What Language Do They Speak in Malaysia?
Malaysia
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation known for its rich cultural diversity, thriving economy, and stunning natural landscapes. It is composed of two main regions, Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, which together host a blend of modern cities, colonial architecture, and lush tropical rainforests. As a melting pot of ethnicities, including Malays, Chinese, and Indians, Malaysia offers a unique tapestry of traditions, cuisine, and festivals.
Languages Spoken
Malaysia is a culturally diverse country with a rich linguistic landscape. The official language of the country is Malay, which is spoken by 80% of the population and serves as a unifying medium for various ethnic groups. English, serving as the second language, is widely used in business and education, spoken by approximately 10.9% of Malaysians. Additionally, the Chinese community contributes to the linguistic mix, with 6% of the population speaking Mandarin. The Tamil language is spoken by 4% of Malaysians, predominantly within the Indian community, adding to the multicultural linguistic tapestry of the nation.
Different Languages Spoken in Malaysia
Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Malaysia
| Language | Usage |
|---|---|
| Malay | 80% |
| English | 10.9% |
| Mandarin | 6% |
| Tamil | 4% |
Useful Malay Phrases
Apa khabar?
How are you?
It's a common greeting in Malaysia, similar to saying 'How are you?' to someone you meet.
Berapa harganya?
How much does it cost?
Useful for asking about the price of items while shopping.
Di mana tandas?
Where is the toilet?
A practical question for finding restrooms while traveling.
Saya tak faham
I don't understand
Helpful when you need to tell someone you don't understand what they said.
Tolong dan terima kasih
Please and thank you
Important polite terms that are appreciated in any interaction.
Learn to speak Malay
Interested in speaking Malay in Malaysia? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.