Key Phrases 🗣️
Essential Sinhala phrases with pronunciations you'll actually use.
Hello
Ayubōwan
ah-yoo-boh-wan
Thank you
Isthūthi
is-thoo-thee
How much is this?
Meeka keeyada?
mee-ka kee-ya-da
Too expensive
Godak ganan
go-dak ga-nan
Please stop here
Meethana nawaththanna
mee-tha-na na-wa-tha-na
Yes
Ow
oh
No
Næhæ
neh-heh
Help
Udaw karanna
oo-daow ka-ran-na
Excuse me
Samawenna
sa-ma-wen-na
Where is the bathroom?
Gedara koheda?
ged-a-ra ko-hed-a
Water
Jala
ja-la
Food
Sama
sa-ma
Delicious
Rasa!
ra-sa
🎤 Pronunciation Tips
Don't worry about perfect pronunciation. Sri Lankans will appreciate your effort and are very patient with travelers trying to speak Sinhala.
- • Stress the first syllable in most phrases
- • Roll your 'r's softly
- • Open your vowels — think Italian or Spanish