In Tibet, we speak Tibetan language, and many of us can also speak Mandarin. Generally, English and Mandarin are sufficient for basic communication during your Tibet tour, but learning some Tibetan words can make your experiences more enriching. This not only shows your respect for the local culture, but also helps you to connect with local Tibetans.

In this guide, we have collected useful Tibetan words that you will likely use in various situations. Check this guide to prepare yourself for greetings, directions, dining, shopping, accommodations, emergencies, and more. With these phrases in hand, your journey in Tibet will be smoother and more fulfilling.

Why Learn A Few Tibetan Words and Phrases?

Tibetan language and Chinese Mandarin are the two main languages of Tibet. In urban areas, almost all Tibetans are fluent in both languages, while Tibetan dialects are more commonly spoken at remote villages in Tibet.

Even if you have studied some Chinese in mainland China, it’s worth trying to learn a few Tibetan words. Your effort will earn smiles and gratitude from the locals, helping to break the ice and create more opportunities for meaningful interactions.

Although your pronunciation might not be perfect, your genuine attempt will be appreciated. Additionally, knowing basic Tibetan phrases can be helpful in unfamiliar situations, like shopping or handling emergencies in remote areas of Tibet.

Common Tibetan Words for Greetings and Daily Conversations

“Tashi Delek” must be the first Tibetan phrase you will hear in Tibet. It means hello, good luck, or may many good things come to you. It’s a common greeting in Tibetan daily life.

You will hear it when you meet our Tibetan guide upon arrival at the airport or railway station. You may also hear it while enjoying your meals or making friends with Tibetans. Here are some other common Tibetan phrases for daily conversations:

English	Tibetan Language	Mandarin
Hello	tashi dele	nin hao
Goodbye (when staying)	kalee pay	zai jian
Goodbye (when leaving)	kalee shu	zai jian
Thank you.	tujay chay	xie xie
You are welcome.	Kay - nang - gi ma - ray	Bu yong xie
Sorry.	gonda	dui bu qi
I want…	nga la…go	wo xiang…
Good	yag-po	hao de
Nice to meet you.	Khye ran jel - ne ga-po joong.	hen gao xing ren shi ni
See you later.	Jay - la jay - yong	dai huier jian
What's your name?	kerang gi tsenla kare ray?	nin jiao shenme mingzi
My name is… - and yours?	ngai ming-la…sa, a- ni kerang-gi tsenla kare ray?	wo jiao…-nin ne?
Where are you from?	Keh rahng long - ba kah - nay yin	ni lai zi na li
I am from..	Ngah... nay yin	wo lai zi...
Is it OK to take a photo?	par gyabna digiy-rebay?	zheli keyi paizhao ma?

These simple phrases are enough to spark warm exchanges with locals, especially in monasteries, markets, or while trekking through villages.

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Useful Tibetan Words for Directions and Getting Around

When touring Tibet, you will always be accompanied by our local tour guide and drivers as you visit various attractions and travel from one place to another. This ensures that you will not get lost while exploring Tibet.

But after the tour, you may also choose to stroll around near your hotel on your own. In this situation, you might find it useful to know some basic words for directions. Here are some helpful phrases to help you get from point A to point B:

English	Tibetan Language	Mandarin
Where is the ...?	... kabah yo ray?	…zai nar?
I'm looking for ...	... ka-bah yo-may mik tagiyo	wo zai zhao…
Right	yeba	you bian
Left	yonba	zuo bian
Straight ahead	shar gya	zhi zou
Stop	Ka kak	ting zhi
Nearby	Dram-La or	Fu jin

Useful Tibetan Words for Dining and Shopping Like a Local

Dining and shopping in Tibet are wonderful ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you are savoring a bowl of Tibetan noodles at a traditional Tibetan restaurant, or browsing handmade Tibetan crafts on Barkhor Street, these simple phrases will come in handy:

English	Tibetan Language	Mandarin
I'd like to buy ...	nga ... nyondo yo	wo xiang mai…
How much is it?	gong katso ray?	duo shao qian?
It's expensive.	gong chenpo resha	tai gui le.
I don't like it.	loh doh masong	wo bu xi huan.
I'll take it.	te nyogi yin	wo jiu maizhei ge.
Restaurant	Sa-khang	fan dian
May I have the menu?	Tsel-Dep Nang Rok Nang	Wo ke yi kan xia cai dan ma?
I want some tea.	Nga la cha go	wo xiang he cha.
Water	Chu	shui
Tea	Cha	cha
Meat	Sha	rou
Cafe	Ja-Kang	Ka fei
Delicious	Delek nang	mei wei
One more please	Yang Kyar Chik	Zai lai yi fen

Useful Tibetan Words for Accommodations

You will have a wide range of choices when staying in Tibet, from Lhasa’s luxury five-star hotels to budget guesthouses, and from traditional Tibetan hotels to warm tents at EBC. Here are some key terms that can make your stay more comfortable in Tibet:

English	Tibetan Language	Mandarin
Where's a...?	...kabah yoray?	...zai nar?
Guesthouse	dhon khang	zhao dai suo
Hotel	dru-khang	bin guan/jiu dian
Do you have a room available?	khang mi yobay?	nimen you fangjian ma?
How much is it for one night?	tsen chik la katso ray?	duo shao qian yi wan?
I need some hot water.	ngala chu tsapo go	wo xu yao xie re shui

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Useful Tibetan Words for Emergencies and Health Needs

Tibet is a very safe place to visit. Tibetan people here are friendly and welcoming to tourists. Since you will join a tour when traveling in Tibet, your safety will always be ensured with the accompany of our thoughtful local guide.

However, it is wise to be prepared for unexpected situations. In case of any emergency, these phrases can help you communicate your needs if you are feeling unwell or require assistance.

English	Tibetan Language	Mandarin
Help!	rog nangda!	jiu ming a!
Fire!	may bahgi!	qi huo la!
Thief!	kuma du!	zhua xiao tou!
Go away!	phah gyuk!	zou kai!
I'm ill.	nga nagidu	wo bing le.
It's an emergency.	za dagpo ray!	jin ji qing kuang!
Call a doctor!	amchi kay tongda!	qing jiao yisheng!
Call the police!	korsoong-wa kay tongda!	qing jiao jingcha!

Useful Tibetan Numbers and Dates for Smooth Tibet Travel

Numbers are used in various situations, from getting prices for things to understanding distances. Here are the Tibetan numbers commonly used in daily life:

English	Tibetan Language	Mandarin
0	Chik	yi
1	kalee pay	zai jian
2	Nyi	er
3	Sum	san
4	Shi	si
5	Ngah	wu
6	Trook	liu
7	Dun	qi
8	Geh	ba
9	Gu	jiu
10	Chu	shi
11	Chu Chik	shi yi
12	Chu nyi	shi er
20	Nyi Shu	Er shi
30	Sum Chu	San shi
40	Sheep Chu	Si shi
50	Ngap Chu	Wu shi
60	Trook Chu	Liu shi
70	Dun Chu	Qi shi
80	Geh chu	Ba shi
90	Gup chu go	Jiu shi
100	Gyah tamba	Yi bai
1000	Chik tong	Yi qian

Knowing the dates can also help you manage your itinerary and make the most of your time in Tibet. Here are the days of the week in the Tibetan language for your reference:

English	Tibetan Language	Mandarin
Sunday	Sah nyi - ma	Xing qi tian
Monday	Sah da -wah	Xing qi yi
Tuesday	Sah-mik-mar	Xing qi er
Wednesday	Sah Lhak - pa	Xing qi san
Thursday	Sah phur - bu	Xing qi si
Friday	Sah - pah - sahng	Xing qi wu
Saturday	Sah pem - pa	Xing qi liu
Today	Thi - ring	Jin ti
Tomorrow	Sahng - nyi	Ming tian
Last week	Dun - tha Nyema	Shang zhou
Next week	Dun - tha Jeyma	Xia zhou

Enjoy a worry-free journey with our experienced local guides on our tour.

Conclusion

Learning a few Tibetan words and phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience. It will help you build meaningful connections with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture. However, even if you know little about Tibetan language, you can still enjoy a smooth and memorable journey in Tibet.

As the leading Tibet tour with years of experience, we will always ensure you have a worry-free and seamless adventure. Our local Tibetan guide and dedicated Lhasa-based team provide full support throughout your trip. Feel free to contact us or book your tour with us now!