Language Basics: Useful Malay Phrases for Tourists

Bonjour and Good Day 😃

While most people in Kuala Lumpur speak English, learning a few Malay phrases can make your trip even more fun! Locals always appreciate it when tourists try to speak their language, and it’s a great way to connect 😊.
Here are some basic Malay phrases that will help you.

Greetings & Polite Phrases

• Thank you: "Terima kasih"
  This one is the top one! Use it when someone helps you or after you’ve received your order at a restaurant 😊.
• Hello / Hi: "Selamat pagi" (Good morning) or "Selamat petang" (Good afternoon/evening).
• Goodbye: "Selamat tinggal"
  This is a polite way to say goodbye when leaving a place or parting ways with someone.
• See you again: "Jumpa lagi"

Asking for Help

• Excuse me: "Maaf" (pronounce both a's separately ^^)
  Use it to politely get someone’s attention or to say sorry.
• Where is...: "Di mana..."
  For example, if you're looking for a specific place: "Di mana tandas?" (Where is the bathroom?)
• I don’t understand: "Saya tak faham"
  Perfect if you’re struggling with the language 😊.

Shopping & Ordering Food

• How much?: "Berapa?"
  Ask this when you want to know the price of something in a shop or especially at a market.
• Not spicy: "Tak pedas"
  If you’re sensitive to spicy food, this is a lifesaver 😄!
• Less sweet: "Kurang manis"
  In Malaysia, drinks are often quite sweet. If you prefer your drinks less sugary, say that when ordering 😊.

Numbers & Directions

• Numbers : Satu (1), Dua (2), Tiga (3), Empat (4), Lima (5), Enam (6), Tujuh (7), Lapan (8), Sembilan (9), and Sepuluh (10).
  Counting in malay isn't that complicated once you understand the logics and know the first few numbers, here's a resource I found in you want to learn how to count.
• Left / Right: "Kiri / Kanan"
  Super useful when asking for directions! You can add "Belok" (Turn) just before : "Belok kiri" or "Belok kanan".
  Also sometimes if you're in a Grab (taxi), you might hear that from the gps voice if it's in malay 😊.
• Straight ahead: "Terus"
  If someone tells you to keep going straight, they’ll say "Terus".

Terimakasih for reading until here! Happy travels 😇