Easy Malay for English Speakers

One of the biggest worries about moving to a new country is not speaking the language. Fortunately for me, enough locals in Penang speak English so that my questionable grasp of Malay has not been troublesome. At worse, I've been able to find at least one person in a shop who can assist me. Although, the time I attempted to pantomime "googly-eye stickers" was probably amusing them so much that they were only pretending to not understand.

Another blessing is that some Malay words are clearly based on their English counterparts. These remind me of early primary school's "spell it like it sounds" method and actually make more sense than English's convoluted spelling rules.

Can you figure out the following Malay words? Sometimes, it's "as easy as apple pie."

In Malay, adjectives come after the noun.



I've just been robbed! Call the POLIS!



I have a headache. Can we stop at the FARMASI to pick up some medicine?



That crazy MOTOSIKAL weaved in and out of the cars.



If you are looking for a job, read the KLASSIFIEDS.

I'm starving. Let's go and eat at a RESTORAN.

But before you start thinking that you totally understand, remember that some Malay words just look like English but have a completely different meaning.

JAM means "hour"

If a store says "24 JAM," it is not advertising its variety of jellied fruit spreads. That means it's open for 24 hours.

AIR means "water"

Do not put AIR in your tires (or "tyres" as it's spelled here). You'll be sorely disappointed when water comes out. Instead, use the hose marked ANGIN.



This post is part of Travel Photo Thursday on Budget Travelers Sandbox. Check it out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.