Malaysia is well known for its vibrant and diverse nature that carries an abundance of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural enriches. Whether you are planning a tour to Malaysia or thinking of living there, you have to start yourself dealing with the Malay language.
Learning and speaking in Malay language helps to captivate great interest but it is not about mastering a new language. However, it is handy to know some useful Malay phrases that can help you not only to communicate but also to have a better experience in the Malay speaking regions.There is a need to build proficiency in the Malay language and this can open doors to diverse opportunities in various ways. Though in some places you may need translation, but it is still best to know some of the common phrases to be quick in the communication.
Let’s dive deep and learn about Malay language and its common phrases:
Understanding Malay Language History
Malaysia is home to some of the world’s leading industries and this has made the Malay language a popular option for various businesses to establish operations. The history of the Malaysian language started with Proto-Malayo-Polynesian which was one of the common languages among the ancestors.
As time went on and things evolved, the language has seen huge changes that developed into different forms. The language evolved from Old Malay, Classical Malay, and now Modern Malay which is spoken by millions of people. When you go to countries like Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia, you’ll easily find Malay speakers.
Common Malay Phrases That You Should Know
Many people who are new to the Malay language always look out for the common phrases that help to understand things well. Here are the basic Malay phrases everyone that can help you to interact in a better way:
1- Phrases For Greetings
Different circumstances call for different levels of formality and there are places where you have to absolutely clear. Look at the basic greeting phrases in the Malay language:
a)- Yes/no = Ya(yah) /tidak(tee-dak)
When you are in a situation where you have to simply respond with yes or no, memorize this phrase quickly. This will be your most-used phrases in Malaysia and you need to remember them well.
b)- You’re welcome= Sama-sama (saa-ma saa-ma)
Being friendly and helping others is a great job and when someone says thank you, be sure to say “sama-sama” in return.
c)- Thank you= Terima kasih (te-ree-mah ka-seh)
Malaysian people are highly friendly and they are always ready to assist you. You can bring a smile to their face by saying “Terima kasih” to express your gratitude.
d)- Goodbye = Selamat tinggal (S’LAH-maht TING-gahl)
We all say “Bye,” but when you want to say it in the formal “Selamat tinggal” must be your choice to impress others.
2. Phrases Related to Directions
Whether you want to visit your new office, tourist destination, or friend’s house, sometimes we get a lot up in the directions. You may encounter such phrases helpful when interacting with the Malay speakers:
a)- Can you speak English = Bolehkah anda berbahasa Inggeris
Stop stressing yourself if you are unable to find a particular location, and using this phrase can help you to get assistance in English language.
b)- Turn right / left= Belok kanan (beh-lock kaa-naan ) / Belok kiri ( beh-lock kee-ree)
If you’ve asked for directions to somewhere and you’ve heard the above phrase, then you now have a clear answer to which direction you’ve to go for.
c)- Go straight= Jalan terus (zha-lan te-roos)
The phrase itself has the meaning, “Jalan” means “walk” and “terus” means “straight.” This is one of the easiest phrases that you can learn.
d)- Where is the toilet = Di mana tandas (DEE muh-nuh TAHN-das)
People often have to search for toilets at public places and in most cases you can use this phrase to end your hunt.
3. Phrases Related To Shopping
Malaysian people only prefer to use the Malay language and many foreign businesses have to go for absolute Malay translation to see good sales. However, your purchasing experience can be confusing if you don’t get things right. Here are a few phrases that will help you.
a)- How much= Berapa (be-raa-paa)
You can easily use this phrase when you want to know the cost of anything and according to that you can get it clear by following the numeric value of the country.
b)- I don’t understand = Saya tidak faham (saa-yah tee-dak faa-haam)
You don’t have to be stressed if any individual starts up a conversation with you. You can politely say this phrase and they will understand it in a better way.
c)- Expensive= Mahal (maa-hal)
If you are interested in buying something but it is going out of your budget, simply saying it can help you to bargain much more easily.
d)- Please=Tolong (toh-long)
When you are asking to get things done for you, “Tolong” in the Malay language means “help” and this will easily help you to get things done.
4- Phrases Good To Use
At Any EateryFrom ordering things to appreciating, you must know the right phrases to make your interaction better. Here are a few phrases that you can opt for:
a)- Tasty= Sedap (se-daap)
If you have a meal that hits right at your taste buds, let them know by leaving a tip and a good review online.
b)- Water= Air (ah-yer)
Feeling thirsty and want some water? Use the phrase “air” and water will be available to you.
c)- No milk= Tanpa susu (tan-pa soo-soo)
If you are dairy intolerant and want to go dairy-free, don’t forget to use this phrase when trying something new in drinks.
How To Be Best In Malay Conversation
Above, you’ve learned some common Malay phrases, but when you want to learn the language, you’ll need patience and follow the process. Here are a few tips that will help you:
a)- Try practicing the phrases while communicating with the native speaker.
b)- Prefer to listen to how native speakers use these phrases and pay attention to the tone, intonation, and body language.
c)- Learn to use the phrase with the right context so you can use the appropriate phrase for the situation.
d)- Allow to use non-verbal cues such as gestures or facial expressions as this will help communicate your meaning.
e)- Don’t get into the complex sentences or vocabulary too early as this can make things challenging for you.
Remember that learning a new language takes time but if there is a situation where you have to deal with the Malay language accurately; try to go for the translation solutions. Professional translators know well about what is Malay translation and how to deliver it. This can help you to deal best in any professional settings.
Conclusion
Communicating with the new language speakers will take time to be at your fingertips but you can simply use a few phrases to communicate and impress the locals. In different scenarios, where accuracy matters a lot, don’t take a chance and prefer to get with professional translation solutions. We have native Malay speakers who are trained translators and they can help you with your translation requirements.
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