7 Words and Phrases You Should Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka

by Ram Vaas Travel Blogger

A few words in the Sri Lankan vernacular with a smile can induct you into the fraternity of worthy tourists which might be quite difficult otherwise. The areas that attract heavy footfall of globetrotters don’t really require you to know Sinhalese words that can help you with your dealings. However, there are few places where you might need to summon your powers of linguistics to communicate. A hearty greeting in Sinhala will help you make good friends with the staff of the hotels in Bambalapitiya and other suburban areas of Colombo. Here are a few words/phrases you should learn before visiting Sri Lanka:

Ayubowan (Hello):

First things first, it is always helpful and necessary to know the counterpart of Hello in the local language. Using ‘Aayu-bo-wan’ is a respectable way to greet a local or to ask someone’s attention. Moreover, it will ease your way into speaking the rest of the words of the language.

Karunakara (Please):

Proper communication is incomplete without verbs like ‘Please’. Adding please to the end of each sentence will get the service or product for which you are looking. ‘Karunakar’ will get you all the help you need and it is simply a good word to add while asking for a coffee refill or something.

Bohoma Istuti (Thank you very much):

Thanking someone for their services or any help is essential and speaks laurels about your manners. Saying ‘Thank you very much’ in Sinhala will please the Lankans. You can’t end your thoughts in a better way with any other word.

Oyate Ingrisi Katha Karanna Puluwanda? (Do you speak English?):

In most touristy areas in Sri Lanka, you will be able to find English speaking locals, but not everywhere. You should inquire before assuming that they are well-versed in English. You might be better off using sign-language or pointing at the stuff or services for which you are looking.

Kaama (Food):

Whenever visiting another country, food is one of the most common things to look for. You will always be able to get food as long as you know ‘Kaama’. Locals might be able to point you towards eateries or serve you with food in case you’re famished.

Mata Terinneh Neh (I do not understand):

There will be instances when you won’t understand what the locals are saying because of the dialect or the accent. Saying ‘Mata Terinneh Neh’ will convey the message and urge them to slow down or speak English.

Meeka Kiyadha? (How much is it?):

Once in Sri Lanka, you will be buying a lot of stuff. Whenever there’s shopping, bargaining and haggling are involved. With ‘Meeka Kiyadha’, you can not only inquire the price but start negotiating as well. You may be able to avoid paying exorbitant amounts of money for basic stuff if you use this phrase.

Learn these basic phrases and avail the best services when staying at one of the accommodations in Sigiriya or other famous destinations in Sri Lanka.

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Created on May 1st 2018 05:07. Viewed 517 times.

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