English is not understood in all of Sri Lanka, despite its colonial past.
English is not understood in all of Sri Lanka, despite its colonial past.
The most common language here is Sinhala. So, a Sinhala phrasebook with pronunciation will help you navigate the country better and avoid unpleasant situations. It's better to take an English-Sinhala phrasebook with you in advance; you won't find it on-site for sure. Also, it's recommended to print the Sinhala phrasebook so you don't depend on the battery of electronic devices.
Useful phrases in Sinhala:
Hello |
Ayubowan |
Good morning |
Suba Udesonok Veva |
Good day |
Suba Davasok Veva |
Good evening |
Suba Sandavok Veva |
Good night |
Suba Ratryak Veva |
Please |
Karunakarala |
Thank you |
Stutiy |
Thank you very much |
Godak stutiy |
Yes |
Ov |
No |
Neha |
How much does it cost? |
Kiyakda |
Very expensive |
Hari ganan |
Very cheap |
Hari labayi |
Is there? |
Tienowada? |
What is your name? |
Oyage nama mokakda? |
How are you? |
Kohomada sapasanipa? |
My name is... |
Mage nama |
Nice to meet you |
Godak santosai |
Pleased to meet you |
Godak santosai adunaganna labimo gena |
Do you speak English? |
Oya ingirish kata karenawada? |
Where are you from? |
Oya kohe indolada? |
Have a safe journey |
Suba gamanak |
Good luck |
Suba petum |
I want |
Mata avajayi |
Give |
Denna |
Do you have? |
Oya gawa tienowada? |
Where is the nearest store? |
Koheda langama kade? |
How do I get there? |
Mata kohomada yanna puluvan? |
Excuse me (to get attention) |
Sama wenuna |
Excuse me (apology) |
Kana gatui |
Delicious |
Rasayi |
Beautiful |
Lassanayi |
1 |
Eka |
2 |
Deka |
3 |
Tuna |
4 |
Hatara |
5 |
Paha |
6 |
Haya |
7 |
Hata |
8 |
Ata |
9 |
Navaya |
10 |
Dahaya |