7 Essential Greetings In Malay To Make A Great First Impression For First-Time Visitors!

Malay woman doing salam_greetings in Malay

If you’re about to embark on an exciting journey to Malaysia, one thing will immediately connect you with the locals: greetings!

The way you greet people can set the tone for your entire travel experience, reflecting your respect for the culture and your eagerness to connect on a deeper level.

Learning simple Malay greetings, like Hello (Hai), How are you? (Apa khabar?), and Good Morning (Selamat pagi) go a long way in making your interactions more genuine and memorable.

Embracing the local language can unlock an entire world of culture and authentic experiences, turning a simple conversation into a gateway to deeper connections.

As you travel, imagine the smile of a local as they see you making an effort to greet them in their language—it’s an easy way to show respect and make your trip unforgettable.

Let’s explore seven must-know greetings in Malay that will have you confidently interacting with Malaysians and feeling more at home on your adventure!

cartoon drawing of two women shaking hands with a chat bubble saying hello hai or greetings in malay

7 Essential Malay Greetings For Novice Travelers

1. Hello/Hai (Hello/Hi)

In Malaysia, “Hello” and “Hai” are the go-to greetings in both casual and formal settings. Whether you’re meeting a friend or emailing a colleague, these words fit perfectly.

You can greet anyone by saying “Hai” with a smile, and the locals will appreciate your effort in using their language.

A fun fact: Handshakes, or “salam,” are common when greeting someone, particularly if they are of the same gender.

After greeting with “Hai,” it’s also typical to ask, Apa khabar? (How are you in Malay), as a sign of courtesy.

  • Pronunciation: “Hai” (pronounced as “hi” in English)

2. Apa Khabar? (How Are You?)

To ask how someone is doing, you can use Apa khabar?

This casual and friendly greeting is common throughout Malaysia, from markets to professional settings.

While it literally translates to ‘What news?’ it is understood as ‘How are you?’

As a foreigner, starting a conversation with Apa Khabar? shows your eagerness to embrace the local culture, and locals will certainly appreciate your effort to speak their language.

InformalFormal
/apə kabar/ (Ah-puh kah-bar)/apa kabar/ (Ah-pah kah-bar)

Casually, the ‘a’ in “apa” is pronounced as UH, like the UH in “banana” (bUH-nah-nUH), the most common pronunciation in everyday conversations.

However, in formal settings, such as official events or ceremonies, the ‘a’ is pronounced as AH, like the ‘AH’ in “spa” (sp-AH).

This distinction is important when addressing high-status individuals or participating in royal protocols during official occasions like National Day Celebrations (Hari Merdeka) or Yang di-Pertuan Agong‘s (Malaysia’s King’s) Birthday.

In these cases, it’s best to use the formal pronunciation: Ah-pah kah-bar.

3. Selamat Pagi (Good Morning)

Start your day locally by greeting people with Selamat pagi (Malay good morning).

You’ll hear this greeting in the morning hours, and Malaysians often use it to greet their friends, colleagues, and even strangers.

It’s a great way to show respect and warm hospitality while you’re out and about.

Learning this greeting can make your morning interactions much smoother and help you connect with locals immediately.

It’s a simple yet thoughtful way to make a positive impression.

  • Pronunciation: “Suh-lah-mat pah-gee”

4. Selamat Tengahari (Good Afternoon)

When the day moves into the afternoon, use Selamat tengahari to greet those you meet.

It’s a common greeting around midday that is used in formal and informal settings.

Selamat tengahari literally translates to “Good midday” or “Good noon” and there’s no direct equivalent in English.

By using this greeting in Malay, you’ll surely impress the locals that you know this greeting!

  • Pronunciation: “Suh-lah-mat ten-gah-hah-ree”

5. Selamat Petang (Good Evening)

As the day winds down, Selamat petang (Good evening) is the perfect way to greet others in the late afternoon or early evening.

It’s a casual yet respectful greeting, fitting for any situation, whether heading out to dinner or meeting someone after a day of sightseeing.

This greeting will help you establish rapport with locals as you settle into the evening.

  • Pronunciation: “Suh-lah-mat peh-tang”
selamat malam/ good night_greetings in malay

6. Selamat Malam (Good Night)

As the night falls, say Selamat malam (Good night in Malay) when parting ways or wishing someone well before they retire for the evening.

This is another great way to express warmth and gratitude as you wrap up your day.

It’s both formal and friendly, making it an ideal way to close your evening interactions.

For example, you can tell the hotel front desk staff or receptionist as you return to your room for the night.

  • Pronunciation: “Suh-lah-mat mah-lahm”

7. Selamat Tinggal/Babai (Goodbye/Bye)

Saying goodbye in Malay can be done with either Selamat tinggal (Goodbye) or “Babai” (Bye).

While “Babai” is the casual version, Selamat tinggal is more formal and is often used when departing from someone you respect, like a senior or someone in a position of authority.

Regardless of which one you use, you’ll be able to leave a good impression by showing that you care about the local language and customs as you leave the country.

  • Pronunciation: “Suh-lah-mat teen-gahl” / “Bah-bye”

How To Reply To Greetings In Malay: 4 Quick Tips For Novice Travelers

  1. Listen to the Greeting

    Pay attention to the greeting being said. If someone greets you with Apa khabar?, respond with Khabar baik (I’m fine). It’s a simple way to show that you’re engaging with the conversation and understanding their language.
  2. Repeat Greetings for Formality

    When greeted with formal phrases like Selamat pagi (Good morning) or Selamat malam (Good night), it’s polite to reply by simply repeating the greeting. For example, if someone says Selamat pagi, reply with Selamat pagi as well.
  3. Continue with the Conversation

    After responding to the greeting, continue the conversation depending on the topic you want to discuss. Explore our blog on conversational Malay phrases, introducing yourself in Malay, Malay Airport Vocabulary, or ordering food in Malay to find expressions that match your setting.
  4. Use Casual Farewells

    When it’s time to say goodbye, use “Selamat tinggal” (Goodbye) for a more formal setting. However, “Babai” (pronounced like “bye-bye”) is more commonly used by locals in casual situations. If you’re leaving and will see the person again soon, say Jumpa lagi esok (See you tomorrow). This will definitely impress locals with your effort to embrace their culture.

Example dialogue:

EnglishMalay
A: Hi there, good morning! A: Hai, selamat pagi! 
B: Good morning. How are you?B: Selamat pagi. Apa khabar?
B: I’m fine, thank you.A: Khabar baik, terima kasih.
A: Thank you for inviting me today. See you again tomorrow. Goodnight. A: Terima kasih kerana menjemput saya hari ini. Jumpa lagi esok. Selamat malam. 
B: You’re welcome/don’t mention it. Goodbye.B: Sama-sama. Babai
a cartoon drawing with chat bubble with the text apa khabar or how are you greetings in malay

7 Key Greetings In Malay Summarized Just For You!

EnglishMalayPronunciation
Hello/HiHaiHi
How are you?Apa khabar?Ah-pah kah-bahr (formal)/ Ah-puh kah-bahr (informal)
Good morningSelamat pagiSeh-lah-maht pah-gee
Good afternoonSelamat tengahariSeh-lah-maht ten-gah-ha-ree
Good eveningSelamat petangSeh-lah-maht peh-tahng
Good nightSelamat malamSeh-lah-maht mah-lahm
Goodbye/ByeSelamat tinggal/BabaiSeh-lah-maht ting-gahl / Bah-bye

How Do You Say Malay Greetings In Malay

To say “Malay greeting” in Malay, you would use the term Salam Melayu.

The word salam translates to “greeting,” and Melayu refers to the Malay people or language.

Malay greetings often involve performing the salam, a respectful gesture that pairs well with common phrases like Apa khabar? (How are you?) and Selamat pagi (Good morning).

However, in casual contexts, a simple wave and saying Hai (Hi) is equally acceptable and widely understood.

By learning these greetings, you’ll show respect for Malaysian culture while embracing the warmth and hospitality of the locals during your time here!

Frequently Asked Questions About Greetings In Malay

What is the common Malay greeting?

Learning how to greet people in Malay is an exciting step toward understanding the local culture and making authentic connections in Malaysia.

The most common greetings in Malay include Apa khabar (how are you?)—a friendly and casual phrase used by locals in most settings, from markets to professional environments, and Hai (Hello) or Selamat pagi (Good morning).

By embracing the Malay language, you respect the culture and create opportunities for richer travel experiences.

Whether greeting a new friend or asking for directions, knowing how to say “hello” and “How are you?” can make your trip more meaningful.

A malay man and woman clasping their hands to do the salam greeting

How To Greet Formally In Malay?

To greet formally in Malay, you can perform the salam, which is a traditional gesture of greeting, especially when meeting Malaysian Malays.

The salam involves a hand gesture and is used in formal or ceremonial situations. Here’s how to do the salam:

  1. The first person offers both hands with their palms facing the other person.
  2. The second person reciprocates by offering both hands.
  3. The first person gently touches the second person’s outstretched hands.
  4. The first person then brings their hands to their chest in a sign of respect.
  5. The second person reciprocates the salam. This gesture is commonly used in ceremonies, formal gatherings, or when meeting elders or people of higher status. It’s a lovely way to show respect and honor Malay traditions.

While doing the salam, you would use Selamat pagi (Good morning), Selamat tengahari (Good afternoon), or Selamat malam (Good evening) to send your greetings, depending on the time of day.

These expressions show respect and are often used in professional or polite settings, such as meeting someone at a hotel, work, or formal gatherings.

Unlike other cultures that may rely heavily on titles or honorifics, greetings in Malay are generally straightforward and flexible, making it easier for travelers to engage without worrying too much about formality.

Mastering these formal greetings will help you blend in and show your respect for local customs.

How Do You Say Welcome In Malay?

The phrase Selamat datang in Malay means “Welcome” and is a warm, inviting greeting often used to make someone feel at home—whether you’re entering a building, meeting locals, or being welcomed into someone’s home.

To respond to “Thank you” with You’re welcome in Malay, you can say Sama-sama, which translates to “same-same (likewise),” signifying mutual gratitude.

For a more casual tone, Malaysians also use Tidak apa or Tak apa (“It’s okay” or “No worries”), reflecting the laid-back and hospitable spirit of the culture.

These phrases will enhance your interactions and create meaningful connections with the locals during your visit.

Unlock Local Connections With These Greetings In Malay Now!

As you prepare for your Malaysian adventure, mastering the basics like the 7 Essential Malay Greetings for Novice Travelers can make a difference.

Whether starting your day with a cheerful Selamat pagi or replying confidently with tips from How to Reply to Greetings In Malay: 4 Quick Tips for Novice Travelers, these small gestures show respect and genuine interest in the local culture.

We have also answered some of the commonly asked questions about greetings in Malay, such as How to Greet Formally in Malay, where traditions like performing the salam can leave a lasting impression.

By learning these phrases, you’re not just picking up a language—you’re opening the door to meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences in Malaysia.

Want to learn more common Malay phrases to make your travels here unforgettable?

Start practicing these greetings now and make your trip an authentic and enriching journey!

a man doing Salam greetings in malay

Learn More Basic Phrases In Malay

Start your Malaysian journey on the right foot by mastering these essential greetings in Malay.

A simple “Apa khabar?” or “Selamat pagi” can break the ice and open doors to authentic connections with locals.

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