Malagasy, the national language of Madagascar, is a rich language that reflects the diverse culture of the island. It belongs to the Austronesian language family and is spoken by the majority of the population in Madagascar. Learning Malagasy can greatly enhance your experience when visiting or living in Madagascar, allowing for deeper interactions with locals. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Malagasy, designed to facilitate various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Salama” (informal) / “Manao ahoana” (formal)
• Good morning – “Salama tsara” (informal) / “Arahabaina tratry ny maraina” (formal)
• Good afternoon – “Manao ahoana atoandro”
• Good evening – “Manao ahoana hariva”
• Goodbye – “Veloma”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Ny anarako dia [name].”
• This is [name]. – “Ity dia [name].”
• I am from [country]. – “Avy any [country] aho.”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Monina ao [city/place] aho.”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Aiza ny [place]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Ahoana no fomba hahatongavako any [place]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Ity ve no lalana mankany [place]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Afaka asehoy ahy amin’ny sari-tany ve ianao?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Azafady, tsy azoko.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Afaka averinao ve azafady?”
• I mean… – “Izaho dia midika hoe…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Inona no dikan’ny [word]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Mandram-pihaona”
• Take care – “Mikarakara tena tsara”
• Have a good day – “Mandra-pihaona, manana andro tsara”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Tiako ny mamandrika efitrano.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Afaka mahita ny lisitry ny sakafo ve aho azafady?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Mpifady henan’omby aho.”
• The bill, please. – “Ny faktiora azafady.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Ohatrinona ity azafady?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Manana ity amin’ny habe hafa ve ianao?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Fotsiny aho mijery, misaotra.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Afaka mandoa vola amin’ny karatra ve aho?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Tsara tarehy ianao.” / “Tsara endrika ianao.”
• I miss you. – “Manina anao aho.”
• I love you. – “Tiako ianao.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Tianao ve ny mivoaka miaraka amiko?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Vonjeo!”
• Call the police! – “Miantsoa ny polisy!”
• I need a doctor. – “Mila dokotera aho.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Aiza ny hopitaly akaiky indrindra?”

These phrases provide a solid foundation for basic communication in Malagasy. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Malagasy media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Madagascar through its language.