Simple Words to Connect with Locals
Learn basic Sinhala and Tamil phrases to make your Sri Lanka trip amazing
Learning just a few words in Sinhala and Tamil will make your Sri Lanka trip amazing! Locals love when travelers try to speak their language. Don't worry about being perfect - a smile and effort go a long way! 😊
Below you'll find the most important words you need, with both Sinhala and Tamil translations plus easy-to-follow pronunciations. Start with "Thank you" and you'll be making friends everywhere!
Hello
🇱🇰 Sinhala
ආයුබෝවන්
Ayubowan
"AH-yu-bo-wan"
🇱🇰 Tamil
வணக்கம்
Vanakkam
"va-NAK-kam"
Thank You ⭐
🇱🇰 Sinhala
ස්තූතියි
Stuti
"STOOO-thi"
🇱🇰 Tamil
நன்றி
Nandri
"NAN-dri"
Good Morning
🇱🇰 Sinhala
සුභ උදෑසනක්
Suba udasanak
"SOO-ba oo-DA-sa-nak"
🇱🇰 Tamil
காலை வணக்கம்
Kaalai vanakkam
"KAA-lai va-NAK-kam"
Please
🇱🇰 Sinhala
කරුණාකර
Karunakara
"ka-ru-NAA-ka-ra"
🇱🇰 Tamil
தயவுசெய்து
Thayavu seithu
"ta-YA-vu SAY-tu"
Sorry
🇱🇰 Sinhala
සමාවෙන්න
Samawenna
"sa-ma-WEN-na"
🇱🇰 Tamil
மன்னிக்கவும்
Mannikavum
"man-ni-ka-vum"
Yes / No
🇱🇰 Sinhala
ඔව් / නෑ
Ow / Nehe
"OH / NAY-hey"
🇱🇰 Tamil
ஆம் / இல்லை
Aam / Illai
"AAM / IL-lai"
- Start simple: Just use "Thank you" (Stuti/Nandri) everywhere - it works magic!
- Smile always: Even if you get the words wrong, your effort will be appreciated
- Practice daily: Use these words with your hotel staff, tuk-tuk drivers, and shop owners
- Have fun: Don't stress about being perfect - locals will help you!
You're Ready! 🎉
These simple words will open doors and hearts all over Sri Lanka. The locals will be so happy to hear you speak their language!
Pro tip: Take a screenshot of this page and keep it handy on your phone!