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.