One of the most basic and essential phrases in any language is the word for “welcome.” In Malay, “welcome” is translated to Selamat Datang. This phrase is used frequently when greeting someone who is arriving at your home, office, or country. The literal translation is “happy arrival,” which conveys a warm and inviting sentiment.
Terima Kasih – Thank You
Expressing gratitude is a universal gesture, and in Malay, you say Terima Kasih to mean “thank you.” This phrase is paramount for anyone learning the language as it is used in a multitude of social interactions. Terima means “to receive,” and Kasih means “love” or “affection,” making the phrase literally translate to “receive love.”
Sama-sama – You’re Welcome
When someone thanks you, it’s polite to respond with Sama-sama, which means “you’re welcome.” This phrase is commonly used in Malaysia and Indonesia, and it reflects the reciprocal nature of gratitude in Malay culture.
Selamat Pagi – Good Morning
Greeting someone in the morning is a common courtesy, and in Malay, you say Selamat Pagi. Selamat means “safe” or “blessed,” and Pagi means “morning.” This phrase is used from dawn until around 10 AM.
Selamat Tengah Hari – Good Afternoon
After the morning hours, you can greet someone with Selamat Tengah Hari, which translates to “Good Afternoon.” Tengah Hari literally means “midday,” and this phrase is typically used from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Selamat Petang – Good Evening
As the day progresses, the greeting changes to Selamat Petang, which means “Good Evening.” Petang refers to the period from 3 PM until sunset. This phrase is perfect for greeting someone during the later part of the day.
Selamat Malam – Good Night
When it’s time to say goodbye for the night, you can use Selamat Malam, which means “Good Night.” Malam means “night,” and this phrase is used after sunset and before going to bed.
Bagaimana Khabar? – How Are You?
Inquiring about someone’s well-being is a common practice in many cultures. In Malay, you ask Bagaimana Khabar? to mean “How are you?” Bagaimana means “how,” and Khabar means “news” or “information,” so the phrase literally translates to “how is the news?”
Khabar Baik – I’m Fine
When someone asks you how you are, a common response is Khabar Baik, which means “I’m fine.” Baik means “good” or “well,” making this a simple yet effective way to convey that you are doing alright.
Maaf – Sorry
Apologizing is an important part of social interactions, and in Malay, you say Maaf to mean “sorry.” This phrase is used in various contexts, whether you are apologizing for a mistake or expressing sympathy.
Tolong – Please
When you need to ask for a favor or make a request, you use the word Tolong, which means “please.” This phrase is essential for polite conversation and helps convey respect and courtesy.
Jangan Risau – Don’t Worry
Reassurance is often needed in conversations, and in Malay, you say Jangan Risau to mean “don’t worry.” Jangan means “don’t,” and Risau means “worry,” making this a comforting phrase.
Selamat Jalan – Goodbye
When it’s time to part ways, you can say Selamat Jalan, which means “Goodbye.” Jalan means “road” or “path,” so this phrase can be interpreted as “safe journey.”
Selamat Tinggal – Farewell
For a more formal farewell, you can use Selamat Tinggal, which means “farewell.” Tinggal means “stay,” so the phrase can be interpreted as “stay safely.”
Jumpa Lagi – See You Again
If you plan to see someone again, you can say Jumpa Lagi, which means “see you again.” Jumpa means “meet,” and Lagi means “again,” making this phrase ideal for casual goodbyes.
Berapa Harga? – How Much is This?
Shopping requires you to ask about prices, and in Malay, you say Berapa Harga? to mean “how much is this?” Berapa means “how much,” and Harga means “price.”
Di Mana Tandas? – Where is the Bathroom?
One of the most crucial phrases when traveling is knowing how to ask where the bathroom is. In Malay, you ask Di Mana Tandas? which means “where is the bathroom?” Di Mana means “where,” and Tandas means “bathroom.”
Saya Tidak Faham – I Don’t Understand
When you are learning a new language, you might need to express that you don’t understand something. In Malay, you say Saya Tidak Faham, which means “I don’t understand.” Saya means “I,” Tidak means “not,” and Faham means “understand.”
Boleh Ulangi? – Can You Repeat?
If you need someone to repeat what they said, you can ask Boleh Ulangi? which means “can you repeat?” Boleh means “can,” and Ulangi means “repeat.”
Di Mana? – Where?
To ask for directions or locations, you use Di Mana? which means “where?” This phrase is useful for navigating and finding your way around.
Apa Khabar? – What’s Up?
For a more casual greeting, you can use Apa Khabar? which means “what’s up?” Apa means “what,” and Khabar means “news.”
Jangan Lupa – Don’t Forget
To remind someone of something, you can say Jangan Lupa, which means “don’t forget.” Jangan means “don’t,” and Lupa means “forget.”
Sekejap – Just a Moment
If you need someone to wait for a short time, you can say Sekejap, which means “just a moment.” This phrase is useful in various situations where a brief pause is needed.
Tak Mengapa – It’s Okay
To reassure someone or let them know that everything is fine, you can say Tak Mengapa, which means “it’s okay.” Tak means “not,” and Mengapa means “matter.”
Saya Suka – I Like
When expressing your preferences, you can say Saya Suka, which means “I like.” Saya means “I,” and Suka means “like.”
Saya Tidak Suka – I Don’t Like
Conversely, if you want to express dislike, you can say Saya Tidak Suka, which means “I don’t like.” Tidak means “not,” and Suka means “like.”
Adakah Anda Boleh Bercakap Bahasa Inggeris? – Can You Speak English?
When you need to find someone who can speak English, you can ask Adakah Anda Boleh Bercakap Bahasa Inggeris? which means “can you speak English?” Adakah is a question marker, Anda means “you,” Boleh means “can,” Bercakap means “speak,” and Bahasa Inggeris means “English.”
Saya Tidak Tahu – I Don’t Know
If you are unsure about something, you can say Saya Tidak Tahu, which means “I don’t know.” Tahu means “know.”
Saya Perlukan Bantuan – I Need Help
In times of need, you can say Saya Perlukan Bantuan, which means “I need help.” Perlukan means “need,” and Bantuan means “help.”
Selamat Hari Jadi – Happy Birthday
Celebrating birthdays is a joyous occasion, and in Malay, you say Selamat Hari Jadi to mean “happy birthday.” Hari Jadi means “birthday.”
Selamat Tahun Baru – Happy New Year
For New Year celebrations, you say Selamat Tahun Baru, which means “happy new year.” Tahun Baru means “new year.”
Selamat Hari Raya – Happy Eid
During the festive season of Eid, you can greet people with Selamat Hari Raya, which means “happy Eid.” Hari Raya refers to the festive days of Eid.
Semoga Berjaya – Good Luck
To wish someone success, you say Semoga Berjaya, which means “good luck.” Semoga means “hope,” and Berjaya means “success.”
Berhati-hati – Be Careful
When you want someone to be cautious, you can say Berhati-hati, which means “be careful.” Hati means “heart,” and the repetition emphasizes caution.
Jangan Bimbang – Don’t Worry
To provide comfort, you can say Jangan Bimbang, which means “don’t worry.” Bimbang means “worry.”
Saya Cinta Kamu – I Love You
Expressing love is universal, and in Malay, you say Saya Cinta Kamu to mean “I love you.” Cinta means “love,” and Kamu means “you.”
Awak Cantik – You Are Beautiful
To compliment someone, you can say Awak Cantik, which means “you are beautiful.” Cantik means “beautiful.”
Gembira Bertemu Anda – Nice to Meet You
When meeting someone for the first time, you can say Gembira Bertemu Anda, which means “nice to meet you.” Gembira means “happy,” and Bertemu means “meet.”
Selamat Datang Kembali – Welcome Back
To welcome someone back, you say Selamat Datang Kembali, which means “welcome back.” Kembali means “return.”
Semoga Cepat Sembuh – Get Well Soon
Wishing someone a speedy recovery, you say Semoga Cepat Sembuh, which means “get well soon.” Cepat means “fast,” and Sembuh means “recover.”
Sila Duduk – Please Sit
Inviting someone to sit down, you say Sila Duduk, which means “please sit.” Duduk means “sit.”
Sila Masuk – Please Come In
Welcoming someone into a room or house, you say Sila Masuk, which means “please come in.” Masuk means “enter.”
Selamat Makan – Enjoy Your Meal
Before someone starts eating, you can say Selamat Makan, which means “enjoy your meal.” Makan means “eat.”
Selamat Berehat – Have a Good Rest
Wishing someone a good rest, you say Selamat Berehat, which means “have a good rest.” Berehat means “rest.”
Selamat Bercuti – Have a Good Holiday
Wishing someone a good holiday, you say Selamat Bercuti, which means “have a good holiday.” Bercuti means “holiday.”
Jangan Lupa Bawa Payung – Don’t Forget to Bring an Umbrella
A practical reminder, you say Jangan Lupa Bawa Payung, which means “don’t forget to bring an umbrella.” Bawa means “bring,” and Payung means “umbrella.”
Selamat Hari Ibu – Happy Mother’s Day
Celebrating Mother’s Day, you say Selamat Hari Ibu, which means “happy Mother’s Day.” Hari Ibu means “Mother’s Day.”
Selamat Hari Bapa – Happy Father’s Day
For Father’s Day, you say Selamat Hari Bapa, which means “happy Father’s Day.” Hari Bapa means “Father’s Day.”
Selamat Hari Natal – Merry Christmas
During Christmas, you say Selamat Hari Natal, which means “Merry Christmas.” Hari Natal means “Christmas.”
Selamat Berpuasa – Happy Fasting
During the month of Ramadan, you say Selamat Berpuasa, which means “happy fasting.” Berpuasa means “fasting.”
Selamat Datang – Welcome
One of the most basic and essential phrases in any language is the word for “welcome.” In Malay, “welcome” is translated to Selamat Datang. This phrase is used frequently when greeting someone who is arriving at your home, office, or country. The literal translation is “happy arrival,” which conveys a warm and inviting sentiment.
Learning these common Malay phrases can significantly enhance your ability to communicate and connect with Malay speakers. Whether you are traveling, working, or simply interested in the language, these phrases will help you navigate various social interactions smoothly.
