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 |