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Geographical distribution of Meitei language speakers in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar
  Regions where Meitei is native, majority, official and educational language
  Regions where Meitei is indigenous and educational language but not official
  Regions where Meitei is not indigenous and official but educational
  Regions where Meitei is considered indigenous but not official and educational
  Regions with significant Meitei speaking minorities

Manipuri (ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯂꯣꯟ), also known as Meitei (ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯂꯣꯟ) or Meetei (ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯂꯣꯟ), is the sole official language, lingua franca and primary tongue in Manipur, as well as one of the additional official languages of Assam and a recognised educational and literary language of Tripura. It is also one of the 22 official “scheduled languages” of Republic of India, legally recognised by the Indian Constitution. It is also spoken in Northeastern Bangladesh and Western Myanmar. It is the only Indian language whose literature was developed under the care of royal patronages, from the Sino-Tibetan family. You will find your journey easier while travelling India to and from Myanmar, by speaking this language, as Manipur is the only land route in India where the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway is properly developed.

This language holds the third place among the fastest growing languages of India, along with Gujarati, following Hindi (first place) and Kashmiri (second place).

The importance of Manipuri for its cultural and economic aspects is high as Manipur has been at the crossroads of Asian economic and cultural exchange for more than 2,500 years, connecting the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia to Southeast Asia and East Asia, enabling migration of people, cultures and religions.

Manipuri is the most spoken Indian language from the Sino-Tibetan family. It uses the traditional Meitei script and Bengali script and has its earliest records of existence dating back to 1445 BCE (3500 years ago).

Map
Map of Manipuri phrasebook
  Manipur
  Barak Valley
  Tripura
  Sylhet Division
  Kabaw valley

Pronunciation guide[edit]

Vowels[edit]

A (a)
ꯑꯥ as in father
E (e)
ꯑꯦ as in ten
I (i)
ꯏ as in machine
O (o)
ꯑꯣ as in open
U (u)
ꯎ as in rule
ai
ꯑꯥꯢ (ꯑꯥꯏ) as in Thailand
ui
ꯎꯢ (ꯎꯏ) as in Louie

Consonants[edit]

ꯕ b
like 'b' in "bed"
ꯁ c
like 's' in "supper", ꯀ 'k' in "kid"
ꯗ d
like 'd' in "dog"
ꯐ f
like 'ph' in "phone"
ꯒ g
like 'g' in "go", ꯖ 'j' in "jello"
ꯍ h
like 'h' in "help" (often silent in the UK and other Commonwealth countries)
ꯖ j
like 'dg' in "edge"
ꯀ k
like 'c' in "cat"
ꯂ l
like 'l' in "love"
ꯃ m
like 'm' in "mother"
ꯅ n
like 'n' in "nice"
ꯄ p
like 'p' in "pig"
ꯀ q
like 'q' in "quest" (with "u", almost always)
ꯔ r
like 'r' in "row", like 'r' in "feather" (often silent in the UK and other Commonwealth countries at end of word)
ꯁ s
like 'ss' in "hiss", like 'z' in "haze"
ꯇ t
like 't' in "top"
ꯚ v
like 'v' in "victory"
ꯋ w
like 'w' in "weight"
"-ꯛ꯭ꯁ" x
like 'cks' in "kicks", like 'z' in "haze" (at beginning of a word)
ꯌ y
like 'y' in "yes", like 'ie' in "pie", like 'ee' in "flee"
ꯓ z
like 'z' in "haze"

Common digraphs[edit]

ꯑꯦ ay
like 'ay' in "say"
ꯑꯥꯢ ai
like 'ay' in "say"
ꯑꯥꯎ au
like 'awe'
ꯏ ee
like 'ee' in "see"
ꯑꯩ ei
like 'ay' in "say"
ꯏ ey
like 'ay' in "say", like 'ee' in "see"
ꯏ ie
like 'ee' in "see"
ꯑꯣꯢ (ꯑꯣꯏ); oi
like 'oy' in "boy"
ꯎ oo
like 'oo' in "food", like 'oo' in "good"
ꯑꯧ ou
like 'ow' in "cow", like 'oo' in "food", like 'o' in "cot"
ꯑꯧ ow
like 'ow' in "cow"
ꯑꯣꯢ (ꯑꯣꯏ) oy
like 'oy' in "boy"
ꯆ ch
like 'ch' in "touch"
ꯁ sh
like 'sh' in "sheep"
ꯊ th
like 'th' in "this", like 'th' in "those"
ꯘ gh
like 'f' in "fish"
ꯐ ph
like 'f' in "fish"

Spelling[edit]

While writing Meitei language in Latin script (Roman script), the following facts are observed:

  • There is a similar usage of "F" and "Ph". For example: "Fu" is equal to "Phu", both meaning "pot".
  • There is a similar usage of "S" and "Sh". For example, "Sam" is equal to "Sham", both meaning "hair".
  • In many cases, though not always, there is a free variation of "L" and "R" usually in the middle of a word. For example, "LAILEN" is equal to "LAIREN", both meaning python.
  • In many cases, though not always, there is a free variation of "L" and "N" usually in the ending part of a word. For example, "LAIREL" is equal to "LAIREN", both meaning python.
  • In many cases, though not always, there is a free variation of "B" and "P" usually in the middle or ending part of a word. For example, "YUMBI" is equal to "YUMPI", both meaning "pillar".

Distinctive variations[edit]

Meitei language experiences diglossia as well as digraphia to a great extend. The clearest distinction is between what can be loosely called linguistically syncretised (having foreign words) and linguistically pure (or original or loanword free) varieties of Meitei. Most Meitei speaking people (either as first or second language) living outside Manipur follow linguistically syncretised Meitei. In Manipur, most people, including the cultural revivalist people related to traditional Meitei religion called Sanamahism, or traditional Meitei script, aiming to replace the imposed usage of Bengali script, or linguistic purism movement of Meitei language, generally follow linguistically pure Meitei.

In contrast to the classification on the basis of being linguistically syncretised or linguistically pure, some scholars also divide it into 3 major dialects as Standard Meitei dialect, Pangal dialect and Loi dialect. However, these classification gives more emphasis on their distinction of tonality, rather than distinction of unique words. These three dialects may encompass their own respective linguistically syncretised and linguistically pure variations too.

English word Linguistically pure Meitei Linguistically syncretised Meitei
Belt
  • Khwangphee
  • Khwangfee
Peti
Calendar
  • Thapan/Thaban
  • Thapanlon/Thabanlon
  • Thapanlol/Thabanlol
  • Panji/Panjika
  • Tithi
City/Town
  • Mayollamlen/Mayonlamlen
  • Mayol/Mayon
  • Nagar/Sahar
  • Nogor/Sahor
Examination/Test Changyeng
  • Parikhyaa
  • Parikhaa
Keys
  • Sho/So
  • Sojei/Sochei
  • Shojei/Shochei
Chaabi
Market
  • Keithel
  • Keithen
Bazaar
Money Sel
  • Paisa
  • Peisa
  • Prostitute
  • Whore
  • Harlot
  • Promiscuous woman
  • Oktabi
  • Lamchat Naaidabi
  • Besaa
  • Beshaa
Sea/Ocean
  • Eerenpung/Irenpung
  • Eepaak/Ipaak
  • Ishing Ipaak/Eeshing Eepaak
  • Samudra
  • Sagar
Shop
  • Potyonpham
  • Potyonfam
Dukaan
School/Educational institution
  • Maheisang/Maheishang
  • Mahei Tampham/Mahei Tamfam
  • Maheikol/Maheikon
Bidyaloy/Bidyalay
Vehicle Kangpot
  • Gari
  • Hawa Gari
Wheel Kangkhong Chakkaa/Kangkhong Chakka

Phrase list[edit]

Basics[edit]

Common signs

OPEN
ꯍꯥꯡꯕ (Haang-Ba)
CLOSED
ꯊꯤꯡꯕ (Thing-Ba)
ENTRANCE
ꯆꯪꯐꯝ (Chang-Pham)
EXIT
ꯊꯣꯛꯐꯝ (Thok-Pham)
PUSH
ꯏꯟꯕ (Een-Ba)
PULL
ꯆꯤꯡꯕ (Ching-Ba)
TOILET
ꯑꯃꯥꯡꯁꯪ (A-Maang-Shang)
MEN
ꯅꯨꯄꯥꯁꯤꯡ (Noo-Paa-Sing)
WOMEN
ꯅꯨꯄꯤꯁꯤꯡ (Noo-Pee-Sing)
FORBIDDEN
ꯌꯥꯗꯕ (Yaa-Da-Ba)
Hello.
ꯈꯨꯔꯨꯝꯖꯔꯤ ꯫ (Khoo-room-ja-ree)
Hello. (informal)
ꯑꯣꯢ (ꯑꯣꯏ) (OI) (better use this only among mutual friends)
How are you?
ꯀꯝꯗꯧꯕꯤꯔꯤ? (Kam-dou-bee-ree?)
Fine, thank you.
ꯐꯔꯦ, ꯊꯥꯒꯠꯆꯔꯤ ꯫ (Pha-re, Thaa-gat-cha-ree)
What is your name?
ꯅꯪꯒꯤ ꯃꯤꯡ ꯀꯔꯤ ꯀꯧꯏ? (Nang-gee Ming Ka-ree Kou-ee?)
My name is ______ .
ꯑꯩꯒꯤ ꯃꯤꯡ ______ ꯀꯧꯏ ꯫ (Ei-gee Ming _____ Kou-ee.)
Nice to meet you.
ꯅꯪꯒ ꯎꯟꯅꯕ ꯅꯨꯡꯉꯥꯢꯔꯦ ꯫ (Nang-ga Oo-na-ba Noong-Ngai-Re)
Please.
ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Chaan-bee-doo-na) (It is an adverb, but used independently alone.)
Thank you.
ꯊꯥꯒꯠꯆꯔꯤ ꯫ (Thaa-gat-cha-ree)
You're welcome. (Welcoming someone)
ꯇꯔꯥꯝꯅ ꯑꯣꯛꯆꯔꯤ ꯫ (Ta-raam-na Ok-cha-ree) or ꯂꯦꯡꯁꯤꯟꯕꯤꯔꯛꯁꯤ ꯫ (Leng-Sheen-Bee-Rak-Shee)
You're welcome. (As a reply to "Thanks")
ꯌꯥꯝ ꯅꯨꯡꯉꯥꯢꯔꯦ ꯫ (Yaam Noong-Ngai-Re) (literally, "It's pleasure", it's not exact translation of "You are welcome", but its usage is exactly equivalent.)
Yes.
ꯍꯣꯢ (ꯍꯣꯏ) ꯫ (HOI) or ꯃꯥꯟꯅꯦ ꯫ (Maan-Ney)
No.
ꯅꯠꯇꯦ ꯫ (Nat-te)
Excuse me. (getting attention)
ꯀꯔꯤꯒꯨꯝꯕ ꯑꯃꯇ ꯫ (Ka-ree-goom-ba A-ma-ta)
Excuse me. (begging pardon)
ꯉꯥꯛꯄꯤꯒꯅꯤ ꯫ (Ngaak-Pee-Ga-Nee)
I'm sorry.
ꯑꯩ ꯁꯣꯢꯈꯔꯦ ꯫ (Ei Soi-Khre) or ꯑꯩ ꯂꯥꯟꯖꯔꯦ ꯫ (Ei Laan-ja-re)
Goodbye
ꯀꯥꯢꯅꯔꯁꯤ ꯫ (Kai-Na-Ra-See)
Goodbye (informal)
ꯆꯠꯂꯦ ꯫ (Chat-Leh) (use this only to mutual friends)
I can't speak name of language [well].
ꯑꯩ English [ꯐꯖꯅ] ꯉꯥꯡꯕ ꯉꯝꯗꯦ ꯫ (Ei English [Pha-ja-na] Ngaang-ba Ngam-de)
Do you speak English?
ꯅꯪ [ꯏꯪꯂꯤꯁ] ꯉꯥꯡꯕꯔꯥ? (Nang [English] Ngaang-ba-raa?)
Is there someone here who speaks English?
ꯃꯁꯤꯗ [ꯏꯪꯂꯤꯁ] ꯉꯥꯡꯕ ꯃꯤ ꯂꯩꯕꯔꯥ? (Ma-see-da [English] Ngaang-ba Mee Lei-ba-raa?)
Help! (Directly asking for help)
ꯃꯇꯦꯡ ꯄꯥꯡꯕꯤꯌꯨ! (Ma-teng Paang-bee-yoo!) or (Immediately asking to save me/us/you/him/her/them) ꯀꯟꯕꯤꯌꯨ! (Kan-bee-yoo!)
Look out!
ꯌꯦꯡꯉꯣ! (Yeng-Ngo!)
Good morning.
ꯑꯐꯕ ꯑꯌꯨꯛ ꯑꯣꯢꯕꯤꯌꯨ ꯫ (A-pha-ba A-yook Oi-bee-yoo)
Good evening.
ꯑꯐꯕ ꯅꯨꯃꯤꯗꯥꯡꯋꯥꯢꯔꯝ ꯑꯣꯢꯕꯤꯌꯨ ꯫ (A-pha-ba Noo-mee-daang-wai-ram Oi-bee-yoo)
Good night.
ꯑꯐꯕ ꯑꯍꯤꯡ ꯑꯣꯢꯕꯤꯌꯨ ꯫ (A-pha-ba A-hing Oi-bee-yoo)
Good night (to sleep)
ꯐꯖꯅ ꯇꯨꯝꯃꯁꯦ ꯫ (Pha-ja-na Toom-ma-sey)(literally, Let's sleep well) or ꯃꯪ ꯐꯔꯁꯦ ꯫ (Mang Pha-ra-sey)(Literally, Let's have good dream)
I don't understand.
ꯑꯩ ꯈꯪꯗꯔꯦ ꯫ (Ei Khang-da-re)
Where is the toilet?
ꯑꯃꯥꯡꯁꯪ ꯀꯗꯥꯢꯗ ꯂꯩꯒꯦ? (A-Maang-Shang Ka-Daai-Da Lei-Ge?)


Problems[edit]

Leave me alone.
ꯑꯩꯕꯨ ꯏꯊꯟꯇ ꯂꯩꯍꯟꯕꯤꯌꯨ ꯫ (Ei-boo Ee-than-ta Lei-han-bee-yoo)
Don't touch me!
ꯑꯩꯉꯣꯟꯗ ꯊꯦꯡꯂꯛꯀꯅꯨ! (Ei-ngon-da Theng-lak-ka-noo) or ꯑꯩꯉꯣꯟꯗ ꯁꯣꯛꯂꯛꯀꯅꯨ! (Ei-ngon-da Shok-lak-ka-noo)
I'll call the police.
ꯑꯩ ꯄꯨꯂꯤꯁ ꯀꯧꯒꯅꯤ ꯫ (Ei Poo-lees Kou-ga-nee)
Police!
ꯄꯨꯂꯤꯁ! (Poo-lees) or ꯊꯥꯅꯥ! (Thaa-naa)
Stop! Thief!
ꯉꯥꯢꯈꯣ! ꯍꯨꯔꯥꯟꯕ! (Ngai-kho! Hoo-raan-ba!)
I need your help.
ꯑꯩ ꯅꯪꯒꯤ ꯃꯇꯦꯡ ꯄꯥꯝꯃꯤ ꯫ (Ei Nang-gee Ma-teng Paam-mee)
It's an emergency.
ꯃꯁꯤ ꯑꯊꯨꯕꯅꯤ ꯫ (Ma-see A-thoo-ba-nee)
I'm lost.
ꯑꯩ ꯃꯥꯡꯂꯦ ꯫ (Ei Maang-ley)
I lost my bag.
ꯑꯩ ꯑꯩꯒꯤ ꯈꯥꯎ ꯃꯥꯡꯂꯦ ꯫ (Ei Ei-gee Khao Maang-ley)
I lost my wallet.
ꯑꯩ ꯑꯩꯒꯤ ꯁꯦꯟꯈꯥꯎ ꯃꯥꯡꯂꯦ ꯫ (Ei Ei-gee Sen-Khao Maang-ley)
I'm sick.
ꯑꯩ ꯅꯥꯔꯦ ꯫ (Ei Naa-rey)
I've been injured. (injured by someone)
ꯑꯩꯕꯨ ꯁꯣꯛꯍꯜꯂꯝꯂꯦ ꯫ (Ei-boo Shok-hal-lam-le) or (injured accidentally by yourself or someone by mistake) ꯑꯩ ꯁꯣꯛꯂꯛꯂꯦ ꯫ (Ei Shok-lak-ley)
I need a doctor.
ꯑꯩ ꯗꯣꯛꯇꯔ ꯃꯊꯧ ꯇꯥꯔꯦ ꯫ (Ei Dok-tar Ma-thou Taa-rey)
Can I use your phone?
ꯑꯩ ꯅꯪꯒꯤ ꯐꯣꯟꯗꯣ ꯁꯤꯖꯤꯟꯅꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei Nang-gee Phon-do Shee-jeen-na-ba Yaa-ga-da-raa)

Numbers[edit]

1 (꯱)
ꯑꯃ (A-ma)
2 (꯲)
ꯑꯅꯤ (A-nee)
3 (꯳)
ꯑꯍꯨꯝ (A-hoom)
4 (꯴)
ꯃꯔꯤ (Ma-ree)
5 (꯵)
ꯃꯉꯥ (Ma-ngaa)
6 (꯶)
ꯇꯔꯨꯛ (Ta-rook)
7 (꯷)
ꯇꯔꯦꯠ (Ta-ret)
8 (꯸)
ꯅꯤꯄꯥꯜ (Nee-paal) or ꯅꯤꯄꯥꯟ (Nee-paan)
9 (꯹)
ꯃꯥꯄꯜ (Maa-pal) or ꯃꯥꯄꯟ (Maa-pan)
10 (꯱꯰)
ꯇꯔꯥ (Ta-raa)
11 (꯱꯱)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯃꯥꯊꯣꯢ (Ta-raa Maa-thoi)
12 (꯱꯲)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯅꯤꯊꯣꯢ (Ta-raa Nee-thoi)
13 (꯱꯳)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯍꯨꯝꯗꯣꯢ (Ta-raa Hoom-doi)
14 (꯱꯴)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯃꯔꯤ (Ta-raa Ma-ree)
15 (꯱꯵)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯃꯉꯥ (Ta-raa Ma-ngaa)
16 (꯱꯶)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯇꯔꯨꯛ (Ta-raa Ta-rook)
17 (꯱꯷)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯇꯔꯦꯠ (Ta-raa Ta-ret)
18 (꯱꯸)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯅꯤꯄꯥꯜ (Ta-raa Nee-paal) or ꯇꯔꯥ ꯅꯤꯄꯥꯟ (Ta-raa Nee-paan)
19 (꯱꯹)
ꯇꯔꯥ ꯃꯥꯄꯜ (Ta-raa Maa-pal) or ꯇꯔꯥ ꯃꯥꯄꯟ (Ta-raa Maa-pan)
20 (꯲꯰)
ꯀꯨꯜ (Kool) or ꯀꯨꯟ (Koon)
21 (꯲꯱)
ꯀꯨꯟ ꯃꯥꯊꯣꯢ (Koon Maa-thoi)
22 (꯲꯲)
ꯀꯨꯟ ꯅꯤꯊꯣꯢ (Koon Nee-thoi)
23 (꯲꯳)
ꯀꯨꯟ ꯍꯨꯝꯗꯣꯢ (Koon Hoom-doi)
30 (꯳꯰)
ꯀꯨꯟꯊ꯭ꯔꯥ (Koon-thraa)
40 (꯴꯰)
ꯅꯤꯝꯐꯨ (Neem-phoo)
50 (꯵꯰)
ꯌꯥꯡꯈꯩ (Yaang-khei)
60 (꯶꯰)
ꯍꯨꯝꯐꯨ (Hoom-phoo)
70 (꯷꯰)
ꯍꯨꯝꯗ꯭ꯔꯥ (Hoom-draa)
80 (꯸꯰)
ꯃꯔꯤꯐꯨ (Ma-ree-phoo)
90 (꯹꯰)
ꯃꯧꯗ꯭ꯔꯥ (Mou-draa) Or ꯃꯔꯤꯐꯨꯗ꯭ꯔꯥ (Ma-ree-phoo-draa)
100 (꯱꯰꯰)
ꯆꯥ ꯑꯃ (Chaa A-ma)
200 (꯲꯰꯰)
ꯆꯥ ꯑꯅꯤ (Chaa A-nee)
300 (꯳꯰꯰)
ꯆꯥ ꯑꯍꯨꯝ (Chaa A-hoom)
1000 (꯱꯰꯰꯰)
ꯂꯤꯁꯤꯡ ꯑꯃ (Lee-sheeng A-ma)
2000 (꯲꯰꯰꯰)
ꯂꯤꯁꯤꯡ ꯑꯅꯤ (Lee-sheeng A-nee)
1,000,000 (꯱,꯰꯰,꯰꯰꯰)
one million (...)
1,000,000,000 (꯱,꯰꯰꯰,꯰꯰꯰,꯰꯰꯰)
one thousand million in UK, one billion in USA
1,000,000,000,000 (꯱,꯰꯰꯰,꯰꯰꯰,꯰꯰꯰,꯰꯰꯰)
one billion in UK, one trillion in USA
number _____ (train, bus, etc.)
number _____ (...)
half
half (...)
less
less (...)
more
more (...)

Time[edit]

now
ꯍꯧꯖꯤꯛ (Hou-jeek)
later
ꯀꯣꯟꯅ (Kon-na)
before
ꯃꯃꯥꯡ (Ma-maang)
morning
ꯑꯌꯨꯛ (A-yook)
afternoon
ꯅꯨꯡꯊꯤꯜ (Noong-theel)
evening
ꯅꯨꯃꯤꯗꯥꯡꯋꯥꯢꯔꯝ (Noo-mee-daang-waai-ram)
night
ꯑꯍꯤꯡ (A-heeng) or ꯅꯨꯃꯤꯗꯥꯡ (Noo-mee-daang)

Clock time[edit]

one o'clock AM
ꯑꯌꯨꯛꯀꯤ ꯄꯨꯡ ꯑꯃ (A-yook-kee Poong A-ma)
two o'clock AM
ꯑꯌꯨꯛꯀꯤ ꯄꯨꯡ ꯑꯅꯤ (A-yook-kee Poong A-nee)
noon
ꯅꯨꯃꯤꯠꯌꯨꯡꯕ (Noo-meet-yoong-ba)
one o'clock PM
ꯅꯨꯡꯊꯤꯜꯒꯤ ꯄꯨꯡ ꯑꯃ (Noong-theel-gee Poong A-ma)
two o'clock PM
ꯅꯨꯡꯊꯤꯜꯒꯤ ꯄꯨꯡ ꯑꯅꯤ (Noong-theel-gee Poong A-nee)
midnight
ꯑꯍꯤꯡ ꯅꯣꯡꯌꯥꯢ (A-heeng Nong-yai)

Duration[edit]

_____ minute(s)
_____ ꯃꯤꯅꯠ(ꯁꯤꯡ) (mee-nat(sing))
_____ hour(s)
_____ ꯄꯨꯡ(ꯁꯤꯡ) (poong(sing)) or _____ ꯄꯨꯡꯁꯤꯡ(ꯁꯤꯡ) (poongshing(sing)
_____ day(s)
_____ ꯅꯨꯃꯤꯠ(ꯁꯤꯡ) (noo-meet(sing))
_____ week(s)
_____ ꯆꯌꯣꯜ(ꯁꯤꯡ) (cha-yol(sing))
_____ month(s)
_____ ꯊꯥ(ꯁꯤꯡ) (thaa(sing))
_____ year(s)
_____ ꯆꯍꯤ(ꯁꯤꯡ) (cha-hee(sing))
  • "sing" or "shing" is a suffix to show plurality. Instead of it, "ma-yaam" can also be sufficed.

Days[edit]

today
ꯉꯁꯤ (Nga-see)
yesterday
ꯉꯔꯥꯡ (Nga-raang)
tomorrow
ꯍꯌꯦꯡ (Ha-yeng)
this week
ꯍꯟꯗꯛꯀꯤ ꯆꯌꯣꯜ (Han-dak-kee Cha-yol)
last week
ꯃꯃꯥꯡꯒꯤ ꯆꯌꯣꯜ (Ma-maang-gee Cha-yol)
next week
ꯃꯊꯪꯒꯤ ꯆꯌꯣꯜ (Ma-thang-gee Cha-yol)
Sunday
ꯅꯣꯡꯃꯥꯢꯆꯤꯡ (Nong-mai-ching) or ꯅꯣꯡꯃꯥꯢꯖꯤꯡ (Nong-mai-jing)
Monday
ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧꯀꯥꯄ (Ning-thou-kaa-pa) or ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧꯀꯥꯕ (Ning-thou-kaa-ba)
Tuesday
ꯂꯩꯄꯥꯛꯄꯣꯛꯄ (Lei-paak-pok-pa) or ꯂꯩꯕꯥꯛꯄꯣꯛꯄ (Lei-baak-pok-pa)
Wednesday
ꯌꯨꯝꯁꯀꯩꯁ (Yoom-sa-kei-sa)
Thursday
ꯁꯀꯣꯜꯁꯦꯟ (Sa-kol-sen) or ꯁꯒꯣꯜꯁꯦꯟ (Sa-gol-sen)
Friday
ꯏꯔꯥꯢ (Ee-rai) or ꯏꯂꯥꯢ (Ee-Lai)
Saturday
ꯊꯥꯡꯆ (Thaang-cha) or ꯊꯥꯡꯖ (Thaang-ja)

Months[edit]

The Meitei speakers commonly use the Meitei calendar (Manipuri calendar).

Sajibu (Sachipu)
April-May interface month
KaaLen
May-June interface month
Ee-ngaa
June-July interface month
Ee-ngen
July-August interface month
Thouwaan (Thawaan)
August-September interface month
Laang-pan (Laang-ban)
September-October interface month
Meraa
October-November interface month
Hee-yaang-kei (Hee-yaang-gei)
November-December interface month
Poinu (Poi-noo)
December-January interface month
Waak-ching
January-February interface month
Phai-Lel (Phai-rel)
February-March interface month
Lam-taa
March-April interface month
  • Note: Date 1 of Sajibu month is the New Year of the Meitei people (Manipuri people). Meitei New Year Festival is called Cheiraoba. So, there's no exact Manipuri translations of the twelve months of the Gregorian calendar. People use the same English names of the months.

Writing time and date[edit]

Give some examples how to write clock times and dates if it differs from English.

Colours[edit]

black
ꯑꯃꯨꯕ (A-moo-ba)
white
ꯑꯉꯧꯕ (A-ngou-ba)
grey
ꯎꯠ ꯃꯆꯨ (Oot Ma-choo)
red
ꯑꯉꯥꯡꯕ (A-ngaang-ba)
blue
ꯍꯤꯀꯣꯛ (Hee-kok) or ꯍꯤꯒꯣꯛ (Hee-gok)
yellow
ꯍꯪꯒꯥꯝꯄꯥꯟ (Hang-gaam-paan) or ꯍꯪꯒꯥꯝꯄꯥꯜ (Hang-gaam-paal) or ꯅꯥꯄꯨ (Naa-poo)
green
ꯑꯁꯪꯕ (A-shang-ba)
orange
ꯀꯣꯝꯂꯥ ꯃꯆꯨ (Kom-Laa Ma-choo)
purple
ꯄꯔꯄꯜ (Par-pal)
brown
ꯎꯀꯨ ꯃꯆꯨ (Oo-koo Ma-choo)

Transportation[edit]

Bus and train[edit]

How much is a ticket to _____?
_____ꯁꯤ ꯐꯥꯎꯕꯗ ꯇꯤꯀꯦꯠ ꯃꯃꯜ ꯀꯌꯥ ꯑꯣꯢꯒꯦ? (_____see phao-ba-da tee-ket ma-mal ka-yaa oi-gey?)
One ticket to _____, please.
_____ꯁꯤ ꯐꯥꯎꯕꯒꯤ ꯇꯤꯀꯦꯠ ꯑꯃ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (_____see phao-ba-gee tee-ket a-ma, chaan-bee-doo-na)
Where does this train/bus go?
ꯃꯁꯤꯒꯤ train/bus ꯑꯁꯤ ꯀꯗꯥꯢꯗ ꯆꯠꯀꯦ? (Ma-see-gee train/bus a-see ka-dai-da chat-ke?)
Where is the train/bus to _____?
_____ ꯐꯥꯎꯕ ꯆꯠꯅꯕ train/bus ꯀꯗꯥꯢꯗ ꯂꯩꯒꯦ? (_____ phao-ba chat-na-ba train/bus ka-dai-da lei-gey?)
Does this train/bus stop in _____?
ꯃꯁꯤꯒꯤ train/bus ꯑꯁꯤ _____ꯗ ꯈꯥꯝꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ma-see-gee train/bus a-see _____da khaam-ga-da-raa?)
When does the train/bus for _____ leave?
train/bus ꯑꯁꯤ ꯀꯔꯝꯕ ꯃꯇꯝꯗ _____ꯒꯤꯗꯃꯛ ꯆꯠꯀꯅꯤ? (train/bus a-see ka-ram-ba ma-tam-da _____gee-da-mak chat-ka-nee?)
When will this train/bus arrive in _____?
ꯃꯁꯤꯒꯤ train/bus ꯑꯁꯤ ꯀꯔꯝꯕ ꯃꯇꯝꯗ _____ꯗ ꯌꯧꯔꯛꯀꯅꯤ? (Ma-see-gee train/bus a-see ka-ram-ba ma-tam-da _____da yow-rak-ka-nee?)

Directions[edit]

  • Note: This way of fill in the blanks may not always produce accurate results because English, being a European language, follows "Subject-Verb-Object" format while Manipuri, being an Indian language, follows "Subject-Object-Verb" format.
How do I get to _____ ?
ꯑꯩ ꯃꯇꯧ ꯀꯔꯝꯅ ______ꯗ ꯌꯧꯒꯅꯤ? (Ei Ma-tou Ka-ram-na ______da Yow-ga-nee?)
...the train station?
...ꯇ꯭ꯔꯦꯟ ꯁ꯭ꯇꯦꯁꯟ? (...tren stey-shan?)
...the bus station?
...ꯕꯁ ꯁ꯭ꯇꯦꯁꯟ? (...bas stey-shan?)
...the airport?
...ꯃꯥꯂꯪ ꯍꯤꯊꯥꯡꯐꯝ? (...Maa-Lang Hee-Thaang-Pham?)
...downtown?
...ꯃꯈꯥ ꯂꯩꯀꯥꯢ? (...Ma-khaa Lei-kai?)
...the youth hostel?
...ꯅꯍꯥꯁꯤꯡꯒꯤ ꯂꯩꯐꯝ? (...Na-haa-sing-gee Lei-pham?)
...the _____ hotel?
... _____ ꯍꯣꯇꯦꯜ? (...Hotel?)
...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate?
...ꯑꯃꯦꯔꯤꯀꯥꯟ/ꯀꯦꯅꯦꯗꯤꯌꯥꯟ/ꯑꯣꯁ꯭ꯇ꯭ꯔꯦꯂꯤꯌꯥꯟ/ꯕ꯭ꯔꯤꯇꯤꯁ ꯃꯤꯍꯨꯠ? (...American/Canadian/Australian/British Mee-hoot?)
Where are there a lot of...
ꯃꯐꯝ ꯑꯁꯤꯒꯤ... ꯃꯌꯥꯝ ꯂꯩꯕꯗꯣ ꯀꯗꯥꯢꯗꯅꯣ? (Ma-pham A-see-gee... Ma-yaam Lei-ba-do Ka-dai-da-no?)
...hotels?
...ꯍꯣꯇꯦꯜ ꯃꯌꯥꯝ? (...Ho-tel Ma-yaam?)
...restaurants?
...ꯆꯥꯐꯝ-ꯊꯛꯐꯝꯁꯤꯡ? (...Chaa-pham—Thak-pham—sing?)
...bars?
...ꯊꯛꯐꯝ-ꯆꯥꯐꯝꯁꯤꯡ? (...Thak-pham—Chaa-pham—sing?)
...sites to see?
...ꯌꯦꯡꯕ ꯌꯥꯕ ꯃꯐꯝꯁꯤꯡ? (...Yeng-ba Yaa-ba Ma-pham-sing?)
Can you show me on the map?
ꯑꯩꯉꯣꯟꯗ ꯃꯥꯂꯦꯝ ꯄꯥꯐꯜꯗ ꯎꯠꯄꯤꯒꯦꯔꯥ? (Ei-ngon-da Maa-Lem Paa-phal-da Oot-pee-gey-raa?)
street
ꯂꯝꯕꯤ (Lam-bee)
Turn left.
ꯑꯣꯢꯗ ꯂꯩꯌꯨ ꯫ (Oy-da Lei-yoo)
Turn right.
ꯌꯦꯠꯇ ꯂꯩꯌꯨ ꯫ (Yet-ta Lei-yoo)
left
ꯑꯣꯢ (Oy)
right
ꯌꯦꯠ (Yet)
straight ahead
ꯆꯨꯝꯅ ꯃꯃꯥꯡꯂꯣꯝꯗ (Choom-na Ma-maang-Lom-da)
towards the _____
_____ꯂꯣꯝꯗ (_____Lom-da)
past the _____
_____ ꯂꯥꯟꯊꯣꯛꯄ (_____ Laan-thok-pa)
before the _____
_____ꯒꯤ ꯋꯥꯠꯂꯤꯉꯩꯗ (_____gee waat-lee-ngei-da)
in front of the _____
_____ꯒꯤ ꯃꯃꯥꯡꯗ (_____gee Ma-maang-da)
behind the _____
_____ꯒꯤ ꯃꯅꯤꯡꯗ (_____gee Ma-ning-da)
Watch for the _____.
_____ꯒꯤ ꯌꯦꯡꯕꯤꯌꯨ ꯫ (_____gee Yeng-bee-yoo)
intersection
ꯌꯦꯠꯁꯤꯟ-ꯇꯥꯢꯁꯤꯟꯅꯕ (Yet-sheen—Tai-sheen-na-ba)
inside
ꯃꯅꯨꯡꯗ (Ma-noong-da)
outside
ꯃꯄꯥꯟꯗ (Ma-paan-da)
north
ꯑꯋꯥꯡ (A-waang)
south
ꯈꯥ (Khaa)
east
ꯅꯣꯡꯄꯣꯛ (Nong-pok)
west
ꯅꯣꯡꯆꯨꯞ (Nong-choop)
uphill
ꯆꯤꯡꯊꯛ (Ching-thak)
downhill
ꯆꯤꯡꯈꯥ (Ching-khaa)

Taxi[edit]

Taxi!
ꯇꯦꯛꯁꯤ! (Tek-shee)
Take me to _____, please.
ꯑꯩꯕꯨ _____ꯗ ꯄꯨꯕꯤꯌꯨ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Ei-boo _____da poo-bee-yoo, chaan-bee-doo-na)
How much does it cost to get to _____?
_____ꯐꯥꯎꯕ ꯆꯠꯄꯗ ꯁꯦꯜ ꯀꯌꯥꯗ ꯌꯥꯗꯣꯢꯅꯣ? (_____phao-ba chat-pa-da sel ka-yaa-da yaa-doi-no)
Take me there, please.
ꯑꯩꯕꯨ ꯃꯐꯝꯗꯨꯗ ꯄꯨꯕꯤꯌꯨ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Ei-boo ma-pham-doo-da poo-bee-yoo, chaan-bee-doo-na)
  • Note: The translation of "please" is "chaan-bee-doo-na" in adverb, and "chaan-bee-yoo" in verb. However, in actual native conversation, it is not used. The affix "-bee-" or suffix "-bee-yoo" already show the pleading manners in the verbs.

Lodging[edit]

Do you have any rooms available?
ꯁꯣꯝꯒꯤꯁꯤꯗ ꯑꯍꯥꯡꯕ ꯀꯥꯁꯤꯡ ꯂꯩꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Som-gee-see-da A-haang-ba Kaa-sing Lei-ga-da-raa)
How much is a room for one person/two people?
ꯃꯤ ꯑꯃ/ꯃꯤ ꯑꯅꯤ ꯒꯤ ꯀꯥ ꯑꯃꯗ ꯀꯌꯥ ꯑꯣꯢꯗꯣꯢꯅꯣ? (Mee A-ma/Mee A-nee gee kaa A-ma-da ka-yaa oi-doi-no)
Does the room come with...
ꯀꯥ ꯑꯗꯨ ...ꯒ ꯌꯥꯎꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Kaa a-doo ...ga yaw-ga-da-raa)
...bedsheets?
...ꯐꯃꯨꯡ-ꯐꯥꯅꯨꯡꯁꯤꯡ? (...pha-moong-phaa-noong-sing)
...a bathroom?
...ꯏꯔꯨꯖꯐꯝ ꯀꯥ? (...ee-roo-ja-pham kaa)
...a telephone?
...ꯇꯦꯂꯦꯐꯣꯟ? (...telefon)
...a TV?
...ꯇꯤꯚꯤ? (...tee-vee)
May I see the room first?
ꯑꯩ ꯀꯥꯗꯨ ꯍꯥꯟꯅ ꯌꯦꯡꯖꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei kaa-doo haan-na yeng-ja-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
Do you have anything quieter?
ꯅꯪꯒꯤꯁꯤꯗ ꯍꯦꯟꯅ ꯑꯆꯤꯛꯄ ꯃꯐꯝ ꯂꯩꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Nang-gee-see-da hen-na a-cheek-pa ma-pham Lei-ga-da-raa)
...bigger?
...ꯍꯦꯟꯅ ꯆꯥꯎꯕ? (...hen-na chaaw-ba)
...cleaner?
...ꯍꯦꯟꯅ ꯅꯥꯟꯕ? (...hen-na naan-ba)
...cheaper?
...ꯍꯦꯟꯅ ꯃꯃꯜ ꯍꯣꯡꯕ? (...hen-na ma-mal hong-ba)
OK, I'll take it.
ꯌꯥꯔꯦ, ꯑꯩ ꯂꯩꯔꯒꯦ ꯫ (YAA-RE, Ei Lei-ra-ge)
I will stay for _____ night(s).
ꯑꯩ ꯑꯍꯤꯡ _____ ꯂꯩꯔꯒꯦ ꯫ (Ei A-hing _____ Lei-ra-ge)
Can you suggest another hotel?
ꯑꯇꯣꯞꯄ ꯍꯣꯇꯦꯜ ꯍꯥꯢꯕꯤꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (A-top-pa ho-tel hai-bee-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
Do you have a safe?
Safe ꯂꯩꯕꯔꯥ? (Sef Lei-ba-raa)
...lockers?
...ꯁꯣ ꯂꯣꯟꯕ ꯌꯥꯕ ꯎꯄꯨꯁꯤꯡ? (...Sho Lon-ba yaa-ba oo-poo-sing)
Is breakfast/supper included?
ꯑꯌꯨꯛꯀꯤ/ꯅꯨꯡꯊꯤꯜꯒꯤ ꯆꯥꯅꯕ ꯌꯥꯎꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (A-yook-kee/Noong-theel-gee chaa-na-ba yaw-ga-da-raa)
What time is breakfast/supper?
ꯑꯌꯨꯛꯀꯤ/ꯅꯨꯡꯊꯤꯜꯒꯤ ꯆꯥꯅꯕꯒꯤ ꯃꯇꯝꯁꯤ ꯀꯌꯥꯗꯅꯣ? (A-yook-kee/Noong-theel-gee chaa-na-ba-gee ma-tam-see ka-yaa-da-no)
Please clean my room.
ꯑꯩꯒꯤ ꯀꯥ ꯑꯁꯤ ꯁꯦꯡꯗꯣꯛꯄꯤꯌꯨ ꯫ (Ei-gee kaa a-see sheng-dok-pee-yoo)
Can you wake me at _____?
ꯅꯪ ꯑꯩꯕꯨ _____ꯗ ꯇꯨꯝꯕ ꯍꯧꯗꯣꯛꯄꯤꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Nang ei-boo _____da toom-ba hou-dok-pee-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
I want to check out.
ꯑꯩ ꯂꯩꯕꯒꯤ ꯃꯃꯜ ꯊꯤꯗꯣꯛꯄ ꯄꯥꯝꯂꯦ ꯫ (Ei Lei-ba-gee ma-mal thee-dok-pa Paam-le)

Money[edit]

Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars?
ꯅꯪ American/Australian/Canadian dollars ꯂꯧꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Nang American/Australian/Canadian dollars Lou-ga-da-raa)
Do you accept British pounds?
ꯅꯪ British pounds ꯂꯧꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Nang British pounds Lou-ga-da-raa)
Do you accept credit cards?
ꯅꯪ credit cardsꯇꯒꯤ ꯂꯧꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Nang credit cards-ta-gee Lou-ga-da-raa)
Can you change money for me?
ꯅꯪ ꯑꯩꯒꯤꯗꯃꯛ ꯁꯦꯜ ꯑꯆꯣꯢꯕ ꯀꯥꯢꯕꯤꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Nang ei-gee-da-mak sel a-choy-ba kai-bee-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
Where can I get money changed?
ꯑꯩ ꯀꯗꯥꯢꯗ ꯁꯦꯜ ꯑꯆꯣꯢꯕ ꯀꯥꯢꯕ ꯐꯪꯒꯅꯤ? (Ei ka-dai-da sel a-choy-ba kai-ba phang-ga-nee)
Can you change a traveler's check for me?
ꯅꯪ ꯑꯩꯒꯤꯗꯃꯛ traveler's check ꯑꯃ ꯁꯤꯟꯗꯣꯛꯄꯤꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Nang ei-gee-da-mak traveler's check a-ma shin-dok-pee-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
Where can I get a traveler's check changed?
ꯑꯩ ꯀꯗꯥꯢꯗ traveler's check ꯑꯃ ꯁꯤꯟꯗꯣꯛꯄ ꯐꯪꯒꯅꯤ? (Ei ka-dai-da traveler's check a-ma shin-dok-pa phang-ga-nee)
What is the exchange rate?
exchange rate ꯀꯔꯤꯅꯣ? (exchange rate ka-ree-no)
Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)?
automatic teller machine (ATM) ꯀꯗꯥꯢꯗ ꯂꯩꯒꯦ? (automatic teller machine (ATM) ka-dai-da Lei-gey)

Eating[edit]

A table for one person/two people, please.
ꯃꯤ ꯑꯃꯒꯤ/ꯃꯤ ꯑꯅꯤꯒꯤ ꯐꯥꯟ ꯑꯃ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Mee a-ma-gee/Mee a-nee-gee phaan a-ma, chaan-bee-doo-na)
Can I look at the menu, please?
ꯑꯆꯥ-ꯑꯊꯛꯀꯤ ꯄꯔꯤꯡꯗꯨ ꯌꯦꯡꯖꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ? (A-chaa—a-thak-kee pa-ring-doo yeng-ja-ba yaa-ga-da-raa, chaan-bee-doo-na)
Can I look in the kitchen?
ꯆꯥꯛꯈꯨꯝꯗ ꯌꯦꯡꯖꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Chaak-khoom-da yeng-ja-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
Is there a house speciality?
ꯑꯈꯟꯅꯕ ꯌꯨꯝ ꯂꯩꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (A-khan-na-ba yoom Lei-ga-da-raa)
Is there a local speciality?
ꯑꯈꯟꯅꯕ ꯃꯐꯝ ꯂꯩꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (A-khan-na-ba ma-pham Lei-ga-da-raa)
I'm a vegetarian.
ꯑꯩ ꯃꯅꯥ-ꯃꯁꯤꯡ ꯈꯛꯇ ꯆꯥꯏ ꯫ (Ei ma-naa—ma-shing khak-ta chaa-ee)
I don't eat pork.
ꯑꯩ ꯑꯣꯛꯁꯥ ꯆꯥꯗꯦ ꯫ (Ei ok-shaa chaa-dey)
I don't eat beef.
ꯑꯩ ꯁꯟꯁꯥ ꯆꯥꯗꯦ ꯫ (Ei shan-shaa chaa-dey)
I only eat kosher food.
ꯑꯩ kosher ꯆꯤꯟꯆꯥꯛ ꯈꯛꯇ ꯆꯥꯏ ꯫ (Ei kosher cheen-chaak khak-ta chaa-ee)
Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard)
"ꯊꯥꯎ-ꯊꯨꯝ ꯌꯥꯝꯍꯟꯗꯕ" ꯌꯥꯕꯤꯒꯗꯔꯥ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ? ("Thaa-oo—Thoom yaam-han-da-ba" yaa-bee-ga-da-raa, chaan-bee-doo-na)
fixed-price meal
ꯑꯀꯛꯅꯕ-ꯆꯥꯕꯒꯤ ꯃꯃꯜ (A-kak-na-ba—chaa-ba-gee ma-mal)
a la carte
ꯇꯣꯉꯥꯟꯕ ꯑꯍꯦꯟꯕ ꯆꯥꯅꯕ (Tow-ngaan-ba a-hen-ba chaa-na-ba)
breakfast
ꯑꯌꯨꯛꯀꯤ ꯆꯥꯅꯕ (A-yook-kee chaa-na-ba)
lunch
ꯅꯨꯃꯤꯠꯌꯨꯡꯕ ꯃꯇꯝꯒꯤ ꯆꯥꯅꯕ (Noo-meet-yoong-ba ma-tam-gee chaa-na-ba)
tea (drink)
ꯆꯥ (Chaa)
tea (meal)
ꯆꯥ ꯊꯛꯄꯒ ꯂꯣꯢꯅꯅꯕ ꯆꯥꯅꯕ (Chaa thak-pa-ga loy-na-na-ba chaa-na-ba)
supper
ꯅꯨꯡꯊꯤꯜꯒꯤ ꯆꯥꯅꯕ (Noong-theel-gee chaa-na-ba)
I want _____.
ꯑꯩ _____ ꯄꯥꯝꯃꯤ ꯫ (Ei _____ paam-mee)
I want a dish containing _____.
ꯑꯩ _____ ꯌꯥꯎꯕ ꯆꯥꯅꯕ ꯄꯥꯝꯃꯤ ꯫ (Ei _____ yao-ba chaa-na-ba paam-mee)
chicken
ꯌꯦꯟ ꯊꯣꯡꯕ (Yen Thong-ba)
beef
ꯁꯟ ꯊꯣꯡꯕ (Shan Thong-ba)
fish
ꯉꯥ (Ngaa)
ham
ꯑꯣꯛꯁꯥ (Ok-shaa)
sausage
sausage (Sausage)
cheese
ꯆꯤꯖ (Cheez)
eggs
ꯌꯦꯔꯨꯝꯁꯤꯡ (Ye-room-sing)
salad
ꯁꯤꯡꯖꯨ (Sing-joo)
(fresh) vegetables
(ꯇꯒꯠ-ꯇꯒꯠ ꯇꯦꯛꯄ) ꯃꯅꯥ-ꯃꯁꯤꯡ ((Ta-gat—ta-gat tek-pa) ma-naa—ma-sing)
(fresh) fruit
(ꯇꯒꯠ-ꯇꯒꯠ ꯇꯦꯛꯄ) ꯎꯍꯩ ((Ta-gat—ta-gat tek-pa) oo-hei)
bread
ꯕ꯭ꯔꯦꯗ (Bred)
toast
ꯇꯣꯁ꯭ꯠ (Tost)
noodles
ꯅꯨꯗꯜꯁꯤꯡ (Noo-dal-sing)
rice
ꯆꯥꯛ (Chaak)
beans
ꯍꯋꯥꯢꯁꯤꯡ (Ha-wai-sing)
May I have a glass of _____?
ꯑꯩ _____ ꯒ꯭ꯂꯥꯁ ꯑꯃꯇ ꯐꯪꯖꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei _____ glaas a-ma-ta phang-ja-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
May I have a cup of _____?
ꯑꯩ _____ ꯀꯞ ꯑꯃꯇ ꯐꯪꯖꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei _____ cup a-ma-ta phang-ja-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
May I have a bottle of _____?
ꯑꯩ _____ ꯕꯠꯇꯜ ꯑꯃꯇ ꯐꯪꯖꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei _____ ba-tal a-ma-ta phang-ja-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
coffee
ꯀꯣꯐꯤ (Ko-phee)
juice
ꯍꯩ ꯃꯍꯤ (Hei ma-hee)
(bubbly) water
ꯀꯣꯡꯒꯣꯜ ꯀꯥꯕ ꯏꯁꯤꯡ (Kong-gol kaa-ba ee-shing)
water
ꯏꯁꯤꯡ (Ee-shing)
beer
ꯌꯨ (Yoo)
red/white wine
ꯑꯉꯥꯡꯕ/ꯑꯉꯧꯕ ꯌꯨ (A-ngaang-ba/A-ngou-ba yoo)
May I have some _____?
ꯑꯩ _____ ꯈꯔ ꯐꯪꯖꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei _____ kha-ra phang-ja-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
salt
ꯊꯨꯝ (Thoom)
black pepper
ꯑꯃꯨꯕ ꯃꯣꯔꯣꯛ (A-moo-ba mo-rok)
butter
ꯘꯤ (Ghee)
Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server)
ꯀꯔꯤꯒꯨꯝꯕ ꯑꯃꯇ, ꯋꯦꯇꯔ? (Ka-ree-goom-ba a-ma-ta, wey-tar)
I'm finished.
ꯑꯩ ꯂꯣꯢꯔꯦ ꯫ (Ei Loi-rey)
It was delicious.
ꯌꯥꯝ ꯍꯥꯎꯋꯦ ꯫ (Yaam hao-wey)
Please clear the plates.
ꯄꯨꯈꯝꯁꯤꯡ ꯑꯁꯤ ꯁꯦꯡꯗꯣꯛꯄꯤꯌꯨ ꯫ (Pao-khoom-sing a-see sheng-dok-pee-yoo)
The check, please.
ꯃꯃꯜ ꯄꯥꯊꯣꯛꯄ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Ma-mal paa-thok-pa, chaan-bee-doo-na)

Bars[edit]

Do you serve alcohol?
ꯌꯨ ꯌꯥꯎꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Yoo yao-ga-da-raa)
Is there table service?
ꯐꯥꯟ ꯊꯥꯕꯤꯕꯔꯥ? (Phaan thaa-bee-baa-raa)
A beer/two beers, please.
ꯌꯨ ꯑꯃ/ꯌꯨ ꯑꯅꯤ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Yoo a-ma/Yoo a-nee, chaan-bee-doo-na)
A glass of red/white wine, please.
ꯌꯨꯉꯧ/ꯌꯨꯉꯥꯡ ꯒ꯭ꯂꯥꯁ ꯑꯃ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Yoo-ngou/Yoo-ngaang glaas a-ma, chaan-bee-doo-na)
A pint, please.
pint, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Pint, chaan-bee-doo-na)
A bottle, please.
ꯕꯠꯇꯜ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Bat-tal, chaan-bee-doo-na)
_____ (hard liquor) and _____ (mixer), please.
_____ ꯑꯃꯗꯤ _____, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (_____ a-ma-dee _____, chaan-bee-doo-na)
whiskey
whiskey (whiskey)
vodka
vodka (vodka)
rum
rum (rum)
water
ꯏꯁꯤꯡ (Ee-shing)
club soda
club soda (club soda)
tonic water
tonic ꯏꯁꯤꯡ (tonic ee-shing)
orange juice
ꯀꯣꯝꯂꯥ ꯍꯩ ꯃꯍꯤ (kom-Laa hei ma-hee)
Coke (soda)
Coke (Coke)
Do you have any bar snacks?
bar snacks ꯂꯩꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Bar snacks Lei-ga-da-raa)
One more, please.
ꯑꯃꯒ ꯑꯃꯨꯛ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (A-ma-ga a-mook, chaan-bee-doo-na)
Another round, please.
round ꯑꯃꯒ, ꯆꯥꯟꯕꯤꯗꯨꯅ ꯫ (Round a-ma-ga, chaan-bee-doo-na)
When is closing time?
ꯂꯣꯟꯕꯒꯤ ꯃꯇꯝ ꯀꯌꯥꯗꯅꯣ? (Lon-ba-gee ma-tam ka-yaa-da-no)
Cheers!
ꯅꯨꯉꯥꯢꯔꯁꯦ! (Noo-ngai-ra-se)

Shopping[edit]

Do you have this in my size?
ꯃꯁꯤ ꯑꯩꯒꯤ ꯆꯥꯎꯕꯒꯤ ꯆꯥꯡ ꯑꯁꯤꯗ ꯂꯩꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ma-see ei-gee chao-ba-gee chaang a-see-da Lei-ga-da-raa)
How much is this?
ꯃꯁꯤ ꯀꯌꯥ ꯑꯣꯢꯒꯅꯤ? (Ma-see ka-yaa oy-ga-nee)
That's too expensive.
ꯃꯗꯨꯗꯤ ꯌꯥꯝ ꯇꯥꯡꯃꯜꯂꯤ ꯫ (Ma-doo-dee yaam taang-mal-Lee)
Would you take _____?
ꯂꯨꯄꯥ _____ꯗ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Loo-paa _____da yaa-ga-da-raa)
expensive
ꯇꯥꯡꯃꯜꯂꯦ (Taang-mal-Ley)
cheap
ꯍꯣꯡꯉꯦ (Hong-ngey)
I can't afford it.
ꯑꯩ ꯂꯩꯕ ꯉꯝꯃꯣꯢꯌꯦ ꯫ (Ei Lei-ba ngam-moy-ye)
I don't want it.
ꯑꯩ ꯑꯗꯨ ꯄꯥꯝꯗꯦ ꯫ (Ei a-doo paam-dey)
You're cheating me.
ꯅꯪ ꯑꯩꯉꯣꯟꯗ ꯃꯤꯅꯝꯂꯦ ꯫ (Nang ei-ngon-da mee-nam-Ley)
I'm not interested.
ꯑꯩ ꯀꯌꯥ ꯄꯥꯝꯗꯦ ꯫ (Ei ka-yaa paam-dey)
OK, I'll take it.
ꯍꯣꯢ, ꯑꯩ ꯑꯗꯨ ꯂꯧꯔꯒꯦ ꯫ (HOI, Ei a-doo Lou-ra-gey)
Can I have a bag?
ꯑꯩ ꯈꯥꯎ ꯑꯃ ꯂꯧꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei khaao a-ma Lou-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
Do you ship (overseas)?
ꯅꯪ ꯍꯤꯗ ꯆꯠꯄꯔꯥ (ꯏꯄꯥꯛ ꯂꯥꯟꯕ)? (Nang hee-da chat-pa-raa (ee-paak Laan-ba))
I need...
ꯑꯩ ... ꯗꯔꯀꯥꯔ ꯑꯣꯢꯔꯦ ꯫ (Ei ... dar-kaar oy-rey)
...toothpaste.
...ꯌꯥ ꯊꯤꯟꯅꯕ ꯄꯦꯁ꯭ꯠ ꯫ (...yaa theen-na-ba pes)
...a toothbrush.
...ꯌꯥ ꯊꯤꯟꯅꯕ ꯕ꯭ꯔꯁ ꯫ (...yaa theen-na-ba brush)
...tampons.
...ꯊꯥꯒꯤ ꯃꯥꯡꯕ ꯃꯦꯟꯅꯕ ꯐꯤ ꯫ (...thaa-gee maang-ba men-na-ba phee)
...soap.
...ꯁꯥꯄꯣꯟ ꯫ (...saa-pon)
...shampoo.
...ꯆꯤꯡꯍꯤ ꯫ (...ching-hee)
...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen)
...ꯑꯅꯥꯕ ꯈꯥꯡꯅꯕ ꯍꯤꯗꯥꯛ ꯫ (...a-naa-ba khaang-na-ba hee-daak)
...cold medicine.
...ꯂꯣꯛ ꯂꯥꯢꯍꯧꯒꯤ ꯍꯤꯗꯥꯛ ꯫ (...Lok Lai-hou-gee hee-daak)
...stomach medicine.
...ꯆꯥꯛꯈꯥꯎꯒꯤ ꯍꯤꯗꯥꯛ ꯫ (...chaak-khao-gee hee-daak)
...a razor.
...ꯀꯣꯢ ꯐꯥꯟꯅꯕ ꯈꯨꯠꯂꯥꯢ ꯫ (...koy phaan-na-ba khoot-Lai)
...an umbrella.
...ꯁꯥꯇꯤꯟ ꯫ (...saa-teen) or ...ꯄꯦ ꯫ (...pey)
...sunblock lotion.
...ꯅꯨꯡꯁꯥ ꯉꯥꯛꯊꯣꯛꯅꯕ ꯀ꯭ꯔꯤꯝ ꯫ (...noong-shaa ngaak-thok-na-ba kreem)
...a postcard.
...ꯄꯣꯁ꯭ꯠꯀꯥꯔ꯭ꯗ ꯫ (...postcard)
...postage stamps.
...postage stamp ꯃꯌꯥꯝ ꯫ (...postage stamp ma-yaam)
...batteries.
...battery ꯃꯌꯥꯝ ꯫ (...battery ma-yaam)
...writing paper.
...ꯏꯅꯕ ꯆꯦ ꯫ (...ee-na-ba chey)
...a pen.
...ꯀꯣꯂꯣꯝ ꯫ (...ko-Lom) or ...ꯈꯣꯔꯖꯩ ꯫ (...khor-jei)
...English-language books.
...English-ꯂꯣꯟꯒꯤ ꯂꯥꯢꯔꯤꯛꯁꯤꯡ ꯫ (...English-Lon-gee Lai-reek-sing)
...English-language magazines.
...English-ꯂꯣꯟꯒꯤ ꯆꯦꯐꯣꯡꯁꯤꯡ ꯫ (...English-Lon-gee chey-phong-sing)
...an English-language newspaper.
...English-ꯂꯣꯟꯒꯤ ꯄꯥꯎꯆꯦ ꯫ (...English-Lon-gee pao-chey)
...an English-English dictionary.
...English-English ꯂꯣꯟꯀꯩ ꯂꯥꯢꯔꯤꯛ ꯫ (...English-English Lon-kei Lai-reek)

Driving[edit]

I want to rent a car.
ꯑꯩ ꯀꯥꯔ ꯑꯃ ꯋꯥꯢꯕ ꯄꯥꯝꯃꯤ ꯫ (Ei kaar a-ma wai-ba paam-mee)
Can I get insurance?
ꯑꯩ insurance ꯐꯪꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei insurance phang-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)
stop (on a street sign)
ꯉꯥꯢꯈꯣ (Ngai-kho)
one way
ꯂꯝꯕꯦꯜ ꯑꯃ (Lam-bel a-ma)
yield
ꯑꯇꯩ ꯍꯥꯟꯅ ꯆꯠꯍꯜꯂꯣ (A-tei haan-na chat-hal-Lo)
no parking
ꯈꯥꯝꯕ ꯌꯥꯗꯦ (Khaam-ba yaa-dey)
speed limit
ꯌꯥꯡꯕꯒꯤ ꯆꯥꯡ ꯑꯀꯛꯅꯕ (Yaang-ba-gee chaang a-kak-na-ba)
gas (petrol) station
gas station (gas station)
petrol
petrol (petrol)
diesel
diesel (diesel)

Authority[edit]

I haven't done anything wrong.
ꯑꯩꯅ ꯑꯀꯥꯢꯕ ꯀꯩꯁꯨ ꯇꯧꯈꯤꯗꯦ ꯫ (Ei-na a-kaai-ba kei-soo tou-khee-dey)
It was a misunderstanding.
ꯃꯗꯨ ꯂꯥꯟꯅ ꯂꯧꯅꯈꯤꯕꯅꯤ ꯫ (Ma-doo Laan-na Lou-na-khee-ba-nee)
Where are you taking me?
ꯅꯪꯅ ꯑꯩꯕꯨ ꯀꯥꯢꯗ ꯄꯨꯔꯤꯅꯣ? (Nang-na ei-boo ka-dai-da poo-ree-ba-no)
Am I under arrest?
ꯑꯩꯕꯨ ꯐꯥꯖꯤꯜꯂꯤꯕꯔꯥ? (Ei-boo phaa-jeel-Lee-ba-raa)
I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.
ꯑꯩ American/Australian/British/Canadian ꯃꯆꯥ ꯅꯤ ꯫ (Ei American/Australian/British/Canadian ma-chaa nee)
I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate.
ꯑꯩ American/Australian/British/Canadian ꯃꯤꯍꯨꯠꯇ ꯋꯥꯔꯤ ꯁꯥꯟꯅꯅꯤꯡꯉꯤ ꯫ (Ei American/Australian/British/Canadian mee-hoot-ta waa-ree saa-na-ning-ngee)
I want to talk to a lawyer.
ꯑꯩ ꯎꯀꯤꯜ ꯑꯃꯒ ꯋꯥꯔꯤ ꯁꯥꯟꯅꯅꯤꯡꯉꯤ ꯫ (Ei oo-keel a-ma-ga waa-ree saa-na-ning-ngee)
Can I just pay a fine now?
ꯑꯩ ꯍꯧꯖꯤꯛ fine ꯊꯤꯕ ꯌꯥꯒꯗꯔꯥ? (Ei hou-jeek fine thee-ba yaa-ga-da-raa)


This Manipuri phrasebook is a usable article. It explains pronunciation and the bare essentials of travel communication. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.