Common Phrases In English/Malay

Majority of Malaysians speak in English, but it could be helpful if you know a few malay words.

It could make your stay here in Malaysia a bit easier too!

Here, we can help you to learn a few malay words.

Greetings and a few essentials

Thank you / Terima kasih

You can thank the locals with a ‘terima kasih’. They’ll definitely be happy seeing you greet them in the local language.

You’re welcome / Sama-sama

If someone thanks you, you can reply them with ‘sama-sama’. It’s the same as saying ‘you’re welcome’!

Yes-No / Ya-Tidak

Ya and tidak is the most common used word and is used daily. Ya refers to ‘YES’ and tidak refers to ‘NO’. You can use this word to agree or to deny something.

Goodbye / Selamat Jalan

You can say ‘selamat jalan’ when you’re leaving a certain place.

Good morning / Selamat Pagi

You can use this word to greet a person in the morning. It’ll definitely make the locals feel happy to see you greeting them in the local language.

Please / Tolong

‘Tolong’ could mean ‘help’ ( more commonly used when you need a favor, or when you’re in an emergency situation), or it could also mean ‘please’.

Can / Boleh

If anyone tells you ‘boleh’, that means they approve of something or it simply means ‘can’.

How much? / Berapa?

If you’re about to buy something, it is better to ask them the price before making the final purchase. And hey, who knows, maybe you could even get a discount for asking them in the local language.

Delicious / Sedap

This is when your food tastes yummy and you want to compliment them. This will make them happy as you’re appreciating the food they made.