Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan and is classified under the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. According to the eLinguistics.net analysis using specific software modules to assess linguistic relationships, the five languages most similar to Dzongkha are Tibetan, Hakka, Burmese, Meitei, and Cantonese.
- Tibetan (70.9)
Tibetan is perhaps the language most intimately connected with Dzongkha. Both languages belong to the same Tibeto-Burman subgroup and share a considerable amount of vocabulary, grammatical structure, and even elements of pronunciation. They were once part of the same language, but over time geographic separation and distinct cultural developments have given each language its unique identity. - Hakka (38.5)
Hakka is one of the major Chinese languages spoken by the Hakka people in southern China, Taiwan, and throughout the global Chinese diaspora. Although it belongs to the Sinitic branch of the Sino-Tibetan family—a branch that diverged early from the Tibeto-Burman languages like Dzongkha—the connections remain part of a larger shared heritage. - Burmese (36.2)
Burmese, the official language of Myanmar, is another prominent member of the Tibeto-Burman family. It exhibits a subject–object–verb order similar to Dzongkha, which is one of the features linking these languages. Both languages also employ tonal variations. Historically, the exchange between Buddhist cultures in the Himalayan and Southeast Asian regions fostered shared religious and cultural vocabularies. - Meitei (32.5)
Meitei and Dzongkha have both converged and diverged over time. Their shared roots offer a window into the deep historical connections that span across South Asia. While Meitei reflects the vibrant traditions of India’s Manipur with its indigenous script and multifaceted cultural heritage, Dzongkha embodies the historical and religious narratives of Bhutan through its Buddhist-influenced lexicon. - Cantonese (25.8)
Cantonese is widely spoken in the Guangdong province of China, Hong Kong, and Macau. It is known for its rich colloquial expressions and vibrant tonal system. As with Hakka, Cantonese is part of the Sinitic branch and shares deep historical roots with other Chinese languages.
(to be considered for the list, the language must be spoken by at least one million people)