Basic Malay Words and Phrases
If you are looking to learn some basic words and phrases in Malay, this is the page for you. Below you will find a variety of commly used words, all translated from Malay to English.
The five categories you will find below include translations for yes, no, and maybe, please and thank you, the question words in malay, how are you?, and what is your name? Scroll down to discover all the new words and phrases you can learn today!
Common Words and Phrases in Malay:
Words in bold added during the last update. You can also view this list of common words from English to Malay.
Saying Yes, No, and Maybe in Malay
Ya ➔ Yes (formal)
Tidak ➔ No (formal)
Tak ➔ No (informal)
Mungkin ➔ Maybe
Saying Please and Thank You in Malay
Silakan ➔ Please
Terima kasih. ➔ Thank you.
The Question Words in Malay
Siapa ➔ Who
Apa ➔ What
Bila ➔ When
Di mana ➔ Where
Mengapa ➔ Why
Bagaimana ➔ How
Asking How Are You? in Malay
Apa khabar? ➔ How are you?
Khabar baik. ➔ I'm fine.
Awak pula? ➔ And you?
Asking What is Your Name? in Malay
Siapa nama awak? ➔ What is your name?
Nama saya ialah (name). ➔ My name is (name).
*Common Malay words and phrases last updated: February 1, 2025.
Next Up
Malay Family and People Words: Learn how to say family and people words in Malay.
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