Learn Basic Malay

Visiting Malaysia? 

Malay is the major language spoken in Malaysia. Although Malaysians can understand and speak english well, it’s good to learn some local phrases when you visit a foreign land.

Here are some useful phrases and words you can use when you explore to Malaysia.

Basic Conversation

Welcome – Selamat Datang

Good Morning – Selamat pagi (slum-mut PUH-GUEE)

Good night – Selamat malam

Thank you – Terima kasih

You are welcome – Sama sama

Goodbye – Selamat jalan

What is your name? – Siapa nama anda? (siah-puh NUM-muh UN-duh?)

My name is ______ .  – Nama saya ______ .  

I am happy to meet you  – Saya gembira jumpa awak.

How are you? – Apa khabar? (AH-pAh KAH-bar?)

I’m fine – Khabar baik

I’m sorry – Minta maaf

Please – Sila / Tolong (see-LUH)

Help – Tolong (TOH-long)

Yes. – Ya.  

No. – Tidak.  (TEE-duck)

Maybe – Boleh jadi.  

Excuse me. – Maaf.  

Where is the toilet? – Di mana tandas? (DEE muh-nuh TAHN-das ?)

Common Signs

Entrance – Masuk

Exit – Keluar

Push – Tolak

Pull – Tarik

Restroom – Tandas

Open – Buka

Closed – Tutup

Men – Lelaki

Woman – Wanita

Don’t worry, most of their products are labelled in English and signs/directions are also written in English.  Hope this phrases can help you on your trip. Enjoy some local conversations! 

xoxo!