In the Burmese language, Burma is known as either Myanma or Bama. Myanma is the written, literary name of the country, while Bama is the spoken name of the country.

"Burma" has been in use in English since the time of British colonial rule.

In 1989 the military government changed the translations of English and this included changing the country name to "Myanmar". Those who don't recognise the legitimacy of the Military government use ''Burma''.