Greetings and politeness in Malagasy
Hello, please, thank you, sorry: the ten openers everything else builds on. Play the ten Malagasy words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Malagasy phrases in this lesson
- Manao ahoanamah-now OH-nah
- Hello
- Arahaba marainaah-rah-HAH-bah mah-RAI-nah
- Good morning
- Arahaba harivaah-rah-HAH-bah hah-REE-vah
- Good evening
- Velomaveh-LOO-mah
- Goodbye
- Mandra-pihaonaman-dra-pee-HOWN
- See you
- Azafadyah-zah-FAH-dee
- Please
- Misaotramee-SOW-trah
- Thank you
- Tsy misy fisaoranatsee MEE-see fee-sow-RAH-nah
- You're welcome
- Mifona ahomee-FOO-nah ah-OO
- Sorry
- Miala tsinymee-AH-lah TSEEN
- Excuse me
- Faly mahafantatra anaoFAH-lee mah-hah-fahn-TAH-trah ah-NOW
- Nice to meet you
The polite hello. Among friends, "salama" (sah-LAH-mah) or "akory" (ah-KOOR).
Literally "greetings of the morning".
Literally "greetings of the evening".
Literally "stay alive", said to whoever stays behind.
Literally "until we meet", the friendly goodbye. Veloma works for everyone.
The everyday please, also a soft "excuse me" before a question.
The everyday thanks. Can be abbreviated to a quick "misoa" among friends. Malagasy people thank often and sincerely.
Literally "there is no need for thanks".
Literally "I ask forgiveness".
Literally "I remove the blame", said when passing in front of someone or interrupting.
Literally "glad to know you".