Ten Common Malaysian Greetings

Here are ten Malaysian phrases that is part of one's everyday life here. It mostly includes greetings to people.

Selamat Datang - Welcome - This is very common on sign posts as you enter a city or the country. the Malaysians are very hospitable and I know you will feel truly welcomed!

Terima Kasih - Thank You

Apa Khabar? - What is the news?

Sila Masuk - Please Come In

Jumpa Lagi - See You Again - You again encounter this phrase on the road.

Selamat Pagi - Good Morning

Maafkan Saya - Excuse Me; Beg Your Pardon

Dari Mana? - Where Are You From?; From where?

Khabar Baik - I am fine

Apa Nama Anda? Nama Kau Apa? - What is Your Name? The answer to which will be "Nama Saya Mamamia" - or my name is Mamamia.


I am really new to this language as I stay at Little India and have very little occasion to converse in Bahasa. So Maafkan Saya and please correct me anywhere you feel necessary!

Ten Malaysian Phrases

It has been almost 3 years since have stayed in Malaysia. However it is just amazing that I havent had to use the language enough to need to learn. A lot of it has to do with the place where I am staying. Little India in Malaysia. With more than a hundred Indian families in my Condo - Hindi is the official language! And one doesnt need the language to shop at Super Markets.

It is amazing how insular one can stay to a culture while residing right in the middle of the culture! I have decided to start a small effort to know the language now. Unfortunately the primary motive to know the language now is - I have employed an Indonesian part-time maid. And she understands very little english.

So here are my Ten Malaysian (Bahasa Malaysian or Bahasa Melayu) phrases for today culled from the internet.

Selamat Datang - Welcome
Selamat Malam - Good Night
Selamat Tinggil - a Good Bye wish - when one wishes the other person a "safe stay"
Terima Kasih - Thank You
Apa Kabar? - What is the news?
Selamat Pagi - Good Morning
Tidak - No
Mumkin - Maybe
Nama Kau Apa? - What is Your name?
Apa Ini? - What is this?