Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say phrases and expressions in Sinhala! Whether you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, want to connect with Sinhala-speaking friends or colleagues, or simply have an interest in this beautiful language, we are here to assist you. In this guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways of saying various phrases in Sinhala, including tips and examples. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say in Sinhala
When you want to convey a formal tone in Sinhala, you can use the following phrases: 1. “Please”
In formal situations, the most common way to say “please” in Sinhala is “kripā karayā.” It is used to soften a request and show politeness. 2. “Thank you”
Expressing gratitude is important in any language. In Sinhala, you can say “āyi bohōma istuti,” which means “thank you very much.” 3. “Excuse me”
When you need to get someone’s attention or apologize for interrupting, you can say “kārta karaṇa,” which translates to “excuse me.” 4. “I’m sorry”
To apologize or express regret, you can say “ædhā harēn nē,” which means “I’m sorry.” 5. “Good morning/afternoon/evening”
For greeting people during different times of the day, you can use “subha udæsanak” for “good morning,” “subha sāndhyæ” for “good afternoon,” and “subha rātri” for “good evening.” 6. “How are you?”
A common way to ask someone how they are in a formal setting is “oya heta gihin?” which can be translated to “how are you?”
Informal Ways to Say in Sinhala
In more casual or familiar settings, you can utilize the following phrases: 1. “Please”
For a casual way to say “please” in Sinhala, you can use “kārunā karō.” It conveys politeness but has a slightly less formal tone. 2. “Thank you”
In an informal setting, you can express gratitude by saying “bohōma istuti,” which means “thank you.” 3. “Excuse me”
When trying to get someone’s attention casually, you can use “ayubōvan,” which is equivalent to saying “excuse me.” 4. “I’m sorry”
In an informal context, you can simply say “mātama istuti,” which means “I’m sorry.” 5. “Good morning/afternoon/evening”
Informally greeting someone during different times of the day can be done by using “suprabātha” for “good morning,” “subha san̆dhayak vewā” for “good afternoon,” and “subha rāthriyak vewā” for “good evening.” 6. “How are you?”
To ask “how are you?” in an informal way, you can say “kohemadā?,” which can be translated as “how are you?”
Tips for Speaking Sinhala
Here are some tips to help you improve your Sinhala pronunciation and fluency: 1. Listen and practice
Try to listen to native speakers or recordings of Sinhala conversations. Practice speaking out loud to improve your pronunciation. 2. Focus on intonation
Pay attention to the rising and falling tones in Sinhala words and sentences. Mimic the intonation patterns to sound more natural. 3. Start with basics
Begin by learning simple phrases and gradually move on to more complex sentences. This will help you build a solid foundation in the language. 4. Use flashcards or language apps
Utilize flashcards or language learning apps to practice vocabulary and sentence structures. Consistent practice will increase your proficiency. 5. Find a language partner
Interact with a native Sinhala speaker or language partner who can help you practice your speaking skills. Immersion is a highly effective way to improve. 6. Be patient and persistent
Learning any language takes time and effort. Stay motivated, be patient with yourself, and embrace every opportunity to practice.
Remember, learning a language is not just about words and phrases; it’s about connecting with people and their culture. Sinhala is a rich and vibrant language that will open doors to a deeper understanding of Sri Lankan culture and its people. So, embrace the challenge, have fun, and enjoy your journey into the beautiful world of Sinhala!
We hope this guide has been helpful and has given you a good starting point for learning how to say phrases and expressions in Formal and Informal Sinhala. Keep practicing and exploring the language. Best of luck!
