25 Malay phrases you should know when travelling in Malaysia
Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, and that diversity is reflected in the many languages spoken across the country. While English, Mandarin, Tamil, and various indigenous languages are commonly used, Malaysia is home to over 137 languages.
Among them, Malay (or Bahasa Melayu) is the country’s national language and is widely spoken with around 19.9 million speakers (58% of the population), making it one of the most useful languages for travellers to know.
So, we at Traveloop Malaysia are here to teach you 25 essential Malay phrases you should know before travelling to Malaysia. You don’t need to become fluent, but learning just a handful of everyday phrases can go a long way in helping you connect with locals and navigate your travels with confidence.
5 Malay phrases for greetings
1. Selamat pagi. Apa khabar?
Meaning: Good morning. How are you?
It’s your first day in Malaysia, and you want to start your day by greeting locals — this friendly phrase will serve you well. “Selamat pagi” means “good morning,” while “apa khabar” literally means “how are you?”
2. Selamat petang
Meaning: Good evening.
“Selamat petang” is often used from 2:00 P.M. to around 7:00 P.M.
3. Terima kasih atas bantuan anda
Meaning: Thank you for your help.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt way to express gratitude after someone gives you directions, serves your meal, or helps you during your trip.
“Terima kasih” means thank you, while “atas bantuan anda” means for your help.
4. Sama-sama
Meaning: You’re welcome.
Now, if someone says “terima kasih” to you, “sama-sama” is the standard reply. The literal root word of “sama” means “same” or “equal”, and duplicating it can mean sharing an equal sentiment (such as “likewise” or “same to you”).
5. Jumpa lagi.
Meaning: See you again. Have a safe journey.
When you’re leaving your hotel, a restaurant, a cafe, or a shop, you can use “jumpa lagi” as a farewell. If you’re staying and the person you’re talking to is leaving, you can add “selamat jalan” (have a safe journey) at the end.
5 Malay phrases for ordering food
1. Boleh saya lihat menu?
Meaning: May I see the menu?
If you’re sitting at a restaurant and haven’t received a menu yet, you can use this Malay phrase. However, if the menu you’re handed is not in English, you can use this sentence, “Boleh saya lihat menu dalam Bahasa Inggeris?”
2. Boleh saya minta air kosong?
Meaning: Could I have a glass of plain water?
Staying hydrated is key when travelling in Malaysia — it can get extremely hot and humid. “Boleh” means “can I?” while “minta” means “want” and “air kosong” means plain water.
If you want a cold glass of ice water, change the “air” to “ais”.
PS, “air” is pronounced as “ah-yer”.
3. Saya ingin order … dan …
Meaning: I would like to order… and…
Here’s a polite way for you to place your order. “Saya” means “I” and “ingin” means “to want, to wish, or to desire”.
An example of a sentence, “Saya ingin order nasi lemak dan ais kosong”.
4. Makanan ini sangat sedap!
Meaning: This food is really delicious!
This is one of the best compliments you can give a chef or food vendor. Malaysians take pride in their food, and this phrase is sure to earn a smile and a thumbs-up.
5. Boleh saya dapatkan bil?
Meaning: Could I have the bill?
This is one of the most useful Malay phrases. When you’re ready to pay, use this. It’s polite and commonly understood in restaurants and cafes.
5 Malay phrases for shopping
1. Berapa harga barang ini?
Meaning: How much is this item?
A must-know phrase when browsing markets, souvenir shops, or local boutiques.
2. Boleh kurangkan harga sedikit?
Meaning: Could you lower the price a little?
Bargaining is all part of travelling abroad. In Malaysia, it is acceptable at some street markets, though not in shopping malls. This polite phrase can help you negotiate a better deal.
“Kurangkan” means reduce, “harga” means price, and “sedikit” means a little.
3. Ada saiz lain?
Meaning: Do you have another size?
This Malay phrase is perfect when shopping for clothes or shoes.
4. Boleh saya bayar dengan kad?
Meaning: Can I pay by card?
While most large businesses accept cards, some smaller vendors only take cash or QR payments. It’s always good to ask first.
“Bayar” means pay, while “dengan” means with.
5. Boleh saya dapatkan resit?
Meaning: May I have the receipt?
If you’re the type of person who loves keeping track of your purchases or claiming travel expenses, this is the Malay phrase for you.
5 Malay phrases to ask for directions
1. Maaf, boleh saya tanya satu soalan?
Meaning: Excuse me, may I ask a question?
A polite way to get someone’s attention before asking for help or directions.
2. Di mana tandas yang paling dekat?
Meaning: Where is the nearest restroom?
This is one of the most practical Malay phrases you’ll probably use while exploring shopping malls, attractions, or public transport hubs.
3. Di mana stesen bas atau stesen kereta api yang paling dekat?
Meaning: Where is the nearest bus or train station?
Malaysia’s public transportation system isn’t exactly easy to navigate. Here’s a phrase you can ask locals if you ever get lost.
4. Saya sesat. Boleh tunjukkan jalan?
Meaning: I’m lost. Could you show me the way?
Speaking of lost, here’s another Malay phrase you can ask.
“Sesat” can mean “stuck” or, in this case, “lost”.
5. Berapa lama perjalanan ke sana?
Meaning: How long does it take to get there?
Here’s a useful question to use when taking a taxi or Grab, or when asking locals about walking or public transport times.
5 Malay phrases to ask for directions
1. Maaf, boleh saya tanya satu soalan?
Meaning: Excuse me, may I ask a question?
A polite way to get someone’s attention before asking for help or directions.
2. Di mana tandas yang paling dekat?
Meaning: Where is the nearest restroom?
This is one of the most practical Malay phrases you’ll probably use while exploring shopping malls, attractions, or public transport hubs.
3. Di mana stesen bas atau stesen kereta api yang paling dekat?
Meaning: Where is the nearest bus or train station?
Malaysia’s public transportation system isn’t exactly easy to navigate. Here’s a phrase you can ask locals if you ever get lost.
4. Saya sesat. Boleh tunjukkan jalan?
Meaning: I’m lost. Could you show me the way?
Speaking of lost, here’s another Malay phrase you can ask.
“Sesat” can mean “stuck” or, in this case, “, lost”.
5. Berapa lama perjalanan ke sana?
Meaning: How long does it take to get there?
Here’s a useful question to use when taking a taxi or Grab, or when asking locals about walking or public transport times.
5 Malay phrases for everyday conversations
1. Saya tidak faham. Boleh cakap perlahan-lahan?
Meaning: I don’t understand. Could you speak more slowly?
Trying to speak an unfamiliar language is hard, and it’s even harder to understand when spoken fast. There’s no harm in asking the person you’re speaking to to slow down or repeat themselves.
2. Boleh tolong ambilkan gambar saya?
Meaning: Could you please take a photo of saya?
For solo travellers who love taking photos of themselves, here’s a way for you to ask a local to help you take a photo of yourself.
If you’re with your family and need help taking a group photo, you can use this phrase, “Boleh tolong ambilkan gambar kami?”
3. Ada Wi-Fi di sini?
Meaning: Is there Wi-Fi here?
In recent years, it’s almost impossible to live without Wi-Fi, especially when you’re travelling. Here’s a way to ask if the restaurant, cafe, or hotel you’re at has Wi-Fi.
4. Saya alah kepada…
Meaning: I’m allergic to…
For those allergic to peanuts, seafood, shellfish, gluten, and more, this is a must-learn. “Alah” means allergic, and “kepada” means to.
5. Boleh tolong panggil teksi?
Meaning: Can you help me call a taxi?
If you’re unable to call a Grab or miss the bus and need to get somewhere, here’s a phrase for you to ask someone to help you get a taxi.