Proverbs are important in Bhutan. They're even featured on the walls of some schools.

This proverb is about how Bhutenese red rice is valued more highly than Indian white rice. The actual expression in the 2nd line is - to be looked at with the whites of the eyes -which means to be looked at with animosity or suspicion.

To Give White Rice - Bhutanese Children's Songs - Bhutan - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World - Intro Image

Notes

General Pronunciation:

To kap pha bj'ing
Mito kap tshu ta

To Give White Rice - Bhutanese Children's Songs - Bhutan - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World - Comment After Song Image

Thanks and Acknowledgements

This proverb can be found in "The Grammar of Dzongkha" by Dr. George van Driem (1992). Translation adapted by Lisa.

Kaadinchhey la!