Translation guide
The country name 'Burma' is most commonly expressed as ミャンマー (Myanmar) in modern Japanese. The older name ビルマ (Biruma) is also understood but less common. This guide explains how to refer to the country and related terms.
Referring to the country of Burma/Myanmar
This is the standard modern Japanese name for Myanmar/Burma. It is used in news, official contexts, and everyday conversation.
This is the older Japanese name for Burma. It is still understood, especially in historical contexts or by older generations, but ミャンマー is preferred today.
Describing something as Burmese or from Burma
This means 'Burmese' or 'of Myanmar'. It is formed by adding の to the country name.
ミャンマーの料理は美味しいです。
Burmese food is delicious.
This is the older form, meaning 'Burmese'. It may appear in historical or literary contexts.
ミャンマーは東南アジアの国です。
Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia.
Burma is the old name.
ビルマの歴史を勉強しています。
I am studying Burmese history.