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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
To ask for directions or locations, you use **Di Mana?** which means “where?” This phrase is useful for navigating and finding your way around.
For a more casual greeting, you can use **Apa Khabar?** which means “what’s up?” **Apa** means “what,” and **Khabar** means “news.”
To remind someone of something, you can say **Jangan Lupa**, which means “don’t forget.” **Jangan** means “don’t,” and **Lupa** means “forget.”
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.
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.”
When expressing your preferences, you can say **Saya Suka**, which means “I like.” **Saya** means “I,” and **Suka** means “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.”
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.”
If you are unsure about something, you can say **Saya Tidak Tahu**, which means “I don’t know.” **Tahu** means “know.”
In times of need, you can say **Saya Perlukan Bantuan**, which means “I need help.” **Perlukan** means “need,” and **Bantuan** means “help.”
Celebrating birthdays is a joyous occasion, and in Malay, you say **Selamat Hari Jadi** to mean “happy birthday.” **Hari Jadi** means “birthday.”
For New Year celebrations, you say **Selamat Tahun Baru**, which means “happy new year.” **Tahun Baru** means “new year.”
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.
To wish someone success, you say **Semoga Berjaya**, which means “good luck.” **Semoga** means “hope,” and **Berjaya** means “success.”
When you want someone to be cautious, you can say **Berhati-hati**, which means “be careful.” **Hati** means “heart,” and the repetition emphasizes caution.
To provide comfort, you can say **Jangan Bimbang**, which means “don’t worry.” **Bimbang** means “worry.”
Expressing love is universal, and in Malay, you say **Saya Cinta Kamu** to mean “I love you.” **Cinta** means “love,” and **Kamu** means “you.”
To compliment someone, you can say **Awak Cantik**, which means “you are beautiful.” **Cantik** means “beautiful.”
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.”
To welcome someone back, you say **Selamat Datang Kembali**, which means “welcome back.” **Kembali** means “return.”
Wishing someone a speedy recovery, you say **Semoga Cepat Sembuh**, which means “get well soon.” **Cepat** means “fast,” and **Sembuh** means “recover.”
Inviting someone to sit down, you say **Sila Duduk**, which means “please sit.” **Duduk** means “sit.”
Welcoming someone into a room or house, you say **Sila Masuk**, which means “please come in.” **Masuk** means “enter.”
Before someone starts eating, you can say **Selamat Makan**, which means “enjoy your meal.” **Makan** means “eat.”
Wishing someone a good rest, you say **Selamat Berehat**, which means “have a good rest.” **Berehat** means “rest.”
Wishing someone a good holiday, you say **Selamat Bercuti**, which means “have a good holiday.” **Bercuti** means “holiday.”
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.”
Celebrating Mother’s Day, you say **Selamat Hari Ibu**, which means “happy Mother’s Day.” **Hari Ibu** means “Mother’s Day.”
For Father’s Day, you say **Selamat Hari Bapa**, which means “happy Father’s Day.” **Hari Bapa** means “Father’s Day.”
During Christmas, you say **Selamat Hari Natal**, which means “Merry Christmas.” **Hari Natal** means “Christmas.”
During the month of Ramadan, you say **Selamat Berpuasa**, which means “happy fasting.” **Berpuasa** means “fasting.”
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.
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