Common Malay Phrases for Travelers in Brunei

Venturing into Brunei Darussalam offers a unique glimpse into a serene and culturally rich Southeast Asian nation. While English is widely understood in urban and tourist areas, learning a few basic Malay phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience, fostering deeper connections with locals and demonstrating respect for their culture.

Malay, or Bahasa Melayu, is the official language of Brunei, and even a simple "hello" in the local tongue can open doors and warm hearts. This guide provides essential phrases to help you navigate, interact, and immerse yourself more fully in the Land of Unexpected Treasures.

Why Learn Malay for Your Brunei Trip?

Bruneians are known for their hospitality, and making an effort to speak their language is a gesture that is always appreciated. Beyond politeness, using Malay can simplify interactions, especially when exploring local markets, engaging with vendors, or venturing into areas where English might be less prevalent. It’s a key to unlocking authentic cultural experiences and showing genuine interest in the local way of life.

Essential Greetings and Polite Expressions

These are the fundamental building blocks for any interaction. Master these, and you're off to a great start!

Selamat pagi(Seh-lah-mat Pah-gee) - Good morning
Selamat tengah hari(Seh-lah-mat Teh-ngah Hah-ree) - Good afternoon (around noon)
Selamat petang(Seh-lah-mat Peh-tang) - Good afternoon/evening
Selamat malam(Seh-lah-mat Mah-lam) - Good night
Apa khabar?(Ah-pah Kah-bar?) - How are you?
Khabar baik(Kah-bar Bah-eek) - I'm fine / Good (response to "Apa khabar?")
Terima kasih(Teh-ree-mah Kah-seeh) - Thank you
Terima kasih banyak-banyak(Teh-ree-mah Kah-seeh Bah-nyak-bah-nyak) - Thank you very much
Sama-sama(Sah-mah-sah-mah) - You're welcome
Tolong(Toh-long) - Please / Help
Maaf(Mah-ahf) - Sorry / Excuse me
Ya(Yah) - Yes
Tidak(Tee-dak) - No
Tidak mengapa(Tee-dak Meh-ngah-pah) - It's okay / Never mind

Cultural Tip:Bruneians often use "Assalamualaikum" (Ah-sah-lahm-uh-lay-koom), a common Islamic greeting meaning "Peace be upon you," especially among Muslims. A polite response is "Waalaikumussalam" (Wah-ah-lay-koom-uh-sah-lahm).

Addressing People Respectfully

Politeness is paramount in Bruneian culture. Using appropriate titles shows respect and can significantly improve your interactions.

Encik(En-cheeck) - Mr. / Sir
Puan(Poo-an) - Mrs. / Madam
Cik(Cheeck) - Ms. (for unmarried women)
Abang(Ah-bang) - Older brother (often used for male strangers older than you, like taxi drivers or shopkeepers)
Kakak(Kah-kahk) - Older sister (often used for female strangers older than you)
Adik(Ah-deek) - Younger sibling (can be used for younger strangers)

Navigating and Asking for Directions

Whether you're exploring the capital city or planning an adventure to Ulu Temburong National Park, these phrases will be useful.

Di mana...?(Dee Mah-nah...?) - Where is...?
...tandas?(...tan-das?) - ...the toilet?
...masjid?(...mas-jeet?) - ...the mosque? (e.g.,Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque or Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque)
Saya mahu ke...(Sah-yah Mah-hoo Keh...) - I want to go to... (e.g.,Royal Regalia Museum)
Ke kanan(Keh Kah-nan) - To the right
Ke kiri(Keh Kee-ree) - To the left
Jalan terus(Jah-lan Teh-roos) - Go straight
Berhenti di sini(Ber-hen-tee Dee See-nee) - Stop here
Berapa jauh?(Beh-rah-pah Jah-ooh?) - How far?
Bas(Bas) - Bus
Teksi(Tek-see) - Taxi
Perahu(Peh-rah-hoo) - Boat (useful for exploring Kampong Ayer)

Shopping and Dining Phrases

From bustling markets to quaint eateries, these phrases will help you enjoy Brunei's local flavors and goods.

Berapa harga ini?(Beh-rah-pah Har-gah Ee-nee?) - How much is this?
Saya mahu ini(Sah-yah Mah-hoo Ee-nee) - I want this
Tidak mahu(Tee-dak Mah-hoo) - I don't want (this)
Sedap!(Seh-dap!) - Delicious!
Air(Ah-eer) - Water
Kopi(Koh-pee) - Coffee
Teh(Teh) - Tea
Nasi(Nah-see) - Rice
Ayam(Ah-yam) - Chicken
Daging(Dah-geeng) - Beef
Ikan(Ee-kan) - Fish
Tidak pedas(Tee-dak Peh-das) - Not spicy
Bil, sila(Beel, See-lah) - Bill, please

Asking for Help and Understanding

Sometimes you need a little extra assistance. These phrases are crucial for tricky situations.

Tolong!(Toh-long!) - Help!
Saya tidak faham(Sah-yah Tee-dak Fah-ham) - I don't understand
Boleh ulang?(Boh-leh Oo-lang?) - Can you repeat that?
Adakah anda bercakap Inggeris?(Ah-dah-kah An-dah Ber-cha-kap Ing-geh-rees?) - Do you speak English?
Saya sakit(Sah-yah Sah-keet) - I am sick
Doktor(Dok-tor) - Doctor
Polis(Poh-lees) - Police

Cultural Nuances and Further Tips

Beyond words, understanding a few cultural norms will make your interactions even smoother in Brunei:

Pointing:Avoid pointing with your index finger. Instead, use your right thumb with the other fingers curled into your palm, especially when pointing at people or objects.
Shoes Off:It's customary to remove your shoes before entering homes, and certain places like mosques (e.g.,Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque,Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque) or even some shops. Look for a pile of shoes outside as a cue.
Handshakes:A light handshake is common, but be prepared for a soft touch. For women, it's best to wait for a Bruneian woman to extend her hand first. Men should avoid initiating handshakes with Bruneian women.
Dress Code:Brunei is a Muslim country, and modest dress is appreciated, particularly when visiting religious sites.
Patience:Communication might sometimes be slower due to language differences. A little patience and a smile go a long way.

Learning and using these common Malay phrases will not only make your trip to Brunei more convenient but also more enriching. It’s a wonderful way to show respect, engage with the local culture, and create memorable interactions with the warm and welcoming people of Brunei. So, practice a few phrases, embrace the adventure, and enjoy your journey!