Order anything by pointing in Malay
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Malay 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 Malay phrases in this lesson
- Saya mahu...SA-ya MA-hoo
- I would like...
- Yang iniyang EE-nee
- This one
- Berapa harganya?beh-RA-pa HAR-ga-nya
- How much is it?
- Kira, tolongKE-ra, TO-long
- The bill, please
- Kad kreditKAHD KREH-dit
- By card
- Tunaitoo-NAI
- In cash
- AirAH-eer
- Water
- KopiKO-pee
- Coffee
- Tehteh
- Tea
- Birbeer
- Beer
- Tanpa...TAN-pa
- Without...
Literally "I want". At hawker stalls, the dish name plus "satu" (one) is enough.
Point and say it. At bakery counters or produce stands, this plus a finger on the item or glass completes the entire transaction without ambiguity.
Berapa means how much, harga is price. Often shortened to just "berapa?" in casual settings. In many Malaysian food stalls and markets, prices are posted; asking is polite confirmation.
Kira literally means to count or calculate. Simpler and more natural than saying "the bill". In casual cafes you often pay at the counter when ordering; in restaurants, make eye contact and use this.
Literally "credit card". Malaysia is increasingly cashless in cities, but cash is still king at food stalls and wet markets. Most restaurants and shops take cards without question.
Tunai means cash. Essential in Malaysian food courts and street markets where card readers are rare. Haggling for a small discount is acceptable if you pay cash at night markets.
Air means water. Tap water in Kuala Lumpur is safe to drink but many locals buy bottled water (air botol) from supermarkets or drink filtered tap water at home. Asking for air putih (plain water) gets you tap water free at cafes.
"Kopi O" is black with sugar, "kopi C" with evaporated milk, "kopi kosong" plain.
Teh tarik (teh TAH-rik), pulled tea, is the national favorite.
Served in Chinese and Indian restaurants and bars, not in Malay eateries.
"Tanpa gula", without sugar. At stalls people say "kurang manis", less sweet.