

8. lt will open at 1 0 a. m.
riga-do chhu-tsho.chu-pa-la go chhe-gi rey.


9. How long will it take to reach London?
London bar ga-tshey gor-gi rey?

1 0. lt will take one week.
dhun-traa chig gor-gi rey.
..,-t:>-...,

34
TELEPHONE
1. Please may I use the telephone?
kha-paa be-cho tang chhog-pa chi?


2. Yes, please use it.
la-'ong. be-cho .,ang-ro-.,ang.
--- :""-.__.- ....-

3. I want to call this number.
nga ang-dang dhi-la kha-paa tang-go yo.
c--...-- ----

4. Call me at this number.
ang-dang dhi-thog-la zhal-paa .,ang-ro.
t:o......-- ...,....,

5. My telehone number is 673.
ngay kha-paa ang doo dhun sum yin.

6. Is it possible to call London from here?
dhi-ney London-la kha-paa tang thub-gi re-pey?
7. No, you will have to call from Delhi.
ma-rey. khye-rang Delhi ney tang go-kyi rey .
...... e-..._c-.... _...e-..., ......

35
8. Will the call be clear?
kha-paa sal-po yong-gi re-pey?
.....-....--c-..,

9. Yes, it will be very clear.
rey, sal-po zhe-daa yong-gi rey.
"' -"" .......

1 0. Hello! who is speaking?
hello. zhal-paa Qang-khen su yin-no?
.......

11. This is Dawa speaking.
nga Dawa yin.

12. I cannot hear you clearly.
ngey sal-po go-gi min-dhoo.

13. To whom do you want to speak?
khye-rang su-la ka-mol Qang-go yo?
"' ....--- _..-

14. I want to talk to Tashi.
nga Tashi-la ke-chha shey-go yo.
c--. -- _, __

15. Please hold the line.
tog-tsa goo-ro Qang

36

1
1
j
,,
<
1
l
16. I will go and call Tashi.
ngey Tashi-la key tang-chho.

17. Please call him to the phone.
khong kha-paa yo-saa key tang-ro-r,ang.
-- _... "'

18. He is not here now.
kho-rang dha-ta dhay min-dhoo.

19. He will be back in one hour.
Kho-rang chhu-tsho chig-nang tshoo phe-gi rey .
...,- ....:;' eo..."""

20. Please give him a message.
khong-la jaa-len r,ang-ro-r,ang.
-- c--. _...

21. Yes, what is the message?
la-'ong. jaa-len ga-re yin-no .
....,- "" ""

22. Please tell him to ring me up.
nga-la zhal-paa r,ang-ro sung-ro.
23. What is your telephone number?
khye-rang gi zhay-paa ang-dang ga-tshey reyil
' ""

37
24. My telephone number is 234.
ngay kha-paa ang nyee sum zhi yin.

25. Are there any telephone booths around here?
dhi-khul kha-paa tang-sa yo-re-pey?

26. No, you will have to call from a hotel.
yo ma-rey. don-khang chig-neytang l'}ang-go rey.

27. The telephone is out of order.
kha-paa-la kyon shor-shaa.

28. I will call back later.
ngey jey-su kha-paa tang-chho.

29. How much do I have to pay for the call?
kha-paa tang-la ga-tsha phul-go rey?

30. No, you don't have to pay anything.
gang-yang l'}ang-go ma-rey.
_........_

38
HOTEL**
Useful Words
Single room

mi-chig nyel-khang
Double room
mi-nyee nyel-khang.
..._ 0...

Rate per day
e-. ""'"'
... nyin-ray la-chha
Toilet
- sang-cho

Bathroom
trii-khang
Blanket
kam-pa-li*
....

Pillow
ligey-go
..,-.-

Pillow case
ligey-shub

Hot water
chhu tsha-po

Cold water
chhu dang-mo --

Fan
lung-khor

Clean
tsang-ma

* This is a loan word from Hindi.
** Hotel can be alternately translated as za-khang as is common
these days. Though the heading is given as don-khang, it is being
used to mean za-khang also.
39
Towel
a-chor


Bed
nyay-tri

Bed sheet
nyel-rey

Passport
'
paa-si
1. Where can I find a place to stay?
Qey-tshang chig ga-paa raa-gi rey?

2. There are many hotels and guest houses here.
dhay don-khang mang-po zhe-daa yo-rey.
-- .,..-.._ ...,..-,

3. I am looking for a good hotel.
nga don-khang yag-po chig tshay-gi yo
.....- _.-c-.. v.::' 0., .....-

4. I am looking for an inexpensive hotel.
nga don-khang khe-po chig tshay-gi yo
...,-- -:::::. .....-o-.. vrr' c-.,_ ._.-

5. I want to stay in the village.
nga dong-seb kyee-la dhey-dho dhoo.
_...- ""' c-... ...,--_.

40
6. I want a quiet location.
nga-la dhey-sa kha-khu sim-po chig go.
- ...,..-e>o.. _.

7. I prefer to be close to the monastery.
nga gon-pay nye-dam la dhey-dho dhoo.


8. Where is the registration desk?
dheb-kyay je-sa ga-paa-rey?

9. Please fill in this form.
geng-sho dhi
....... -o-... .....--

10. Sign here, please.
dhay tshen-taa kyon-ro

11. Please show me your passport.
khye-rang gi paa-si ton-ro

12. Here is my passport.
ngay paa-si dhay yo.


13. Please show me a good room.
nga-la khang-mi yag-po chig ton-ro
----

41
14. Do you have a single room?
mi-chig nyel-say khang-pa yo-pey?
o-..... .......--

15. No, we have only double rooms.
mey. nga tshor mi-iiyee dhey-sa ma-to mey.
...... .....,..,-c-.. c-. ..,....... """

16. What is the rate per day?
nyin-ray khang-la ga-tshey rey?

17. lt is 50 Rupees per day.
nyi-ma chig la gor-mo rigab-chu rey.
e-.... .......

18. Do you have a cheaper room.?
dhi-ley khye-wa yo-pey?
0... ...... -

19. No, this is the cheapest.
mey. dhi khye-sho rey .
.......

20. lt is very expensive.
dhi gong chen-po zhe-daa rey-dhoo.

21. Is it cheaper if I stay longer.
gyun ring-po dhey-na gong khye-wa yo re-pey?
.................

42
l
22. No, it is the same.
yo ma-rey. chig-pa rey.
--- '

23. I shall stay for one week only.
nga dhun-traa chig-ley dhay-gi men.
e--c--_

24. I would like to see the room.
nga khang-mi dhe ta-gi yin.
........ o--. e--.

25. Please show me the room.
nga-la khang-mi dhe ton-ro w,ang.
' ............. _....

26. What is my room number?
ngay khang-mi gi ang-dang ga-re rey?
... ,,

27. lt is room number 20.
ang nyi-shu tham-pa rey.
c-. '

28. Please send my luggage here.
ngay cha-laa dhay tang-ro Qang.
29. Please change the bedsheet with a clean one.
nyel-rey dhi tsang-ma chig-dhang je-ro Qang.
Coo... "- t>..... ' _.

43
30. I want my breakfast in my room.
zhog-ja khang-pay nang-la go.

31. Please send me a glass of boiled water.
chhu-khol glass gang tang-ro r;.ang.
(;".. ....-
...
32. I want to speak to the hotel manager.
nga gi gen-zin la ka-mol zhu-go yo.
e--.. :rA. -- -- --

33. I am leaving my room keys here.
ngay khang-mi gi dhi-mig dhay zhaa-gi yin.

34. When must I check out?
nga dhi-ney ga-du thon-go rey?
--- _..... ....

35. Checkout time is 12 noon.
thon-yey dhu-tsho nyin-gang chhu-tsho chung-
nyi rey.

36 .. Can I pay in US Dollars?
a-ree Dollar phul-na dee-gi re-pey?
44
37. No, we take only Chinese currency.
gya-mee go-mo ma-tog len-gi mey.
--

38. Thanks for the stay. I had a good time.
thu-je-chhe. dhey-pay ring kyi-po joong.

39. We are glad. Please come again.
nga-tsho ga-po joong. yang-kyaa phe-ro r,ang.
vt(' -- '"' --

40. Bye, bye, see you again.
zhoo-dhenjaa.yang-kyaajey-yong .
......-

45
BAR
1. Can I find a bar around here?
dhi-khul chhang-raa thung-sa yo re-pey?
"' _.,

2. Yes, every hotel has a bar.
yo-rey. tshang-maa yo-rey.

3. I want to look at the bar menu.
nga chhang-raa gi tho-zhung la ta-gi yin.
C\ ....-- 0\

4. Please give me whiskey.
nga-la whiskey l}ang-ro.

5. Please give me a bottle of beer.
nga-la beer shay-dham chi l}ang-ro.
..... 0... .......,..,

6. Do you serve chhang here?
dhay eh hang tshong-yey yo re-pey?
c--. _..,

7. No, we do not serve eh hang here.
la mey. nga-tsho chhang tshong-gi mey.
'"' '"'!11' ---(>... .........

46
8. Where can I get chhang?
chhang ga-ney raa-gi rey?
"''

9. lt is available everywhere.
ga-sa ga-ney raa-gi rey.
1 0. Can you get me some chhang?
nga-la chhang tog-tsa raa-thab r,ang thub-gi re-
pey?
--s:... O....'

11. Yes, I will try.
rey, ngey thab-shey jey-chho.
12. I like chhang very much.
nga chhang la ga-po zhe-daa yo.
13. I have taken some chhang before.
ligon-ma ngey eh hang tog-tsa thung-nyung .
..,.-- -- --

14. Chhang tastes better than beer.
bi-yar ley chhang zhim-pa dhoo.

47
15. Is it difficult to make chhang?
chhang khag-po yo re-pey?
:).
16.
....-- ___ ,

No, but it is difficult to make a good chhang. jl
ma-rey. yin-nay chhang zhim-po t.o-yey khag-pq
rey.
' t:--.C\ --v- ...........
at''\\
48
VISITING A RESTAURANT
Useful Words
Breakfast
zhog-ja --

Lunch
nyin-gung kha-laa
e-.

Dinner
gong-dhaa kha-laa

Hot
tsha-po
Cold
dang-mo -

Fresh
--
so-pa

Salad
dang-tshel

Sweet
--
ngaa-mo

Boiled
khol-ma
_.-

Fried
IJQO-pa --

Tea
ja

Milk
wo-ma

Butter
maa

Egg
--
go-nga
'\'"'
49
Food
kha-laa

Spoon
thu-maa

Chopstick
kho-tsi

Bread
baa-le
.....

1 . Please show me a good restaurant.
nga la yag-po chi ton-ro Qang.
2. Do you serve Tibetan food?
khye-Qaa tsho bo-pay zhel-laa zo Qang-gi yo-pey?
-- c-.. ..,.-

3. Yes, we do serve Tibetan food.
la yo. nga-tsho bo-pay kha-laa yo.
-- ....-t!("--

4. At what time do you serve breakfast?
zhog-ja ga-dhu kyaa Qang-gi yo?
"'v-

5. Anytime you want.
kye-rang la ga-dhu go-nay.
50
6. Do you make momo?
mo-mo r,ang-gi yo-pey?
-- ..,-- :r.: t;o... v--

7. Yes, it is our speciality.
la yo. dhe nga-tsho'i rpig-say chig rey.

8. We would like a table by the window.
nga-tshor gi-gung tri-gi dok-tse chig go.
t>. v--

9. I would like to wash my hands.
nga lag-pa tru-go yo.
---

10. What special food do you serve here?
dhay mig-sel zhel-laa ga-re yo?
t>...

11. We serve very good sha-bak-leb.
sha-baa-le yag-po zhi-daa yo.
12. Please bring me a glass of water.
nga-la chhu glass gang -:tang-ro.
13. Do you have curd?
dhay zho yo-pey?
... ----

51
14. Yes, would you like it with or without sugar?
la yo. je-ma-ka-ra yo-pa yin-no mey-pa yin-no?
...,.- "' ...-- "" c-...

15. With a little sugar, please.
je-me-ka-ra tog-tsa yo-pa IJang-ro.
16. Please give me a black coffee.
nga-la coffee wo-ma mey-pa chig .,ang-ro.
17. Do you make Tibetan tea?
bo-ja IJang-gi yo-pey?
"!C:::" -- c-...--

18. Yes, but \t w\\\ take some t\me.
la yo. yin-nay dhu-tsho tog-tsa gor-gi rey.
--- t/l'o.. "!JJC ...--.s --..... ""'

19. I want some more salad.
nga-la dha-dhung dang-tshel tog-tsa go.

20. I want it fresh.
dhe so-pa go.
21. I want it fried.
dhe ngo-ney go.

\ \ , I (
52
22. I want it steamed.
dhe lang-tsho gyab-ney go.
' "!iC. --

23. I want it hot.
dhe tsha-po go.
" ....-...--

24. Please give me a cup of tea.
nga-la ja ka-yoe gang Qang-ro.
v- .._-

25. Please give me some more of this.
dhi-day dha-dhung tog-tsa Qang-ro.

26. I want nothing more.
dha gang-yang ma-go.
27. You may take this away.
dhi phaa khey-na dig-sa rey.
0.. "" .......

28. Please giye me the bill.
nga-la thob-tra Qang-ro.
29. Keep the change.
see-ma nyaa-Qang.
c-.._

53
30. What time do you close at night?
tshen-mo chhu-tsho ga-tshey-la go gyaa-gi yo?
J - o-v-

31. We close at 10 p.m.
tshen-mo chhu-tsho chu-pa-la go gyaa-gi yo.
,
32. The food was excellent.
kha-lag yag-po zhe-daa dhoo.

54
....,---
SIGHTSEEING

Useful Words
Park
fing-ka
11"1
Fort
khar-zong
...,-

Cave
daa-phu

Castle
gyal-khang

Museum
'

dem-ton-khang
Palace
pho-dang -

Ruins
tor-shut

Monastery
gon-pa


lha-khang/tsug-laa khang

History
gyay-rab
1. Do you speak English?
khye-rang-gi in-ji khyen-gi yo-pey?
2. I want a guide who can speak English.
nga-la Qe-shen-pa in-ji shen-khen chig go-dhoo

55
3. Yes, I can speak English.
yo. ngey in-ji shing-gi yo.
......... "' <>-.' c-.. ..........-

4. I want to go on a sightseeing.
nga ta-kor la do-gi yin.
5. Do you know this place?
khye-rang gi sa-chha dhi gyue yo-pey?
6. Yes, I lived here for 10 years.
yo. nga sa-eh ha dhay lo chu dhey-pa yin.
- "' -- 0..

7. Will you guide me around?
nga-la dhi-khul gyue-ngaa r:aang-gey?
e-..

8. Yes, I can show you around.
la wong. gyue-ngaa zhue-chho.
-- V'

9. There are lots to see here.
dhay ta-yey zhe-daa yo-rey.
"' "' ...-- .....

1 0. Are there any conducted sightseeing tours?
zhung-gi ko-dig jey-pay ta-kor yo re-pey?
e-.. --e-.. . 0. ...-- ...-- "'

56
11. Yes, but you won't see much.
yo-rey. yin-nay mang-po thong-gi ma-rey.
--"" "' ....._ _.. ---- .......

12. How long will the excursion take?
ta-jor dhi dhii-tsho ga-tshey gor-gi rey?
- f>.. ],., ..,............._......._

13. lt will take 3 hours.
chhu-tsho sum gor-gi rey.
-::. ....,.., c-....""

14. What is the cost of the trip?
ta-kor tri-pay la-chha ga-tshey rey?

15. lt is 50 Dollars per head.
mi ray-la Dollar ligab-chu tham-pa rey
....._......._ ...,_. "

16. What time will you pick us up from our hotel?
nga-tsho ney ga-dhii len-khaa yong-gey?
< ......... ---

17. We will pick you up at 1 0 O'clock in the morning.
zho-khey chhu-tsho chu-paa len-khaa yong-gi yin.
_... we ...-"'"'

18. How long does it stop at each place?
sa-chha re-re la dhii-tsho ga-tshey kaa-gi rey?

57
19. lt stops for 15 minutes only.
kar-ma cho-nga ley kaa-gi ma-rey.
""

20. Is photography allowed?
par gyab chho-gi re-pey?
21. Photography is completely forbidden.
par tsa-wa-ney gyab chho-gi ma-rey.

22. I would like to see the temple.
nga lha-khang dhe ta-dho dhoo.
23. I want to visit a museum.
nga dem-ton-khang chig-la do-dho dhoo.
...... _.....,.-

24. I would like to buy a statue like this.
nga kun-da dhi da-po chig nyo-dho dhoo.

25. How old is this monastery?
gon-pa dhi nying-lo rey?

26. lt was built in the 9th century.
dhi dhu-rab gu-pay nang gyab-pa rey.

58
27. I enjoyed the trip very much.
ta-kor kyi-po zhe-daa joong.

28. Thank you very much for showing us around.
nga-tsho ta-kor la tri-paa thu-je-che.
c-... .....

59
VISITING A MONASTERY
....,...,... ....-

i
Useful Words
1. Abbot
khen-po


2. Butter lamp
_..... .......
chho-me

3. Incarnate lama
tul-ku

4. Monastery
gon-pa
5. Monk
''t
da-pa
'r\
t:
6. Offering
l
chho-bul
--
i
I
7. Sect
chho-lug

8. Statue
kun-da

9. Temple
lha-khang
,.,..,1
10. Bonpo
bon-po
----

11. Gelug
'
ge-lug

12. Nyingma
c-..
I
iiying-ma

rl
I,
13. Sakya
,,
sa-kya
14. Drepung
de-pung

60
15. Gaden
ga-den
16. Sera
se-ra
1. Is there a monastery around here?
dhee nye-dam la gon-pa yo re-pey?
-- __....._

2. Yes, there are several of them.
yo-rey. kha-shay chig yo-rey.

3. Which is the biggest monastery?
gon-pa chhe-sho ga-gi rey?
_. ... '""

4. Drepung is the biggest one.
day-pung chhe-sho rey.

5. To which sect does this monastery belong?
gon-pa dhi chho-loo ga-gee rey?
-- o...,eo._,

6. This is a Gelugpa monastery.
dhi ge-lug-pay gon-pa-rey.

61
i
I
f
7. I want to visit a Bonpo monastery.
nga bon-po'i gon-pa chig-la do-dho dhoo. -
_......... -- e-.. ----

8. I want to meet the abbot of this monastery.
nga gon-pa dhee khen-po jel-go yo.
- _........_...

9. Will there be any religious festivals?
chho-kyi dhu-chhen dhe-dey tshoo-gi re-pey?
---- ......

10. Yes, but not these days.
yo rey. yin-nay dheng-sang yo ma-rey.
-"' ._..

11. Are we allowed to visit the festival?
dhu-chen dhay nga-tsho yong cho-gi re-pey?
'
.
12. Yes, all are welcome.
rey. su yong-nay di-gi rey.
-- t>.._ ...... 0..."'-

13. Just after new year is the Great Prayer Festival.
lo-saa jey la rpon-lam chhen-mo tshoo-gi rey.
-- ...... --- ....... .......-:-.::In"""'

14. Who was the founder of this monastery?
gong-pa dhi chhaa tab-khen su rey?

62
15. Tsongkhapa founded this monastery.
tsong-kha-pey chha tab r,ang-wa rey.
'

16. I want to meet a Bonpo scholar.
nga bon-po'i khey-pa chig jel-go yo.

17. Please tell me something about this statue.
kun-da dhee kor-la de-shey chig kyon-ro r,ang .
.... o... -- ... ..,-..,-

18. This is the statue of Guru Rinpoche.
dhi gu-ru rin-po-chay kun-da rey.
e-. --- .......

19. lt was brought all the way from Amdo.
dhi sa am-dho ney khay yong-pa rey.
c... -- ....... .......-,

20. lt is entirely made of gold.
dhi chha-tshang say-gi rey.

21. I want to make an offering here.
nga dhay chho-bul chig zhu-gi yin.
.....--- c... c.... c._

22. I want to take a photograph of the monastery.
nga gon-pa dhee paa chig gyab-gi yin. i
_....

63
HIKING AND CAMPING
Useful Words
1. Candle
yang-laa
2. Fire
me
3. Firewood
me-shing
4. Food stuff
~ a - c h h e y
5. Height
tho-tshey
6. Hermitage
ri-tro
7. Hill
ri
8. Lake
tsho
9. Lodge
l'}ey-tshang
10. Matches
tsag-da
11 . Mountain
ri/gang-ri
12. River
tsang-chhu
13. Short-cut
gyog-lam
14. Temperature
tsha-dang
64
15. Tent
gur

16. Thermos
tsha-dham

17. Utensils
thab-chhey
.
18. Village
dong-seb
-- .......

19. Water
chu

1. What is the name of that mountain?
gang-ri pha-gee ming ga-re rey?
...........

2. We call it Jomolangmo (Mt. Everest) in Tibetan.
nga-tsho jomolangmo yo rey.

3. What is the height of that hill?
ri pha-gee tho-tshey ga-re rey?


4. I don't know but it is not very high.
ngey ha go-gi me tay tho-po zhe-daa ma-rey.
............ .....

5. We raise prayer flags on that hill.
nga-tsho ri pha-gay dhar-cho tsoo-gi yo.
e-.. ._- a:El ._-

65
6. I want to go on a hiking.
nga ri-kor la do-dhodhoo
..... _... _...,...

7. Are there any good camping or picnic spots?
dhay ling-ka tang-say sa-chha yag-po dhe-da yo
re-pey?

8. Yes, there are many beautiful places.
yo rey. sa-chha kyi-po dhe-dey mang-po yo rey .
v""-.

9. Yes, all the places in Tibet are beautiful.
yo rey. bo-nang sa-chha tshang-ma zay-po yo rey.
__...... _... it' ... V"_... .....

1 0. Are there any lodging facilities?
pha-gay r;aey-tshang yaa-sa yo re-pey?
e-. b. --""'

11. No, you can sleep in the open air.
yo-ma-rey. chhi-lo la nyay-na di-gi rey.
--- "' ..... -- 0...

12. From where can I borrow cooking utensils?
thab-chhey yaa-sa ge-ney raa-gi rey?
.,

13. You can borrow from a Tibetan family.
bo-pay nang-mi chig-ney yaa cho-rey.

66
14. How far is the lake from here?
tsho dhe dhi-ney thaa ring-lo rey?

15. lt is about 5 km from here.
dhi-ney kilometer riga-tsam rey.
e-........,..._ '"'

16. Is it okay to hike there?
pha-gay khyam-gaa chhin-na di-gi rey-pey?
e-.. o-

17. Yes, there are no restrictions.
rey. kaa-go je-khen yo ma-rey.
18. From where can I buy these?
dhi-tsho nyo-sa ga-paa yo-rey?
_. ....

19. Where can I get a horse?
ta chig ga-ney raa-gi rey?

20. Are there any wild animals?
ri-dhaa chen-zen yo re-pey?
-......

21. No, not at this time of the year.
ma-rey. dha-tay dhu-tsho la yo ma-rey.
...... ..... :]l;., ...- ::':":...

67
....,- C\..
SHOPPING

,
Shopping List
Packet of incense
po-chhaa chig.

Packet of Handmade paper
bo-sho chhag-pa chig
-...- 0..

Statue
kun-da

Tibetan carpet
bo-pay

Jewellery
gyen-chha

Ring

tshi-kho
Necklace
'
kye-gyen

Thangka
thang-ka

Shoulder bag
...-
to-pey
,-&q\1
Tibetan boots
bo-lham
_,

Ladies dress ...._
""
kye-men gi chhu-pa

Gents dress
khyo-gay chhu-pa
--('

Shirt
to-thung

Rosary
treng-nga

68
Soap
yee-tsi
0..0.,

Tooth-paste
SO-I'JleO
..,

Tooth brush
so-troo
.._.-

Towel
aa-cho

1. Where is the main shopping centre?
trom te-wa dhe ga-paa yo-rey?
- "\ ...........

2. This shop is the biggest one.
dhi tshong-khang chhe-sho dhe rey.
...... ._- "\"'
Q,\
3. Do you have any handicraft items?
khye-rang la cha-laa yo-pey?
4. Yes, I have plenty of them.
la yo. mang-po zhe-daa yo.
5. I want to buy a pair of Tibetan boots.
nga bo-lham chha-chig nyo-go yo .
...,.-c-_ .o......_-....-....-

6. I also want Tibetan carpets.
nga la bo-pay yang go.
.... -
1
69
7. What is the price of this?
dhee gong ga-tshey rey?

8. lt is 50 Rupees a piece.
re-ray la go-mo ligab-chu rey.
'::>.:" .....-:- .....

9. lt is too expensive.
gong chhen-po zhe-daa re-dhoo.

10. The quality is not good.
gyub-chha yag-po min-dhoo

11 . lt is too small.
dhi chhung daa-dhoo.

12. lt looks old.
dhi iiying-pa da-po dhoo.
13. Will you give discount if I buy many pieces?
mang-po nyo-na gong chaa-gi re-pey?
14. Yes, if you buy more than 1 0 pieces.
dee-gi rey. chu-ley mang-nga nyo-na chaa-chhog
... _.... --

70
15. Do you have bigger ones?
dhi-ley chhe-wa yo-pey?

16. No, this is the biggest.
la mey. dhi che-sho rey.
' t;o._....__...._

17. Yes, I can show them to you.
la yo. ngey ton chhog.
-- ---
18. Do you have in different colours?
tsho-zhi da-mi-da yo-pey?
vr eo... eo-. .......-

19. Yes, in green, blue, red and white.
la yo. jang-khu dhang, ligon-po, mar-po kar-po yo .
....- _.,..,. ..,.., ..,..,_

20. Please show them to me.
nga la ton-ro .
._..._

21. May I try them on?
chhe-chhung tshey gyab-na dee-gi re-pey?

22. Yes, please try them on.
la rey. tshey khon-ro

71
23. lt is too short.
dhi thung daa dhoo.
,...._

24. lt is too loose.
dhi lhug daa dhoo.
"'

25. I will take this one.
nga dhi nyo-gi yin.
,...._ .,_..,.,.._

26. Is it handmade?
dhi re-pey?
l/l'o, -"

27. lt is completely handmade.
chha-tshang rey
. __ ,

28. Is the colour fast?
tsho ten-po yo re-pey?

29. Yes, it will never fade.
la rey. tsa-wa rang-ney yay-gi ma rey.

30. Please send these to my hotel.
dhi-tsho ngay la kyay-ro Qang.

72
31. This is my hotel room number.
dhi ngay gi khang-mi ang-dang yin.

32. Please post it to New York.
dhi New York la dag-tho tang oang-ro.
0...."' _..... --
....
33. Can I pay in US Dollars?
Amirikay Dollar phul-na dee-gi re-pey?

34. Yes, it is okay.
la rey. dee-gi rey.

35. I want to return this article.
cha-laa dhi phaa lo-gi yin.
eo-.. _.-c-...o.._

36. Please refund the money.
ngullo-rog oang.
37. Please change this one.
dhi je-po kyon-ro oang.

38. Do you have toilet articles?
khye-rang la tru-chhey yo-pey?
' --
73
39. Yes, what do you want to buy?
yo. khye-rang ga-re yo?
-- "' """ _.- _.-

40. Please give me a soap and toothpaste.
nga-la yee-tsi chig dhang so-rpen chig l'}ang-ro.
...... _... 0... ...,...,.

74
BOOKS AND STATIONERY SHOP
Useful Words
Carbon paper
V"'
nag-sho

Colour
tshon-tra

Dictionary
tshig-zo

Envelopes
yi-koe

-

Glue/gum
jar-tsi

Ink
r;eag-tsha
, I \
Letter pad
tang-yig di-dheb

Map
sab-ta

Newspaper
tshag-paa

Notebook
di-dheb

Paint brush
tshon-jug pu-nyu

Pen
nyu-gu

Pencil
zha-nyu

Plain paper
thig-mey shu-gu.

75
Scale/ruler
thig-shing
1. Do you have any books in English?
khye-rang la in-jee nang di-pay dheb yo-pey?
2. Yes, I can show them to you.
la yo. ngey khe-rang la ton-chhog.
3. I want to buy a pen.
nga nyu-gu chig nyo-go yo
...._ -----

4. May I help you?
ngey rog-pa zhi.i-ga?
....--

5. No thanks, I am just looking through.
la go min-dhoo. nga dha-gaa-si ta-gi yo
..,- -- " 0.. --

6. Please show me a good notebook.
nga la di-dheb yag-po chig ton nang-ro.
a.,". ...- ....--

\ ' I I \ l \ l 1
7. How much is this?
dhay ga-tshey rey?
0.. "

76
HEALTH

Useful Words
Asthma
ug-saa na-tsha

Boil
nyen-bur

Chicken pox
dhug-gyong bur
--
Cholera
shel-kyug

Cold
chham-pa

Cough
-
lo
Dentist
so'i em-ji


Diarrhoea
shel-ney

Epidemic
ney-yam

Fever
tsha-wa

Food poisoning


Fracture
eh hag-dum

Headache
go-ney
--

jaundice
tree-pa
77
.,
Measles
si-bi

Nose bleeding
r:aa-traa

Pain
na-,ug

Pus
r:aaa

Sore throat
mig-pay na-tsha
..... .,...

Sprain
tshig chhu-pa

Swell
tang-wa

Surgeon
......-'"' "'
shag-cho em-ji ... 1
Toothache
_...
so na-wa

Treatment
men-cho

Vomit
kyug-pa

1. Please call a doctor.
em-ji chi key tang-ro r:aang.

2. Where is the hospital?
rpen-khang ga-paa yo-rey?
78
3. I want to see a Tibetan doctor.
nga bo-pay em-ji ten-go yo
....... "'"' --

4. Who is the best Tibetan doctor?
bo-pay em-ji yag-sho su rey?
....... -- .......

5. Are there any private doctors?
em-ji ger-pa dhe-dey yo re-pey?

6. I want to see a lady doctor.
nga bu-mey em-ji chig ten-go yo.

7. Please take my temperature.
ngay tsha-wa ta-ro Qang.
l!\ .S: -

8. Where does it pain?
ga-paa gyaa-gi dhoo.
o.___

9. I have a pain in the back.
to-gel la gyaa-gi dhoo.
-- "' e-...

10. Does it pain on pressing?
Qen-na na-tsha tang-gi dhu-gey?

79
11 . Yes, it pains.
la dhoo. na-gi dhoo.

12. lt is very serious.
tshab chhen-po zhe-daa dhoo .
.3'--'

13. Can you sleep well at night?
tshen-la flyi yag-po khu thub-gi dhu-gey?
e-... - 0...

14. I cannot sleep well.
flyi yag-po khu thub-gi min-dhoo.

15. Can you eat properly?
kha-laa yag-po thub-gi dhu-gey?
...-- e-..

16. I have no appetite.
dhang-ga min-dhoo.

17. We will admit you to the hospital.
khye-rang 'llen-khang la nyel-gi yin.
.....

18. I am allergic to penicillin.
nga-la penicillin tro-gi mey
..... --eo-."'

80
19. Do I have to go to hospital?
IJ1en-khang la do-go re-pey?
20. Yes, you must see a doctor.
rey. em-ji chig la ton-go rey.

21. Do I have to stay in bed?
nga nyel-ney dhey-go re-pey?
...,.... ......

22. No, you can move around.
ma rey. phaa-tshoo do-na di-gi rey.

23. How long do I have to take the medicine?
IJ1en dhi gyun ring-lo rey?
"' <>.. ...,.-- .......... '

24. For three days.
nyi-ma sum ring.
e-.

25. I feel better.
nga daa-dhu chhin-dhoo.
26. I feel worse.
nga dhoo-dhu chhin shaa.
t::-.

81
27. I feel about the same.
rang-jaa re-shaa.
"

28. Can I travel on Monday?
dha-way nyin dul-zhu jey-na di-gi re-pey?
.,.,._..... "' 0>.._"
.
29. Yes, but take rest for a few days.
rey. yin-nay nyi-ma kha-shey ngay-so gyab.
30. Where can I buy these medicines?
111en dhi-tso nyo-sa ga-paa yo-rey?
....-"'\

31. You can buy them from every medical store.
rpen tshong-khang ga-sa ga-ney nyo chho rey.
__._........_
.
32. When should I take the pills?
ree-bu dhi-tsho ga-dhu rey?
_...,

33. One pill each after meals.
kha-laa jay-la ree-bu re-re.
34. Every hour.
chhu-tsho re-re la.

82
35. Before meals.
kha-laa gi ligon-la.
e-. . ....--

36. After Breakfast.
zhog-jay jey-la.
- c-."

37. After lunch.
nyin-gung kha-laa jey-la.
38. After dinner.
gong-dhaa kha-laa jey-la.

39. Twice a day.
nyi-ma ray-la theng iiyee.

40. Any time.
ga-dhu jung-joong.

41. Whenever you have pain.
na-tsha ga-dhu tang-nay.

83
PHARMACY AND DRUGSTORE

Useful Words
Bandages
rpa-tri
.....

Cotton wool
ting-bay
.....

Cough syrup
I o-men
..........

Ear drops
am-cho rpen


Eye drops

rpig-rpen
Ointment
jug-rpen

Sleeping pill

nyee-rpen
Thermometer
tsha-wa ta-je

84
Useful Words
Cavity
khog-tong
-----

Dentist
so'i am-ji
...-e-. ............

Denture
so-tshab
Extract
ko-paa

Toothache
so'i na-tsha

1. Do you know a good dentist?
so'i am-ji ya-ga chi gyi.i yo-pey?
...... _..-

2. Yes, there is a good dentist at the government hospital.
yo. zhung-gi l'f1en-khang nang so'i am-ji yag-po
yo-rey.
3. I have a very painful toothache.
nga so zhe-daa na-gi dhoo.
-" CO....

4. Can you please do something about it?
dhi la thab-she gang-yang r,ang thub-gi re-pey?
C\ ........ 0..'-

85
5. Yes, your tooth has to be extracted.
rey. khye-rang gi so dhe ko-go ji-gi rey.
"' ........ t:-.. __... --
..
6. My filling has come out.
ngay so gyang-pa dhe go-zhaa.

7. Can you fill it again?
yang-kyaa gyang thub-gi re-pey?

8. Yes, it will take only 15 minutes.
rey. kar-ma cho-nga ma-to gor-gi ma rey.

9. Can you fix this broken tooth?
so chaa-kyo dhi zo thub-gi re-pey?
10. lt has to be removed completely.
dhi chha-tshang ko-go rey.
I">. ,.,. __ .....- .....-""

\ \ \ \ ,,
11. My gums are sore.
ngay so-sha la 111a
12. Please clean my teeth.
ngay so tsang-ma oang.
86
13. I have a cavity.
ngay so khog-tong chtiaa-shaa.
"'v-v--....-

14. Please remove the decayed tooth.
so riie-pa dhe kog-ro
_. ;)., ....,.--.....-'

15. I do not want this tooth extracted.
nga so dhi ko-gi meyn
._...."" .,.--e--._e--._

16. I have broken this denture.
ngay so-tshab dhi chhaa-song.
""' -:s- "" ---
17. Can you repair this denture?
so-tshab dhi thub-gi re-pey?
--.J'-. "" --- c-."'

18. Yes, it will be ready tomorrow.
rey. sang.nyin tshar-gi rey.

0"'7
c-...
PARTS OF THE BODY

1. Abdomen
do-kho
._.,...,-

2. Ankle
bol-gong
_,_.

3. Arm
lag-ngar
4. Armpit
chen-khung
at
5. Back
._...
to-gey

6. Backbone
gel-tshig

7. Belly
do-khog

8. Blood
traa

9. Body
--


10. Bone
rue-go
..,-

11. Brain
le-pa

12. Breast
bang-kho/nu-ma
_.

13. Calf
nyab-ree
...

14. Cheek
kho-tsho

15. Chest
bang-kho
--
88
16. Chin
'
me-le
17. Collarbone
jing-tshig

18. Ear
am-cho
19. Earlobe
r:ea-shel

20. Elbow
du-mo
_..

21. Eye
l"fliQ

22. Eyebrow

c-... c-...

23. Eyelash
111ig-pu
""

24. Eyelid
111ig-paa

25. Face
dhong
--

26. Finger
.,--
zu-gu
27. Finger nail
say-mo
' --

28. Foot/feet
kang-pa

29. Genitals
pho-mo'i tshen-ma

30. Gums
so-sha
.,--
.. 4
31. Hair (on head)
ta
!!1
89
32. Hair {on body)
pu
tl1
33. Hand
lag-pa

34. Heart
nying

'"1
35. Heel
ting-pa
0'\

36. Hip
chee-go
0.. -

37. Jaw
dam-pa

38. Knee
pee-mo
..........

39. Leg
kang-pa

40. Lip
chho-to
-

41. Mouth
Kha

42. Navel
......
tey-waa
,-.q,
43. Nose
l}a-gu

44. Nostril
l}a-khung

45. Palm
lag-thee
c-...

46. Penis
jellig-pa
...... "'

47. Rib
tsig-maa

90
48. Shoulder
pung-pa

49. Skin
pag-pa
...
50. Skull
kab-li
...

51. Sole
kang-thee
....

52. Stomach
do-kho
----
53. Temple
yar-khung

54. Thigh
te-sha

55. Throat
mig-pa
..__

56. Thumb
lag-pay the-po
C'. , __

57. Toe
kang-pay the-po
tJ'o.. ,_

58. Tongue
che-le
'
,,
59. Vagina
tu
l1
60. Waist
kye-pa

61. Wrist
lag-tshig

Q1
STORES AND SERVICES
1 . Antique shop
oa-ngotshong-khang
2. Bakery
baa-le tshong-khang
3. Bank
ngul-khang
4. Bar
chhang-khang
5. Barber
ta zhar-khen
6. Bookshop
dhebtshong-khang
7. Clothing store
dhug-lo tshong-khang
8. Electrical supplies
log-chheytshong-khang
9. Fruit store
shing-tog tshong-khang
10. Furniture store
zin-chhey tshong .. khang
11 . Jewellery store
gyen-chhatshong-khang
12. Laundary/washerman
tran-tru gyab-khen
13. Market
trom
14. Musical instrument
rol-chhay yab-chhey
15. Newsstand
tshag-paatshong-khang
92





- -6"




16. Shoe-maker
hang-go
17. Shoe store
hang-go tshong-khang
18. Tailor
tshem-bu gyab-khen
19. Toy shop
tse-chhey tshong-khang
20. Vegetable store
tshay tshong-khang
21. Watch-maker
chhu-tsho
22. Wines and liquor shop
a-raa tshong-khang
DOMESTIC ITEMS

1. Ashtray
tha-ro lug-l'}o
..- ..-

2. Bottle opener
'
shay-dham kha chhe-ya
....

3. Broom
chhaa-ma

4. Candle
yang-laa

5. Chair
kub-kyaa

6. Cup
V"
ka-yol

7. Frying pan
tshay-lang

8. Knife
di ""

9. Ladle
kyog
_.,

10. Lamp
zhu-maa

11. Light bulb
log-gi shay-to

12. Match
tsag-da

13. Plate
tha-paa

14. Pots and pans
ha-yang
15. Spoon
''04"1
thu-maa

94
16. Stove
thab
17. Table
chog-tse
18. Tea pot
kho-tee
...,....., ....,_.-
CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
1. Belt
kye-raa "'

2. Blouse
won-joo
......

3. Boots
I ham

4. Bra
wo-shub
-r'

5. Cap
-- zha-mo

6. Coat
kor
-
7. Dress
dhug-lo
..--

8. Earrings
a-long
-

9. Glove
lag-shub

1 0. Handkerchief
lag-rey

11. Hat
zha-mo
...-

12. Pant
gu-thung
-

13. Raincoat
chhaa-kheb
-.

14. Ring (finger)
tshi-kho

15. Scarf
kha-ti "'

96
16. Shirt
....,.-
to-thung

17. Shoe
hang-go

18. Shoe-lace
I ham-do
_.

19. Slippers
chappal*

20. Socks
u-su/om-su

21. Trousers
gu-thung

22. Umbrella
nyi-dhoo
.....

* This is a Tibetanised Hindi word and commonly used by Tibetans
in India.
07
COLOURS
1. Black
nag-po
2. Blue
rigon-po
3. Brown
gya-I'J'U9
4. Green
jang-khu
5. Red
rpar-po
6. White
kar-po
7. Yellow
ser-po
8. Cream
kya-ser
9. Dark
kha-nag-po
1 o. Gold/golden
ser-dhog
11. Grey
thal-dhog
12. Light
kha-kar-po
13. Orange
li-wang
14. Pink

15. Purple
mu-men
16. Silver
rigul-dhog
17. Tan
I'JIUg-po
99
MATERIALS
ta;1
1. Aluminium
ha-yang

2. Brass
raa
",
3. Bronze

Ii-ma
4. Ceramics
za-chhey

5. Copper


6. Coral
ju-ru

7. Cotton
1::'-..
ting-bel/rey

8. Crystal


9. Dzi



10. Fur
pu

11. Glass
......
shay
4t3.ll
12. Gold
........_
ser

13. Iron
eh a a

\ \
14. Jade
zu'e

15. Leather
_.,
ko-wa

100
16. Magnet
ngar-chaa

17. Metal

chag-rig

18. Pearl
e-.._
mu-tig

19. Silk
du-tsi

20. Silver
rigu'e

21. Steel
dhang-chaa

22. Stone

dho
23. Torquoise
yu

24. Wood
e-...
shing
4'1
25. Wool
bel
-qa.t\
101
c-...
MEAT

1. Beef
tang-sha

2. Chicken
ja-sha

3. Dried meat
-..r"
shakam-po

4. Fried meat
shango-ma
"'-'

5. Frozen meat
khyag-sha

6. Kidney
khay-ma

7. Liver
t:-...
chhin-pa
8. Meat of yak
yag-sha

9. Mutton of goat
ra-sha

10. Mutton of sheep
lug-sha

11. Pork
phag-sha

12. Sausage
gyu-ma

13. Tripe

do-pa
102
VEGETABLES

1. Cabbage
..,---
lo-kho pe-tshay

2. Carrot
gung la-phu

3. Cauliflower
me-to pe-tshay
....... ...,_..

4. Chilli
si-pen

5. Dried bean
I
te-ma kam-po
..,-

6. Green bean
te-maso-pa
-

7. Green pepper
so-lo (si-pen) iigon-po


8. Lettuce
pe-tshay

9. Onion
-.,:;"
tsong

10. Potato
zho-kho

11. Radish
la-phu

12. Spice
I'J1en-rJa

13. Tomato
to-ma-to*
-v--

* This is adopted into Tibetan as there is no Tibetan equivalent for
tomato.
103
~
GRAINS AND CEREALS
~ ~ ~ ~ 1
1. Barley
ney
2. Corn/maize
~ ~ \
111a-ken
~ " 1 ~ 1
3. Flour
do-zhib
~ , ,
4. Lentils
sen (ten) chhung
~ ' \ ~ " \
5. Rice
dey
~ ~ \
6. Tsampa
tsam-pa
! ' ~ " ~ ' \
7. Wheat
do
V"
~ ' \
104
c-..
....--
FRUITS

1. Apple
ku-shu

2. Apricot
nga-ri kham-bu
c-...

3. Banana
l
ke-laa*
"""

4. Coconut
I ,
'
be-ta

5. Mango
am


6. Peach
kham-bu

7. Pear
li


There seems to be no common Tibetan word for banana, the Hindi
word (ke-laa) is used here as it can be understood by the Tibetans
living in India.
105
CAMERAANDPHOTOGRAPHY
1. Is there a studio here?-
dhay par-khang yo re-pey?

2. Yes, there are many studios.
yo rey. par-khang mang-po yo-rey.
--'

3. I want a roll of film.
nga la ping-sho chig go.


4. Do you have colour films?
khey-rang la tshon-tray ping-sho yo-pey?
5. Yes, we have colour films.
la yo. nga-tshor tshon-tray ping-sho yo
...,- "ff' 1[;r. 0... e-... ....,.., ..,...,

6. I want a roll of colour films.
nga-la tshon-tray ping-sho chig go.
""!$' e-. 0..,. ......... 0... ..,...,..
.
7. I want this reel developed.
nga ping-sho dhi tru-go yo.
0\ C'\ - .._,

106
8. Can I have a passport photograph taken here?
dhay paa-say par gyab thub-gi re-pey?

9. Yes, we can make it in any size you want.
la re. par chhe-chhung ga-re go-nay ,o-gi yo.
..... ......... 0... .,_., ...,......

1 0. Do you repair cameras?
dhay par-chhey ,o-cho gyab-gi yo-pey?

11. No, we don't repair cameras.
la mey. par-chhey gyab-gi mey
...
107
LAUNDRY AND DRYCLEANING
1. Is there a drycleaner around here?
dhi-khullog-tru gyab-khen yo re-pey?
- _,

2. Yes, there is a drycleaner here.
yo rey. tog-tru gyab-khen yo-rey.
-- -- _. .........

3. Please show it to me.
thu-je-zee. nga-la ton-ro oang.

4. Dryclean this coat.
kor dhi log-tru gyab-ro.
_..

5. What are the charges for drycleaning?
log-tru gyab-la ga-tshey rey .
....-- .........

6. Five Rupee for coats.
kor la go-mo tiga .
....-- .._.,. ....,.;

7. Four Rupees for pants.
gu-thung la go-mo zhi.
......., .......... e-..

108
8. Three rupees for a shirt.
to-thung la go-mo sum.
.......... ...,...., ...,

9. When can I get the clothes back?
dhug-lo dhi-tsho ga-dhu raa-gi rey?
-- c-...vt:" 00...'

10. Day-after-tomorrow morning.
l}ang-liyin zho-khey.


11 . Please call a washerman.
dhug-lo tru-khen chig key tang-ro l}ang.
12. Please wash this in hot water.
dhi chhu tsha-po-la tru-ro l}ang.

13. Please wash this in cold water.
dhi chhu dang-mo-la tru-ro l}ang.
.... -- ....--

14. Please wash this in lukewarm water.
dhi chhu do-jam-la tru-ro l}ang.
e'\ _.... V'

15. The colour of this is not fast.
dhee tsho-zhi ten-po mey.
l:'ol".....rt' e-. _......

109
16. Please take care of this.
dhi-la zo-po l'}ang-ro.
C\ ..,..,._. --

17. I want these clothes back by tommorow morning.
dhug-lo dhi-tsho sang-zhog go-yo
...,..... "'.....:( _.. ...,..... ....,.,

18. Please remove the stain from this shirt.
to-thung dhee nag-thig me-pa Qang.
- e-.. "'""" .................

19. You haven't washed this properly.
khey-rang-gi dhi yag-po tru min-dhoo.
" c-.. C\ ....- e-...

20. Please wash this again.
dhi yang-kyaa tru-ro nang.
"' --

21. Please see that the buttons are not broken.
theb-chi rpa-chaa-pa Qang-ro Qang.
110
...
ACCIDENT
1. There has been a car accident.
mo-ta dhab-kyon joong-sha.
- -

2. Call a doctor immediately.
lam-sang am-ji chi key tang-shog.

3. Did anybody die in the accident?
dhab-kyon dhay-nang mi-la sog-kyon jung dhu-
gey?
...,..,,c-.., .... ..,..-...,....

4. No, but it is very serious.
min-dhoo. yin-nay tshab chhen-po zhe-daa re-
shag.
......

5. Take him to hospital immediately.
khong lam-sang l')len-khang la tri.

6. Take him to the emergency ward.
khong za-daa l')len-cho dhe-tshen la tri.
- ._- "' J::t 0...

7. She has fainted.
mo den-mey chhaa dhoo.

111
8. My leg is bleeding.
ngay kang-pa ney traa thon-gi dhoo.
9. Is it a fracture.
chhag-kyon jung dhu-gey?
-.r"

10. I think so.
rey sam-gi dhoo.

11. I will take an x-ray of your foot.
ngey khye-rang gi kang-paa log-paa gyab-gi yin.

112
WEATHER
1. How is the weather today?
dhe-ring r:-am-shi ga-day dhoo?

2. lt is cold but very pleasant.
dang-mo yin-nay kyi-po zhi-daa dhoo .
..... e._ ..............

3. lt looks like it will rain.
chhar-pa bab-dho kha-po dhoo.
4. lt is windy.
lhag-pa tsha-po dhoo .
..,...,

5. lt might snow at night.
tshen-na gung-la gang bab-sa rey.

6. lt is a beautiful day.
dhe-ring r:-am-shi zhi-daa yag-po dhoo.

7. How was the weather yesterday?
kha-sang r:-am-shi ga-day jung-song?
"' .....-

113
8. lt was lovely throughout the day.
nyin-gang kyi-po jung-song.
... ..... -- ._,

9. The weather is now clearing.
r,am-shi dhang do-gi dhoo.


1 0. What is the weather forecast for tomorrow?
sang-nyin gi r,am-shi ngon-dha ga-re dhoo?
11 . lt will snow tomorrow.
sang-nyin gang bab-gi rey.

12. Does it rain everyday?
nyin-taa chhaa-pa bab-gi dhu-gey?
...._ .....

13. lt rains only sometimes.
chhaa-pa tsham-tsham-la ma-to tang-gi min-dhoo.

14. What is the best time to visit this place?
sa-chha dhay yong-yey dhu-tsho yag-sho ga-du
rey?

114
15. Spring is the best time.
chee-ka yag-sho rey.
~ , ~
16. Lots of people come during spring.
chee-ka mi mang-po zhi-daa yong-gi rey.
J : ~ . .,.., V"""\ ...................
- ~ ~ ~ , ~ ~ ~ ~ , , ~ ,
115
TIME
1. What is the time?
chhu-tsho ga-tshey rey?

2. lt is 8 a. m.
(nga-do'i) chhu-tsho gye-pa rey.

3. lt is 8 p.m.
(gong-do'i) chhu-tsho gye-pa rey.

4. lt is exactly half-past three.
chhu-tsho sum-dhang chhe-ka tag-ta rey.

5. lt is quarter past four.
chhu-tsho zhi-dhang kar-ma cho-liga rey.

6. lt is quarter to four.
chhu-tsho kar-ma cho-nga rey .
...,; o.._ .,.... ._, .......

7. lt is ten minutes to six.
chhu-tsho dug-pa kar-ma chu rey.

116
8. lt is ten minutes past six.
chhu-tsho dug-pa yol-ney kar-ma chu rey
...,:' '

9. What time are you going?
khey-rang chhu-tsho ga-tshey la phe-gey?

10. I will go at 3 O'clock.
nga chhu-tsho sum-paa do-gi yin
....,:

11. What time will you return?
khye-rang chhu-tsho ga-tshey la lo yong-gey?
..... .. llr::.. -- .._..

12. I will return tomorrow morning at ten.
sang-zho chhu-tsho chu-paa lo yong-gi yin.
-- .._.._.. .....

13. Second
kar-cha
14. Minute
kar-ma
15. Hour
chhu-tsho
16. In the morning
zho-kheylliga-do
17. In the evening
gong-do
18. In the afternoon
nyin-gung gyab-la





117
19. At noon
nyin-gung
20. At night
tshen-mo
21. Day-before-yesterday
khay-nyin-mo
22. Yesterday
kha-sang/khay-sa
23. Today
dhe-ring
24. Tomorrow
sang-nyin
25. Day-after-tomorrow
Qang-nyin
26. Last. ...
ligon-may
27. Last time
kha-sing
28. Last month
dha-wa ngon-ma
29. Last week
dhun-traa ligon-ma
30. Last year
lo ligon-ma
31. Next.. ..
je-may
32. Next time
je-maa
33. Next Sunday
je-may
34. Next month
dha-wa je-ma
118
.....-

eo... ...........




C\

....,._ Cl\

...........

._-

'


""

'

35. This year
lo-dhildha-lo
36. This month
dha-wa dhi
37. This week
dhun-traa dhi
38. This time
dha-ta/kab-dhay
39. A little later
to-tsam-ney
40. As soon as possible
gang gyog-gy()9
41. Immediately
lam-sang
42. Right now
dha-ta-rang


"'

""


119
DAYS OF THE WEEK
1. Sunday
nyi-ma
2. Monday

3. Tuesday
mig-maa
4. Wednesday

5. Thursday
phur-bu
6. Friday
pa-sang
7. Saturday
pen-pa
8. What day is today?
dhe-ring ga-re rey?


9. Today is Friday.
dhe-ring pa-sang rey.

10. I thought it is Sunday.






ngey nyi-ma rey sam-joong.

11. When did you arrive?
khe-rang ga-dhu phe-pey?

120
12. I arrived here last Sunday.
nga kha-sing nyi-ma la jor-pa yin.

13. When are you leaving?
khe-rang ga-dhu phe-gey?
"" ""'

14. I am leaving on Wednesday.
nga lhag-pay nyin-mo do-gi yin.


121
1. eo-... "V"
chin-dha dhang-po
2. February e-.. o.-
liyee-pa
3. March
chin-dha sum-pa
4. April
chin-dha zhi-pa
5. May
chin-dha liga-pa
6. June
chin-dha dug-pa
7. July
chin-dha dhun-pa
8. August
chin-dha gyay-pa
9. September
chin-dha gu-pa
10. October
chin-dha chu-pa
11. November
chin-dha chu-chig
12. December
chin-dha chu-nyi
"'

c-...

eo-...

c-..

c-...

c-..

e-..

Months According to Tibetan Lunar Calendar
1. Bo-dha dhang-po
2. Bo-dha nyee-pa
3. Bo-dha sum-pa
122
r
4. Bo-dha zhi-pa
5. Bo-dha nga-pa
6. Bo-dha dug-pa
7. Bo-dha dhun-pa
8. Bo-dha gyay-pa
9. Bo-dha gu-pa
10. Bo-dha chu-pa
11. Bo-dha chu-chig
12. Bo-dha chu-nyi
Seasons
1. Spring
chee-ka
2. Summer
yar-kha
3. Autumn/Fall
ton-ka
4. Winter
gung-kha
1. When did you arrive here?
khye-rang dhay ga-dhu phe-pa?
" "

2. I arrived here in March.
nga dhay chin-dha sum-pa'i nang le-pa yin.
c-. "'

123
Was the weather good then?
dhe-dhu riam-shi yag-po dhoo-ga?
4. Yes, it was Spring and very pleasant.
la dhoo. chee-ka yin-tsang zhe-daa kyi-po dhoo.
o-..

5. What is the date today?
dhe-ring tshe-dang ga-re rey?

6. Today is the 20th of August.
dhe-ring chin-dha gyay-pa'i tshe nyi-shu rey.

7. When is the monsoon here?
dhay chhar-dhu ga-dhu rey?
""

8. June to August is the monsoon season here.
chin-dha dug-pa ney gyay-pa bar chhar-dhu rey.
""

9. Does it get very cold in winter?
gung-kha riam-shi dang-mo zhe-daa chhaa-gi re-
pa
c-.. "'""

10. Yes, very cold but it does not snow.
rey. yin-na'i gang bab-gi min-dhoo.
" c-...

124
c.... .......
FAMILY MEMBERS AND RELATIVES
1. Grand-father
_.. I ....,.,._.,
polaa/po-po

2. Grand-mother
IV'...,
molaa/mo-mo

3. Father
paa-la

4. Mother
a-ma-laa

5. Son
bu

6. Daughter
...,_.,;
bu-mo

7. Uncle (paternal)
a-khu

8. Uncle (maternal)
a-zhang
"''';'\
9. Aunty (paternal)
'
a-ni

1 0. Aunty (maternal)

su-mo

11. Brother (older than self)
'"""" ! ...,
jolaa/a-jo

12. Brother (younger than self)

chung-po

13. Sister (older than self)
a-chaa-la

14. Sister (younger than self)

chung-mo

15. Nephew
V"'
tsha-wo

125
16. Neice
tsha-mo
17. In-laws*
pun-nye
* There are Tibetan terms for specific in-laws but they are never used.
126
COUNTING
1. One
chig
"

2. Two
"
-
nyee

3. Three
sum

4. Four
zhi
"'

5. Five

<1t1
oga
6. Six
dug

7. Seven
dhun

i.
8. Eight
gyey

9. Nine
gu

10. Ten
chu
11. Eleven

"'
chug chi

12. Twelve
1:\..
chung-nyi

13. Thirteen
chug-sum

14. Fourteen
1:'\.
chub-zhi

15. Fifteen
..,_;
chonga

127
16. Sixteen
chu-dug

17. Seventeen
chub-dhun
18. Eighteen

v-'
chab-gyey

19. Nineteen
chu-gu

20. Twenty

nyi-shu

21. Twenty-one

nyi-shu tsag-chi
22. Thirty
sum-chu

23. Thirty-two
....,... "'
sum-chu so-nyi

\
24. Forty

j
zhib-chu
...
1
25. Fortythree
i

zhib-chu zhe-sum
26. Fifty
ngab-chu

27. Fifty-four

ngab-chu nga-zhi
28. Sixty
dug-chu

29. Sixty-five

dug-chu re-nga
30. Seventy
dhun-chu

31. Seventy-six
V"""
dhun-chu dhon-du

128
32. Eighty
gya-chu

33. Eighty-seven
gya-chu gyab-dhun

34. Ninety
gub-chu

35. Ninety-eight
V'""
gubv-chu go-gye

36. Ninety-nine

gub-chu go-gu

37. One hundred
gyatham-pa

38. One thousand

..,...-
tong-tra chig

39. Ten thousand

'1.
tri chig
129