Order anything by pointing in Sinhala
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Sinhala 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 Sinhala phrases in this lesson
- මට ... ඕනේma-TA ... OH-ne
- I would like...
- මේකMEY-ka
- This one
- මේක කීයද?MEY-ka KEE-ya-da
- How much is it?
- බිල ගෙනත් දෙන්නBI-la GE-nat DEN-na
- The bill, please
- කාඩ් එකෙන්KAARD E-ken
- By card
- කෑෂ් එකෙන්KAASH E-ken
- In cash
- වතුරWA-tu-ra
- Water
- කෝපිKOH-pi
- Coffee
- තේtay
- Tea
- බියර්BI-yar
- Beer
- ... නැතුවNAE-tu-wa
- Without...
Literally "to me ... is wanted".
Point and say it to select a specific item at any stall.
Always ask before you commit at markets and informal stalls. Prices for tourists are sometimes inflated, but asking politely in Sinhala often signals that you are a savvy visitor and gets a fairer price.
Used at restaurants and cafes. In smaller local eateries the bill may be calculated verbally or written on a scrap of paper. A 10% service charge is commonly added at larger establishments.
Card payments are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets in Colombo and tourist towns. In rural areas and local eateries, cash is king. Always ask before assuming.
The default for most transactions outside urban centers. ATMs are found in all towns but can run out on weekends. Withdraw cash before heading to rural areas or national parks.
Bottled water is recommended for visitors throughout the island. Tap water is generally safe in Colombo but varies elsewhere. A 1.5-liter bottle costs around 50-80 rupees at any supermarket.
Sri Lanka is tea country: ask for තේ (TAY) and you get it strong and sweet.
Alcohol is not sold on full moon Poya days.
සීනි නැතුව (SEE-ni NAE-tu-wa), without sugar.