137 languages are spoken in Malaysia: Here are some basic phrases from a few of them

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DID you know that there are a total of 137 languages spoken in Malaysia? All would of course know Bahasa Malaysia, but English, Mandarin and Tamil are widely spoken all over the country, too.

But there are also many native languages that are found in Peninsular Malaysia (such as the Temuan and Jah Hut languages), in Sabah and Sarawak (like Kadazandusun and Iban), and Creole languages (Manglish and Kristang) – not to mention the many colloquial dialects spoken in each state. Even as locals ourselves, we might encounter unfamiliar words when conversing with fellow Malaysians.

To celebrate our diverse and multicultural nation, let us learn a few basic phrases in various languages and dialects that will prove helpful – and maybe even win you some brownie points – the next time you travel around the country.

For more stories checkout the StarSpecial: Malaysia Day 2024

“Hello”

Cantonese: Nei hou

Tamil: Vanakkam

Kadazandusun: Kopivosian

“What do you recommend?” (when dining)

Kristang: Bos sinti ki cumeria bong naki?

Melayu Kelantan: Hok mana sedap? Oyat deh.

Hokkien: Lu eh gai xiao aa mi?

“How much does this cost?”

Cantonese: Ni gor yiu gei dor chin?

Kadazandusun: Songkuo di iti? Or, songkuro ti?

Melayu Kelantan: Berapa rial ni?

Iban: Berapa rega tu?

“Is there a discount?”

Tamil: ‘Discount’ irruka?

Melayu Sarawak: Tok da diskaun ka?

Hokkien: Oo ‘discount’ bo?

“Is it cash only? Or do you accept card or QR?”

Melayu Kelantan: Terima pitis ko boleh bayar kad ko QR?

Tamil: Kaasu mattuma? Allathu neenga ‘card’ ille QR yetrukkolreengalaa?

Melayu Sarawak: Tok cash jak ka boleh pakei kad atau QR sik?

“Please take me to...” (when in taxis)

Cantonese: Cheng daai ngo heui...

Kristang: Juda leba ku yo na...

Iban: Bai’ ku ngagai...

“Where is the washroom?”

Cantonese: Sai sau gaan hai bin dou?

Kristang: Undi lugar nus podi bai miza?

Melayu Kelantan: Tandas alik mana?

“Do I need to pay to enter?”

Cantonese: Ngo seui yiu bei chin yup cheung mou?

Kadazandusun: Membayal toi do sumuang hiti diti?

Hokkien: Lib ke ai ho lui bo?

“Thank you”

Kristang: Muitu merse

Kadazandusun: Kotohuadan or Kotoluadan

Tamil: Nandri

Melayu Sarawak: Makseh

Hokkien: Gam xia