Language Guide
Essential Sinhala & Tamil phrases for your Sri Lanka adventure
Sinhala (සිංහල)
Tamil (தமிழ்)
English (widely spoken)
English is widely understood in tourist areas, cities, and by younger generations
Learning a few local phrases goes a long way in making connections!
Greetings
English
Hello
Sinhala
ආයුබෝවන්
Ayubowan
Tamil
வணக்கம்
Vanakkam
English
Thank you
Sinhala
ස්තුතියි
Istuti / Bohoma istuti
Tamil
நன்றி
Nandri
English
Please
Sinhala
කරුණාකර
Karunakara
Tamil
தயவுசெய்து
Thayavu seithu
English
Yes
Sinhala
ඔව්
Ow
Tamil
ஆம்
Aam
English
No
Sinhala
නෑ
Nae
Tamil
இல்லை
Illai
English
Sorry / Excuse me
Sinhala
සමාවෙන්න
Samawenna
Tamil
மன்னிக்கவும்
Mannikkavum
English
Goodbye
Sinhala
ගිහින් එන්නම්
Gihin ennam
Tamil
போய் வருகிறேன்
Poi varugiren
Language Tips
- 🙏"Ayubowan" is said with palms together in a prayer gesture
- 🗣️Sinhala is spoken in the south & central regions
- 🌏Tamil is spoken in the north & east regions
- 😊Locals appreciate any attempt to speak their language!
- 📱Google Translate works offline - download Sinhala & Tamil
- 🔊Use the 🔊 icon to hear pronunciations via your device's text-to-speech