Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation that boasts strong ancient roots, serene tea plantations, rich culture, and surreal landscapes. This nation attracts tourists from around the world with its plethora of diverse experiences. However, language barrier often remains a concern as the country is home to several languages, and relying solely on English will not help. Presenting a list of the different Sri Lanka language and some of the widely used phrases that will help simplify your vacation experience. Let’s begin!
Different Languages & Phrases in Sri Lanka
There are three main languages spoken in Sri Lanka– including Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Sinhala and Tamil are the two main official languages, and English is generally common in Urban areas.
Sinhala Langauge
Sinhala is regarded as Srilanka’s mother tongue and is widely spoken in Central, Southern, and Western parts of the nation. It is the native language of the Sinhalese people, who account to be 70% of the nation’s population. The Sinhala language was influenced by Pali, which is the liturgical language of Sri Lankan Buddhists. Also, a significant number of Tamil words are used in Sinhala, like:
- “Poththak”: Book
- “Veedu”: Home
- “Karuvappu”: Ginger
- “Thamasha”: Fun
- “Kandee”: Sugar, and many more.
Tamil Language
This is the second official Sri Lanka language, which is almost the same as Indian Tamil but differs a little bit in terms of Accent and Vocabulary. Approximately 15% of the population in Sri Lanka speaks Tamil and belongs to the Dravidian language family.
English Language
English is also counted as a Sri Lanka language, mainly used in Urban areas like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, and at popular tourist places. This language is broadly used in Education, Government, and Business and serves as a common language for communication in diverse settings.
Other Languages
There exist some minority languages in Sri Lanka, like:
- Veddah: Spoken by Veddah people, who are tribal hunter-gatherers living in the forest of central Sri Lanka.
- Dialect of Sinhala: Spoken by the Rodiya community living in the Hill Country.
- Sri Lankan Moorish Tamil: It is a form of Tamil that is majorly influenced by Arabic and spoken by Sri Lankan Moors.
- Sri Lankan Creole Malay: This language is a combination of Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil, Sinhala, and Arabic. Creole Malay is spoken by the Malay Muslims.
Commonly Used Phrases in Sri Lanka
When you’re traveling to Sri Lanka, even a few local words and a warm gesture can go a long way. Whether you are greeting someone, asking for help, eating at a restaurant, or finding your way around, using simple local phrases can help you connect more meaningfully with people and reflect respect for their culture. It’s not just about speaking any of these languages perfectly — it’s more about being friendly, patient, and polite.
So, here’s a table of some common Sri Lankan phrases for tourists that allow you to interact meaningfully with locals and connect deeply with their culture.
| ENGLISH PHRASES | SINHALA | TAMIL |
| Hello | Ayubowan | Vanakkam |
| Good Morning | Subha Udesanak | Kaalai Vanakkam |
| Good Evening | Subha Sandhyawak | Maalai Vanakkam |
| Good Night | Subha Rathriyak | Iravu Vanakkam |
| How are you? | Kohomada? | Eppadi Irukkirirgal? |
| I’m fine. Thank you | Hari. Bohoma sthuthi | Naan nandraaga irukkiren, nandri |
| Thank you | Bohoma Sthuthi | Nandri |
| Please | Karunakarala | Dayavu Seithu |
| You’re welcome | Samawenna | Varaverkiren |
| Sorry | Samawenna | Mannikkavum |
| Goodbye | Gihin Ennam | Poitu Varen |
| How much is this? | Me kiyēda? | Idhu evvalavu? |
| Can I get the menu? | Menu ekak laba ganna puluwanda? | Menu kadidham kudunga |
| Water, please | Wathura karunakarala | Thanni kudunga |
| Bill, please | Ginumak karunakarala | Kanakku kudunga |
| I would like to buy this | Mama me ganna one | Idhai vaanga virumbukiren |
| Where is the bathroom? | Bath kamarey koheda? | Kazhuvina arai engae? |
| Can you help me? | Mata udauw karannada? | Enakku udhavi seiveergala? |
| I don’t understand | Mata therum ganna behe | Yenakku puriyala |
| Do you speak English? | Oyā Ingrisi kathā karanawadā? | Neengal Angilam Pesuveergala? |
| Speak slowly, please | Sānta kathaā karanna | Medhu pesa vendum |
| Call the police | Polisiyāwa call karanna | Police-ku phone seiyungal |
| Help | Udaw karanna! | Udhavi! |
| I’m lost | Mama nivanaṭa yanawā | Naan tholviten |
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Quick Tips for Travelers
Sri Lanka language include Tamil and Sinhala. Here are some quick tips for travelers for an easy-peasy tourism experience in Sri Lanka:
#1. Carry a translation app to easily understand what locals are saying and vice versa during a conversation. This will be extremely helpful, especially while traveling to remote areas.
#2. Learn a few basic phrases to initiate a conversation, like simple greetings:
- Ayubowan- Means Hello in Sinhala
- Vanakkam- Means Hello in Tamil
#3. Always be respectful while speaking, even if you’re unsure of pronunciation. Remember that locals appreciate the effort you make.
#4. Use the English language wherever needed, as it is widely used and understood in tourist areas, hotels, and even restaurants.
#5. It’s crucial to understand regional differences. Sinhala is widely spoken (70%), especially in Western and Southern parts. Tamil is spoken in Eastern and Northern parts, where English is generally common.
#6. Always start the conversation with a smile and a friendly gesture. Remember, non-verbal communication goes a long way if language becomes a barrier.
#7. Smartly listen and adapt to what locals are saying. Sometimes, locals often converse in a mix of Sinhala, Tamil, and English in casual conversations, so stay open and flexible.
#8. Make your local experiences much easier by learning the Numbers and Directions. This way you can easily ask for prices, count money, or request directions–– proving to be very helpful.
#9. Always look for bilingual signs in public areas for easy navigation.
#10. Practice patience and avoid being frustrated, as the communication may take a little longer.
The best part is that Sri Lankans are generally warm, patient, and happy to assist visitors– so keeping these conversation tips in mind will help you build friendly connections with the locals and enjoy a worry-free, more memorable travel experience. Reach out to them with a big smile and see how your simple effort to communicate opens doors to genuine conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tamil and Sinhala the same?
Tamil and Sinhala are two different languages with different linguistic roots and grammar.
- Tamil is a Dravidian language primarily spoken in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
- Sinhala, on the other hand, belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family.
Will English be understood in tourist places in Sri Lanka?
Yes, English is widely used in tourist places in Sri Lanka, especially in major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, as well as in hotel areas and tourist hubs.
Can Indian Tamils understand Sri Lankan Tamils?
Yes, Indian Tamils generally understand Sri Lankan Tamil. There are minor variations in vocabulary, accent, and pronunciation, but they can understand each other without significant difficulty, especially if they speak slowly and clearly.
What is the best way to ask for directions in Sri Lanka?
In urban areas, you can ask for directions in English as it is broadly used and understood. In rural areas, it’s useful to know the basic direction words in Sinhala and Tamil, such as:
1. Turn Left: Sinhala- “Vamaṭa bāhanda” | Tamil- “Idathir turn pannunga”
2. Turn Right: Sinhala- “Dakinata bāhanda” | Tamil- “Valathir turn pannunga”
3. Straight Ahead: Sinhala- “Idiriṭa yanna” | Tamil- “Munneri poonga”
4. How much to ___?: Sinhala- “___ṭa kiyēda? “ | Tamil- “___ eppadi poganum?”
5. Where: Sinhala- “Koheda?” | Tamil- “Enge?”
Please note: You can also use hand gestures for easier communication. Pointing to a map or showing a picture of the place you’re looking for can also clarify your request
Hope you’re now well-versed with the phrases and Sri Lanka language spoken in Sri Lanka! So, ready for a dream vacation to this island nation? If YES, then get your super-personalized and well-crafted Sri Lanka Tour Package– exclusively by JustWravel, today!
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