INSTANT MALAY
While in most cases, English will be understood by the locals, Malay is the most common language and a basis to ensure all races understand each other. Simple Malay words below will be most helpful.
Popular Greetings
Good Morning (Selamat Pagi)
Good Evening (Selamat Petang)
Good Night (Selamat Malam)
How are you, friend ? ( Apa macam kawan ?)
Have you eaten ? (Sudah makan ?) Malaysians like to ask this question.
Lets eat (Mari Makan)
Where are you going ? (Awak nak ke mana ? )
What is the time ? ( Pukul berapa ?) Use this to know someone ?
Is the food nice ? ( Sedap ?) Ask this when you try to order food for your guest.
Please take me to XYZ ? ( Boleh bawa saya ke XYZ ?)
How much ? Lower Please (Berapa ini ? Kurang boleh ) When you are trying to bargain.
Popular Malay words used by Malaysians ( Malaysians are found of eating so most popular words are found around food items)
Malaysia Boleh ( Malaysia will be successful or can do ) Used to encourage Malaysian
Teh Tarik ( A drink commonly found at hawker's stall meaning tea )
Kueh Teow ( A chinese noodle usually dry fried)
Wan Tan Mee ( A chinese soup with noodle and dumpling)
Nasi Ayam ( Chicken rice)
24 Jam ( 24 hours)
Jalan Raja Laut ( Raja Laut Street ) Most streets in Kuala Lumpur are named after a famous Malaysian
SUKOM ( Commonwealth Games )
KLIA ( Kuala Lumpur newest airport) There are two airports serving Klang Valley, the old airport SUBANG and the new KLIA (pronounced as K-L-I-A)
Lepak ( laze around)
Mamak ( Indian word for uncle)
Rojak ( all mixed up and also refer to a local delicacy)
Sotong ( squid but also refers to a person who is very blur)
Rabun Ayam ( chicken eyes, refers to someone who can't see well after night)
TV2 ( the local television channel no 2) You can catch up with re-runs of X-files on Monday 10.00 pm
Cina ( chinese )
Minum ( drink ? usually asked in restuarants meaning either water, or soft drinks)
Sky juice ( boiled tap water which is different from mineral water)
Hantu ( ghost )
Sarong ( a cloth used by Malay Man)
Batik ( Colourful motif on cloth designed by hand)
Gadis ( young girl)
Budak ( boy)
Rokok ( Cigaratee)