The official language in Kuala Lumpur is Bahasa Melayu, or Malay. Along with this language, English is widely understood, though your accent can be a barrier.
Here’s a short, basic list of rules and phrases you should learn in Malay if you’re traveling to a Kuala Lumpur:
Basic Grammar
In basic form, the Malay language is very simple. There is no tense, and tones do not vary to give different meaning. There are also no articles (a, an), difference in gender or the notion of “am”, “is”, “are”, “was” or “were”.
So I am Ali becomes Saya Ali.
For past tense, the notion of time is simply indicated by using the word ‘already (sudah)’ for past.
Plural
Many words are pluralized by saying them twice. So, fruit is ‘buah’ and fruits is ‘buah-buah’.
Pronunciation
In most parts, words are pronounced as they are spelt and the sound is the same as in English.
But there are expections :-
1. The word ‘a’ is pronounced ‘ar’ as in jar.
2. The word ‘e’ is pronounced ‘er’ as in ‘ago’. Sometimes more like ‘a’ as in ‘may’
3. The word ‘c’ is pronounced as ‘ch’ as in ‘chair’
Pronouns
• I ….. Saya
• You ….. Awak
• He/She ….. Dia
• They ….. Mereka
Greetings
• How are you? ….. Apa khabar?
• Fine, thank you ….. Baik, terima kasih
• My name is ….. Nama saya
Common Courtesies
• Please ….. Tolong
• Excuse Me ….. Maafkan saya
• Sorry ….. Maaf
• Thank You ….. Terima Kasih
• You’re Welcome ….. Sama-sama
• Yes ….. Ya
• Tidak ….. No
Shopping
• How Much? ….. Berapa harga?
• Lower the price ….. Kuranglah sikit
Eating
• Tasty ….. Sedap
• Less spicy ….. Kurang pedas
• This ….. Ini
• That ….. Itu
• Toilet ….. Tandas
Everyday Situation
• May I know? ….. Boleh saya tahu?
• Where is the toilet? ….. Di mana tandas?
If Your Language Skills Are Minimal
• I don’t know Malay ….. Saya tak tahu Bahasa Melayu
• Do you speak English? ….. Awak tahu Bahasa Inggeris?