[Burmese Phrase Book]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Wl.35'30-632, c.2-
Burmese
Phrase Book
\94-4
.35: 30 -G32., c.
TM 30-632
H F S T R! C T F
BURMESE
PHRASE BOOK
MARCH 10, 1944
■■ ... ■'
Dissemination of restricted matt tained in restricted documents istics of restricted material to be in the service of the™™ undoubted loyalty an®j" ,:ei -.So Government work, but^M oe communicated to the public or to the press	_>y authorized military public
relations agencies. (See also*par. 18b, AR 380-5, 28 Sep 1942.)
ftton con-character-r , person known and to persons of are cooperating in
U of NT Libraries
76203
TM 30-632
RESTRICTED
BURMESE
PHRASE BOOK
Dissemination of restricted matter.—The information contained in restricted documents and the essential characteristics of restricted material may be given to any person known to be in the service of the United States and to persons of undoubted loyalty and discretion who are cooperating in Government work, but will not be communicated to the public or to the pfess except by authorized military public relations agencies. (See also par. 18b, AR 380-5, 28 Sep 1942.)
WAR DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON, MARCH 10, 1944
WAR DEPARTMENT Washington 25, D.C., 10 March 1944.
TM 30—632, Burmese Phrase Book, is published for military personnel only, and is not to be republished in whole or in part without the consent of the War Department.
[A. G. 300.7 (3 Mar 43)]
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
DISTRIBUTION:
X.
(For explanation of symbols, see FM 21-6.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1.	EMERGENCY EXPRESSIONS............. 10
Asking Help........................ 10
Warnings........................... 13
Commands .......................... 13
2.	GENERAL EXPRESSIONS............... 16
Greetings ......................... 16
Getting Information................ 18
Questions about an Individual...... 21
Rank .............................  23
Organization and Specialty......... 23
3.	PERSONAL NEEDS.................... 26
Food and Drink..................... 26
Lodging ........................... 31
Medical Aid ....................... 33
Buying and Personal Services....... 38
4.	LOCATION AND TERRAIN.............. 45
Location .......................... 45
Distance........................... 48
Nature of Terrain.................. 49
5.	ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION........... 51
Roads and Bridges.................. 51
Railroads, Busses, Planes.......... 54
Other Means of Transportation...... 55
Repairs and Supplies............... 55
3
PAGE
6.	COMMUNICATIONS ..................	57
Telephoning—Numbers .............. 57
Telegraph ........................ 59
Mail.............................. 60
7.	RECONNAISSANCE .................. 62
8.	LANDING A PLANE.................. 68
9.	NUMBERS, SIZE, TIME,	ETC......... 70
Amount ........................... 70
Ordinal Numbers .................. 70
Size and Weight................... 71
Time.............................. 71
10.	ADDITIONAL TERMS................. 75
Personal Equipment................ 75
Weapons and Ammunition..........   75
Cars, Tanks, Planes, Ships........ 77
Tools and Supplies................ 79
Communications ................... 80
Miscellaneous .................... 81
Money—Weights and Measures........ 82
11.	ALPHABETICAL WORD	LIST......... 85
4
SB Wf ® M g g s
Wins Phrase Book contains the Burmese expressions you are most likely to need. All the words are written in a spelling which you read like English. Each letter or combination of letters is used for the sound it normally represents in English and it always stands for that sound. Thus “oo” is always to be read as in too, boot, tooth, roost, never as in blood or door.
Special Points
Here are a few points to remember as you read the Pronunciation column:
A or AH
E or EH
O or OA
as in ah, pa, father. Examples: “SA” meaning “salt,” “JAHT” meaning a Burmese unit of money.
as in let, met, bell. Example: “seh” meaning “ten.”
as in go, boat, load. Examples: “GO” meaning “nine,” “THOAN” meaning “three.”
5
OU	as in out, mouth. Example: “”	sound a little like t, k, ch, z. Ex- amples: “B^YA’” meaning “show,” “DEH’-DEH’ ” meaning “straight ahead,” “GO” meaning “nine,” “joon-daw” meaning “I,” “$A” meaning “eat.”
a	with a dot underneath as in about, around, machine, patrol. It is never emphasized or drawled. Example: “a-MEH-THA” meaning “meat.”
Speaking Burmese is a little like singing. Sometimes people will not understand you if you give the wrong tune to an expression. Syllables written in capital letters are pronounced with emphasis, and those written in small letters are drawled in a low tone of voice. Words ending in “T” are always spoken with emphasis and are cut off Very short. The apostrophe (’) is used after vowel sounds which are cut off short. Curved lines (^) are used to show sounds that are pronounced together with no break; for example, ”kim-b^ya” meaning “sir” or “madam.”
6
How to Use the Phrase Book
The Table of Contents lists the situations covered. Try to become familiar with this so that you will know where to find a given section when you need it. In each section you will find a number of questions, each one so phrased that the Burmese speaker can give a simple answer, point out the direction, give.you a number, etc. The Burmese do not reply simply Yes or No, but make a short statement answering the question. The answers you are most likely to get are given after each question or group of questions. If you don’t get an answer you can understand, use one of the follow'ng expressions:
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Show me	joon-DAW’-go B^YA’-ba	Ogj^GOOOC^gol
Write the number	nahm-B AHT-go YAY-ba	$ulc8c^Gq«dl
If the person you are speaking to knows how to reao, you can point to the question in Burmese and ask him to point to the answer:
Point to the answer dee §a-OAT-	§© 39^ Schoo use
in this book	TEH-GA’ a-
p^.yay-go
B^YA’-ba
7
It is a good idea to memorize the numbers (at least up to ten) and other expressions you will constantly need. You will also be able to read Burmese numbers if you learn the forms of the numerals up to ten. Although the Burmese numerals look different from ours, the system of writing numbers in Burmese is the same as in English. To write twenty-three, you just put a Burmese 2 followed by a Burmese 3; to write four hundred sixty-eight, you first put a 4, then a 6, then an 8.
When you need only a single word, use the Alphabetical Word List at the back of the book. The page numbers there tell you where to find expressions containing the word.
To help you with the pronunciation of Burmese, a set of phonograph records is issued with the Burmese Language Guide (Introductory Series'), TM 30-332. The records will be particularly helpful in teaching you the tune that goes with each expression. Memorizing the tune will make it much easier for the Burmese people to understand you.
Fill-in Sentences
Many of the expressions are given in the form of fill-in sentences, each containing a blank which you fill in with any of the words in the list that follows. For
8
example, if you want to know where the station is, you can look either in the section headed Location or in the one headed Roads and Transportation. You will find an expression for “Where is ___?” and, in the list fol-
lowing it, the word for “railroad station.” You then combine the words, as shown here:
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Where is 		?		beh-hma-LEH 	 oodS^cb
the railroad station	boo-da-yoan	'
Where is the railroad station?	boo-da-yoan beh- ojoo^oooS^Jcb hma-LEH
Sometimes the blank has to be filled in with the name of a city or of a person. For example:
How far is 	?	— beh-LOUT	— oooSGCUDcfiGoxoocb WAY-tha-LEH
		wants to speak to you			 kim-B^YA-go 	 a8qpsc^ooo:)sGG:) za-GA B^YAW- ^8otoS jin-deh
9
1.	EMERGENCY EXPRESSIONS
ASKING HELP
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Help	goo-n^yee-ba	
Help me	joon-DAW’-go goo-n^yee-ba	C^GODX^^ol
I am lost	joon-daw LAHN HMA-nay-deh	Cg^GOoS CO St 3tG ^>00 oS
Do you understand?	kim-B^YA NA leh-YEH’-LA	a8tj|3t^>3tCO^S|)CO3s
I understand	NA leh-deh	^DtCO^SoOcS
I don’t understand	NA ma-leh-BOO	
Speak slowly	HNAY-HNAY B^YAW-ba	G§tG|tG^3ol
Say it again	b^yahn B_YAW-ba	6^6030'1
Where is a town?	M^YO’ beh-hma-LEH	go3t^3ci)
Please show me	joon-DAW’-go B^YA’-ba	Cgj^GOO 3C^)(cjol
Draw me a map 10	joon-DAW’-go m^yay-boan SWEH BAY-ba e or eh as in met, bell	Ogl^GOOpc^G jgQs^GOtol
Pronunciation
English
I am an American
We are American soldiers
Are there soldiers near here?
There are
There are not
Where are they?
Are they our enemies ?
They are
They are not
Where are American soldiers?
How can I get there ?
Is there a train?
There is
There is not
joon-daw a-may-YEE’-gahn-THA
joon-daw-DO’ a-may-YEE’-gahn SIT-THA-dway
a-NEE a-NA-hma SIT-THA-dway SHEE’-tha-LA
SHEE’-deh ma-SHEE’-BOO thoo-DO’ beh-hma-LEH
thoo-DO’ yahn-thoo dway-LA
HOAT-deh ma-HOAT-POO a-may-YEE’-gahn SIT-THA-dway beh-hma-LEH
ho-go YOUT-oun beh-lo THWA-YA’-ma-LEH
MEE-ya-TA SHEE’-tha-LA
SHEE’-deh ma-SHEE’-BOO
ou as in. out, mouth
Burmese Writing
Ogl^GOoS 33G y£|cd 003:
Cy^GOO Sc§93G «$00©8 ooasGog
93^:93^3:^3©8oO3:GC2 $00 COOs
$OOoS
0708 oooS^ocb
- O^C^O^GCgCOO:
07080008
0070807:
33G 0^000 SoOO :G Og ODoS
G 6pc8c 93 3800oScQ OgOssjOcb
8:€]OO3:$0OQ33:
$03 oS
wW
11
s	English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing	
Where is the i	station ?	boo-da-yoan beh-hma-LEH	o^ooo^oooS^oob	
j	Is there a bus?	BAHT-GA SHEE’-tha-LA	0Oc8(733x§Q3CO3x	
1	There is |	There is not	SHEE’-deh ma-SHEE’-BOO	§00 oS	I
!	Where can I get the bus ?	BAHT-GA beh-hma YA’-na^een-tha-LEH	ooc8oo ox oooS^o^Soocb	
i	Take me there	joon-DAW’-go LA^EET BO’-ba	Og|^GOT3C§cSo8ag]oodS	
Note: See Medical Aid, page 33.			St
I am cut	DA KOAT kahn-YA’-deh	oox^c8s>qoooS	Ct
12	■e or eh as in met, bell		
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Take me to a doctor	joon-DAW’-go sa-ya-woon SHEE’-ya BO’-ba	Cg|^G003C$a0GpO^$6p§
Bring a doctor	sa-ya-woon kaw-GEH’-ba	aospo^GsT
Bring help!	a-goo a-n^yee kaw-GEH’-ba WARNINGS	
Danger!	BAY	GOOs
Poison Gas!	a-SAYT DAHT-KO	oaa8861c8$s
Don’t smoke!	SAY-LAYT ma-THOUT-NEH’	Gaoic8SoGoooc8^
Careful!	tha-DEE’ TA	0008003s
Lie down!	HLEH-nay	C$G^
Take cover!	BOAN-nay COMMANDS	7^SG^>
Wait here!	dee-hma $OUNT-nay	§^36©38G^
Stand up!	MAHT-PAHT YAHT	0080008 6] 8
Come forward!	SHAY’-go la ou as in out, mouth	S§|C$O33 13
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Quickly! or Right away!	m^yahn-m^yahn	
Move back!	NOUT SOAT	
Turn around!	HLEH’	
Go ahead!	SHAY’-go THWA	
follow me!	NOUT-GA’ LA^EET-KEH’	
Follow him!	THOO’-NOUT LA^EET THWA	3^G^>3c8c^c8g^3:
Go slow!	H_NAY-H_NAY THWA	
Don’t shoot!	ma-B_YIT-NEH’	ooS^
Stop! or Halt!	YAHT	€)S
Don’t move!	ma-SHWAY’-NEH’	yeM
Who is there?	beh-thoo-LEH	GOoSo^cb
Show your identification	kim-B^YA beh-thoo so-da THET-thay-gahn B^YA’-ba	o8ejpt 30 oS 0^003 33c8g303^o1
Line up!	§ee DAHN-nay	§oo£sg^>
here	dee-hma	8^3
there	ho-hma	
14	e or eh as in met, bell	
E
S
R
D
0
English
Pronunciation
Burmese Writing
Surrender! or Throw down your arms!
Raise your hands!
Don’t try any tricks!
Obey or I’ll fire!
LET-HNET CHA’
LET HM^YOUT TA
YEE-DEE-YA-DA ma-LOAT-NEH’
NA toun. NA ma-toun-yin tha-NAHT B^YIT kahn-YA’-meh
c\3c8§c8q|
COc8g§3c8c03s
U§so8s033s003swc\}8^
fDsGOOoS ^3syGOO38g]S
GO3^c8o8ag]y03	’
Chinese	da-YOAT	00$8
English	IN-ga-LAYT	oaAcSS
Hindustani (or any Indian language )	ga-LA	Crj)C\33t
I do	B^YAW-DAHT- 38000
	ou as in out, mouth	19
English
Pronunciation
Burmese Writing
Please speak slowly	HNAY-HNAY B^YAW-ba	G^8G^SG^3ol
Do you understand?	NA leh-YEH’-LA	$3sC\3£S||C\33s
What?	ba-LEH	933cb
Please repeat	l?J,yahn B^YAW-	^G^3o1g|s
	ba-OAN	
What do you call	da-go ba kaw-	g1e^ro3GaTa3cb
this ?	tha-LEH	
What is this?	da ba-LEH	glowed
What is that?	ho-ha ba-LEH	(^00300 3o1
	nay-ba	
Come with me	joon-daw-NEH’	O^GOoS^C^cSb
	LA^EET-KEH’	
	 wants to speak			 kim-B^YA-neh’		cQasccoo^scbge
to you	za-GA B^YAW-	
	jin-deh	^803 bS
I want to ask you	kim-B^YA-go	a8q|3sc^Gysq|8oouS
questions	MAY-jin-deh	
Please show me	joon-DAW’-go	C^Gro^gol
	B^YA’-ba	
Write it	YAY-ba	Gqsol
Write the number	nahm-BAHT-go	|olcSc^Gqsol
	YAY-ba	
Point to the answer	dee sa-OAT-TEH-	§0 39? Sebro 33 G l^j! jgo1
in this book	GA’ a-p^yay-go B^YA’-ba	
20	•e or eh as in met, bell	
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Draw a picture of it	boan SWEH B_YA’-ba	
Tell the truth	hmahn-hmahn B^YAW-ba	
You will not be hurt	kim-B^,YA ma-NIN’-na-zay-YA’-ba-BOO	a 8tg 2>s y	©pl 07 s
You will be rewarded	kim-B^YA SOO’ YA’-LAYNT-mch	aStjpsatpqcSSyoS
QUESTIONS	ABOUT AN	INDIVIDUAL
What nationality are you?	kim-B^YA ba loo-M^YO-LEH	a 8 ^3500307^ sob
Are you 		?	kim-B^YA	LA	a8qps 	 O33s
Burmese	ba-ma	t>y3
Chinese	000b
;	I live in 			joon-daw 	 hma	O^GOOS 	
	nay-deh	G^ooob
Where are you	kim-B^YA beh-	a 8 qp s oodSc§ ogo s web
going ?	go THWA-ma-LEH	
I am going to —.	joon-daw	 go	CQj^GOoS 	 cfyc^O?
	THWA-meh	woS
Where are your	kim-B^YA tha-	a8qp8OQCoS3f8sGCQ
friends ?	ngeh-JIN-dway beh-hma-LEH	oooS^ocb
Are they	?	thoo-DO’ 	 hma SHEE’-tha-LA	0£C§ 	 ^3§OOCD3s
near	a-NEE	
far	a-WAY	93GO8
Show your	kim-B^YA beh-	a8c(p800oSo^a§003
identification	thoo so-da	oocSgoos^oT
	THET-thay-gahn BSYA’-ba	
Where is your	?	kim-B^YA	beh- hma-LEH	a8qp8 	 OOuS^Ocb
family	ayn-doun	s8Sgooo8
headman (of a	tha-JEE	
village)		
22	■e or eh as in met, bell	
A
Vi

English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
father	a-pay	93GO
mother	a-rnay	33GO
husband	lin	CO 8
wife	ma-YA	00038
	RANK	
What is your rank?	kim-B^YA ya-DOO ba a-DAHN-LEH	a8qj0:6pajsooo33oo^scb
Are you a 	?	kim-B^YA	LA	a8t]ps	co3s
sergeant	$a-zin	©3e8
officer	$IT-bo	0&=>cS
captain	GAHT-bee-dahn	0008800$
general	DAHT bo-JOAT	ooS^cC^S
seaman	THIN-BAW-THA	OOG O&3OO3S
I am	HOAT-deh	07080008
I am not	ma-HOAT-POO	0070807s
ORGANIZATION AND SPECIALTY
What is your branch of service ?
kim-B^YA beh $IT-DAHT-hma a-HMOO’ TAHN-tha-LEH
a8q|3: 00 0S0S0O 8^393^
ooSsoocb
ou as in out, mouth
23
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Army	QOAN-DAHT	CQ^lOoS
Navy	yay-DAHT	g^ooS
Artillery	a-M^YOUT- DAHT	ooS
Cavalry	M^YIN-DAHT	g8«oo8
Engineers	$ET-sa-ya	ocfiaoGp
Infantry	chay-jin-DAHT	GgoqjSooS
Marines	l?in-leh SIT-THA	o8o3c8©8o03s
What is your specialty ?	kim-B^YA ha a-LOAT LOAT-tha-LEH	a8qpsoo3330780780065
Are you a J	?	kim-B^YA	LA	a8qps	 033:
chauffeur	GA MOUN-tha-MA	CT)3sGO38:00y3:
clerk	§a-YAY '	03G qt
cook	ta-MIN-JET	coy8i^c8
engineer	$ET-sa-ya	©cfiaoGp
fireman	MEE TO-tha-MA	§:C$:ooy3:
gunner	a-M_YOUT- DAHT-THA	33Gg3f8oo8oo3s
mechanic	$ET-tha-MA	oc8ooy3s
messenger	§ay da-mahn	G©ooy§
I am	HOAT-deh	0708 oouS
I am not	ma-HOAT-POO	00708 071
24	e or eh as in met, bell	
English
Pronunciation
Burmese Writing
How long have you been in the service ?
How many______?
years months
$IT-£)AHT-TEH-hma a-;HMOO’ TAHN-da beh-LOUT ja-ba-LEH
beh-hna _ LEH
HNIT
LA’
©8 00 Sob (p 33^00 Ss 003
30 oSg co 3c8 [oq 3^ ch
30(jS| ___ (?b
co
Note: See Numbers, page 59.
ou as in out, mouth
25
' --
3.	PERSONAL NEEDS
FOOD AND DRINK
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
I am hungry I am thirsty	joon-daw sa-deh	cgi^GooSaoDoooS joon-daw yay	oO|£gooSgqcc8oooS NGAHT-G00 oc8 8© 0
	DAW’ LAYT-§a	°
Forward my mail	joon-DAW’ $a-go joon-daw SHEE’-ya HLWEH-LA^EET-ba	Ogl^GOO 30 3(~§Cg|^G0oS
		§sp<£c§c8o1
Send my things	joon-DAW’ B^YIT-$EE-	O^GOOOOg^tGCg'dg
	dway-go BO’-LA_EET-ba	C§c8ol
I shall return 		joon-daw 		opi^GOoS 	 R$C\33
	b^yahn-la-meh	goS
32	e or eh as in met, bell	
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
tomorrow	NET-p^yahn	5<-Sg$
Wednesday	BOAT-da-HOO NAY’	72°?^
Note : For other days of the week see		page 72.
Have you a 	 room ?	kim-B^YA-zee-hma da-det	 DEH’ a-KAHN SHEE’-tha-LA	aSqpsaS^ogloocfi 	cbOTa$s$oocoos
better	GOUN	gooo8s
larger	JEE	gs
cheaper	BAW	Go1
I have	SHEE’-deh	$oooS
I have not	ma-SHEE’-BOO	y^S
MEDICAL AID
Help!	a-goo a-n^yee ’ BAY-ba	□ao^oagcosol
Where is a	?		 beh-hma-LEH		 oooS^ocd
Call a			go kaw-ba		 gcaTol
doctor	sa-ya-woon	aoGpo$
dentist	THWA	ogos^cSaosp
	SA^EET-sa-ya	
ambulance	loo-na-din GA	5000800 os
	ou as in out, mouth	33
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
nurse	loo-na B^YOO’ sa-ya-MA’	c^pgaospo
Quick	m^yahn-m^yahn	
Stop the bleeding	THWAY DAYT-oun LOAT-ba	Gcg!o8cSG33:>8c7 Sol
A tourniquet!	THWAY QAYT-BO’ §EE-DEH’	G Cg:o8cSc$ 8»ob 39gp
	a-ya	
Tie it here	dee-hma chec-ba	§p^o1
Above the wound	dahn-ya a-TET-NA-hma	si CtSqp 330003 pi p
I am sick	joon-daw nay ma-GOUN-BOO	Ogl $G00 Sg pG 09 3 8137s
He is sick	thoo nay ma-GOUN-BOO	370^ 000038197s
I am wounded	joon-daw a-na da-YA’ P^YIT-deh	c^GooSospooqgS 03 6S
He is wounded	thoo a-na da-YA’ P^YIT-deh	37 93 P03 q g 803 oS
My	hurts			 GA_EET-^eh			 C$c8o3oS
head	GOUN	go18i
back	TAW	G@3
My	hurts		 na-deh		poooS
stomach	WOOM-BA_EET	oS:$cS
tooth	THWA	Cg38
34	e or eh as in met, bell	
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
I am hurt here	joon-daw dee-hma	OQI^GOoSSpolctSgpg)
	dahn-ya YA’-deh	oo cS
I am hurt in the		joon-daw 	 hma	OQl^GOoS 	pslciSep
	dahn-ya YA’-deh	S)OOoS
He is hurt in	thoo 	 hma	oj	polaSgpfiioocS
the —.	dahn-ya YA’-deh	
head	GOUN	cal 8 s
face	M^YET-hna	
ear	NA	ps
eye	M^YET-$EE’	^6©
nose	hna-KOUN	pGal8t
mouth	ba-ZAHT	oltoS
jaw	MAY-YO	G«s§s
throat	leh-JOUN	co^Gq|38t
neck	leh-BIN	cu^SoSt
shoulder	ba-KOAN	S>?’
arm	LET-MOUN	cucSgooS:
elbow	da-doun-ZIT	oocoooSaoS
hand	LET	coc8
back	JAW	6@0
chest	yim-BAHT	g]8oc8
stomach	WOOM-BA^EET	oSt§c8
hip	dim-BA	oo8ols
	ou as in out, mouth	35
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
crotch	boun-JA	GolSgoi
privates	in-ga-ZAHT	oafiltyocfi
leg	chee-DOUT	cgcODOcS
knee	DOO	9’
ankle	chee M^YET-$EE’	cgmcSc©
foot	chee	eg
Get			 yoo-GEH’-ba	
a blanket	§oun	G©o8
blankets	?oun-dway	cooficcg
boiled water	yay-JET	GqcqjcS
cotton	wa-GOON	olgSj
a disinfectant	a-NAHNT	395$OOc8ggOS
	THAHT-SAY	
drinking water	THOUT-yay	GOOOc8g€|
hot water	yay-NWAY	G GjG^ •
ice	yay-GEH	G€|^
a knife	DA	OOOS
a litter	loo-na TAHN-zin	0950008x08
scissors	GAHT-JEE	OOcSgcC||S
a sedative	AYT-chin-ZAY	o88q|8Gaos
sheets	AYT-ya KIN	s88gp©8:
something to	$EE BAHT-PO’	©gsOcSc§39OcS
bandage with	a-WOOT	
36
e or eh as in met, bell
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
splints	JAHT	
a stimulant	AH DO-ZAY	33 38C$?G008
Do not touch 			ma-TEE’-NEH’	—
Do not move			 ma-SHWAY’-NEH’	—
Lift	carefully			tha-DEE’-NEH’ MA’-ba	— ooc8^ool
me	joon-DAW’-go	C12]$G003C$
him	THOO’-go	
them	thoo-DO’-go	
Be careful	tha-t>EE’ TA	OO080038
Do not give him that	ho-ha THOO’-go ma-BAY-NEH’	C$003ajj>oC$WG08^
I have been poisoned 			joon-daw	HMA- deh	Cgl^eooS 	 pSOOoS
He has been poisoned		thoo 	 HMA-deh	07 — 738000S
by water	yay THOUT	GqGOO3c8
by food	a-SA	33© 38
I have been poisoned by a snake bite	joon-daw mway-GA^EET kahn-YA’-LO’ a-SAYT DET-nay-deh	c2]$GooSGgc$cSaqc§ 33 a8 SoorSc po oS
	ou as in out, mouth	37
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
I have been poisoned by gas	joon-daw DAHT- og|§GOoSolc8^s8G^oooS KO MEE’-nay-deh
BUYING AND PERSONAL SERVICES
Where is a	? barber shop	Where to Get It 		 beh-hma LEH 	oodS^ocb za-bin HN^YAHT- sa^een
drugstore market movie	SAY-za^een	Gaosa§8 ZAY	eqs YOAT-shin	$8§]8
restaurant	ta-MIN-za^een	ooy8sa§8
tailor	$ET CHOAT-	ocfi^[8oL>o3t tha-MA
I want 	 I want to buy	 Where can I get 	?	Things Wanted 	  go lo-jin-deh 	 c§c§^8oooS 		go weh-jin-deh 	 c§ooS^|8couS 	 go beh-hma		 c§oocjSp6]^8oocb Y A’-na^een-tha-LEH
38
e or eh as in met, bell
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Give me 			— go BAY-ba	— geosol
this	dee-ha	§003
that	ho-ha	C$003
ammonia	za-WET-tha SAY-yee	©Orfi O33G 3386] pS
aspirin	(English word used)	
a bandage	SEE BAHT-PO’ a-WOOT	ogsoofigosocS
batteries	DAHT-KEH	oloSb
a belt	ka-BAHT	al so cfi
a brush	a-HM^WAY BEE	93Gg8O§8
buttons	jeh-THEE	goSo§8
cigarettes	$EE-ga-YET	8oOG]03
cloth	a-teh	oaoog
a coat	GOAT AYN-jee	
a comb	BEE	
cotton	wa-GOON	olgSs
a disinfectant	a-NAHNT THAHT-SAY	335$O3cSg338
an electric light	DAHT-MEE-	oloSSscps
bulb	LOAN	
envelopes	§a-AYT	O3t8cfi
	ou as in out, mouth	39
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
a flashlight	LET-HNAYT DAHT-MEE	
gloves	LET-AYT	c\3cfis8c8
handkerchiefs	LEK-ga^een ba-wa	
a hat	OAT-TOAT	
ink	hmin	78
iodine	PIN-GHA	oo8qp
a knife	DA	003:
J a laxative	W00N-HN0AT-SAY	oS:§c8gsd:
matches	MEE-JIT	
a needle	AHT	938
an overcoat	a-baw AYN-jee	
pants	BOUM-bee	00038:08
paper	$EK-goo	
a pencil	KEH-dahn	b 00$
pins	dweh-AHT	og 08338
quinine •	gwee-na^een	
a raincoat	MO-ga AYN-jee	$:003338
soap	SAHP-b^ya	aoS^p
socks	chee-ZOOT	G@gS
sunglasses or goggles	nay-ga M^YET-hmahn	G^>O93fcjc8^^
a sweater	sweh-(ja AYN-jee	
talcum powder	M^YET-hna-chee	^c8pG^
thread	AHT-chee	938@^
a toothbrush	tha-BOOT-cjahn	ogOtycSoo
toothpaste	THWA DA^EET-SAY	ogOsc^cSGaos
tooth powder	THWA DA^EET-SAY-HMOANT	08090^
an undershirt	$OOT-jeh AYN-jee	§8^08998^
undershorts	a-DWIN-gahn BOUM-bee	□acgStsGooziSst^
ou as in out, mouth
41
English
What else have you?
I want more
Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
dee-b^yin ba	8G8ooo8GOO«oocb
SHEE’-THAY-
tha-LEH
joon-daw bo-BEE (T2|$GooS$gsc$7j8ooStoo33iGOO»
LAHN ma-AH-THAY-BOO
a-JO a-JOUN
za-GA b^yahn ma-YA’-BOO
93(7^:93G|op8t ooo^t^ysioj’
ou as in out, mouth
57
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Here is your party	dee-hma kim-B^YA za-GA B^_, YAW-jin-thoo	
Are you waiting?	kim-B_YA $OUNT-nay-tha-LA	9 8tjD:GO :>8g ^QOCOD:
I will ring again	TAHT-bee kaw-OAN-meh	Oo8g:GgT93:608
Shall I continue to ring?	SET-bee kaw-nay-YA’-ma-LA	aocS^tGaTc p 6co o:
I will call you back	kim-B^YA-go NOUT-DAW’ kaw-meh	9 Sqp:c$G $3(*8g003 GoT GoS
What number are you calling?	beh nahm-BAHT-go kaw-tha-LEH	oooSpIcSc^GoT oocb
Give me the number of		joon-DAW’-go 	 nahm-BAHT BAY-ba	Og|$GOO3C$ 	 $o1c8 Go:o1
Long distance please	a-WAY za-GA B^YAW-JEE-NAHN lo-jin-deh	93Go:D(r>:>:G goc c$q|8oooS
What is the charge?	beh-LOUT JA’-tha-LEH	30 oSg CODc8 G Gp §) 8 8 ^033?
Are there any	a-SEE a-DA	93 G§8 330338 § 030338
obstructions ?	SHEE’-tha-LA	
How high are they?	beh-LOUT M^YINT-tha-LEH	O3uSGO33cSg8 	 03 cd
Is the surface	?	m^yay M^YET-hna-b^yin	 tha-LA	Ggqjc8pg8 	 03033:
firm	ma	G3
soft	B_YAW’	G9i?
muddy	SHOONT too-DAHT	
dry	CHOUT	Gg3fS
smooth	CHAW	Gqp
rough	JAHN	@8:
68	e or eh as in met, bell	
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
I need —		lo-jin-deh		 c$q)8oooS
ammunition	KEH-YAHN	bqSs
engine oil	SET-sce	oc8a§
gasoline a tire	DAHT-see (Use English word.)	o1o8a§
I want to have this repaired	da-go b_,yin-jin-dch	olc$g8q|8oooS
ou as in out, mouth
69
9.	NUMBERS, SIZE, TIME, ETC.
AMOUNT
English
A few
Several or Many
Not many
Very many
Pronunciation
NEH-NEH M^YA-M^YA ma-M^YA-BOO im-ma-dahn
M^YA
Burmese Writing
T’HP’
□aSooo^fcjps
ORDINAL NUMBERS
Note: For Numbers 1-1,000,000 see page 59.
First	ba-ta-MA’	09 y
Second	DOO’-DEE’-YA’	90800
Third	DA’-DEE’-YA’	000800
Fourth	za-DOAT-TA’	®°?S?
Fifth	b^yin-§a-MA’	
Sixth	SAHT-da-MA’	aogy
Seventh	THAHT-da-MA’	ooggy
70	e or eh as in met, bell	
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Eighth	AHT-ta-MA’	33ggo
Ninth	na-wa-MA’	5 oo
Tenth	DA’-tha-MA’	3030
Eleventh	ay-GA’-DA’-tha-MA’	60033030
Twelfth	dwa-DA’-tha-MA’	gl3O3O
	SIZE AND WEIGHT	
Small	ngeh<	coS
Large	J EE	g.
Medium	a-LAHT	33C0cS
Long	shay	
Short	do	$
High	M^YINT	gs
Low	NAYNT	$8
Heavy	LAY	GCOs
Light	BAW’	GO?
	TIME	
What time is it?	beh-hna-na-yee TO-bee-LEH	33oS553$gsgch
It is five o’clock	NGA na-yee TO-bee	
ou as in out, mouth
71
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
It is five ten	NGA na-yee seh MEE’-NIT	cl:p$aooS8$8
It is half past five	NGA na-yee-GWEH	
It is ten to six	CHOUT na^yee seh MEE’-NIT- PIN	Ggoc8p$ac>oS8$8oob«
Today	dee NAY’	§G$
Yesterday	ma-NAY’-GA’	yG$oo
Tomorrow	ma-NET-pahn	
Morning	nahn-NET	$$c8
Afternoon	MOON-LWEH	
Evening	N^YA’-nay	
Dawn	a-yoan-DET	333$ClSG^>
January	zahn-na-wa-yee LA’	ejo1$O3
February	pay-paw-wa-yee LA’	GcS
Gas	DAHT-KO	©1o8§t
Gun (cannon)	a-M^YOUT	99G§jc8
Light gun	a-M^YOUT a-ngeh-ZA	□aGgooSoacoSoot
Heavy gun	a-M_YOUT a-JEE-ZA	
Medium gun	a-M_YOUT a-LAHT-SA	93Ggoc833CUcSo38
Hand grenade	LET B^YIT BOAN	cocSoSo^t
Howitzer	{Use English zvord.)	
Machine gun	$ET-tha-NAHT	©cSgoo^cS
Mine	m^yay HM^YOAT BOAN	g6S H ’
Mortar	(Use English zvord.)	
Pistol	CHOUT-LOAN-B^YOO	cgocScgsglp
Rifle	“rifle” tha-NAHT	GOO^cS
76	e or eh as in met, bell	
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Shell	BOAN-zahn	g:ao$
Submachine gun	SET-tha-NAHT a-ngeh-ZA	©c8g 00508390 0S0 38
CARS,	TANKS, PLANES, SHIPS	
Aircraft carrier	lay-yim-b tyahn din THIM-BAW	gco oo^qi 00800c 080
Airplane	lay-yim-btyahn	GCOQ3§q|
Armor	thahn-JAHT	ooq|8
Auto	GA	0008
Armored car	thahn-JAHT-ga maw-da-GA	00q| Soo OG0S0O 00038
Battery	a-MtYOUT PAHT-SOO’	oacgocSooSi? .
Battleship	$IT THIM-BAW-JEE	©SoOGoSo^J
Bomber	BOAN JEH lay-yim-btyahn	gsgcCO UO^Cfl
Brakes	(Use English word.)	
Bridge	da-PA	000038
Cargo ship	goan THIM-BAW	Og$OOGo8o
Cruiser	(Use English word.)	
Deck	GOAM-BAHT ou as in out, mouth	op$:oc8
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Destroyer	{Use English word.)	
Engine	$ET-GOUN	oc8go18:
;	Engine room	$ET-KAHN	0089$:
Fighter plane	$IT DA_EET lay-yim-b^yahn	©8c$c8gcouo^c||
Fire extinguisher	MEE THAHT-SET	8sgoc8©c8
Hangar	lay-yim-b^yahn-yoan	GCOCO§q|$
Horn	ka-ya	9Gp
Light bulb	DAHT-MEE-LOAN	oTcSSsC^s
Mine sweeper	BOAN sha THIM-BAW	pjqaoocoSa
Motor	maw-da SET	GoSot3©c8
Pontoons or Pontons	BAW’-da-DA	GOODOTOO3:
Propeller	ya-HAHT	qcnc8
Searchlight 1	a-WAY TO DAHT-MEE	
Submarine ■	yay NGOAT THIM-BAW	
Tail light	NOUT-BA^EEN DAHT-MEE	g$3c8$8j©1c88s
Tanker	yay-nahn din	Gq$Co8oOGO$3 —J
I 78	THIM-BAW e or eh as in met, bell	
English	Pronunciation	Burmese Writing
Torpedo boat