Malaysia phrasebook

Malay is the official language of Malaysia, although English and Chinese are also widely spoken. Below are some useful Malay phrases.

Meeting People

Help & Directions

English: Malay
Can you help me?: Bolehkah anda membantu saya?
Where is the (bathroom/ pharmacy)?: Di manakah (bilik mandi/ farmasi)?
Go straight! then turn left/ right!: Jalan lurus/ kemudian pusing kiri/ kanan
How much is this?: Apakah harga barang ini?
Do you speak (English/ Malay)?: Adakah anda fasih berbahasa (Inggeris/ Melayu)?

Misunderstanding

English: Malay
I'm sorry? (if you don't hear something): Maafkan saya?
Sorry (for a mistake): Maafkan saya.
No problem!: Tiada masalah!
Can you say it again?: Bolehkah anda mengulangi apa yang telah anda sebutkan?
I don't understand!: Saya tidak faham!
I don't know!: Saya tidak tahu!
I have no idea.: Saya tiada idea.
What's that called in Malay?: Apakah nama benda ini?
What is this?: Apa ini?
My Malay is bad.: Penguasaan bahasa melayu saya lemah.
I need to practice my Malay: Saya perlu memperbaiki bahasa Melayu saya.
Don't worry!: Jangan (bimbang/ risau)

Food and Drink

Malaysia was under British administration for a long time and therefore, most foods are also labelled in English.

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