In this beginner lesson, you will learn how to greet someone, give your name, and ask for their name in Malay. The phrases and dialogue use everyday informal Malay that is suitable for friends, classmates, and people of similar age.
Objectives
- Greet someone and give your name in one simple Malay sentence.
- Ask a friend's name using common informal Malay question forms.
- Recognize and use 'nama saya', 'awak', and 'kamu' in short introductions.
Phrases
Hi, my name is Ana.
Use this to greet someone and give your name in one sentence. Replace 'Ana' with your own name.My name is Ali.
A simple way to give your name. Replace 'Ali' with your own name.What is your name?
Informal question using 'awak', suitable for friends, classmates, or people of similar age.What is your name?
Another common informal word order with the same meaning as 'Siapa nama awak?'.What is your name?
Informal question using 'kamu', also widely used in everyday Malay.Explanations
Greeting and giving your name
Use 'Hai, nama saya Ana.' to greet someone and give your name in one simple sentence. 'Nama saya ...' literally means 'name my ...', but it is the natural way to say 'My name is ...'. You can replace 'Ana' with your own name.
Asking someone's name
To ask someone's name, use 'Siapa nama awak?' or 'Nama awak siapa?'. Both are common and mean 'What is your name?'. 'Awak' is an informal 'you' used with friends, classmates, or people of similar age. 'Siapa nama kamu?' is another common informal question; 'kamu' is also informal and is widely used in everyday Malay. Choose the form that feels comfortable and matches how you usually address the person.
Listening and repeating
Listen carefully to the recording, repeat each phrase aloud, and copy the speaker's rhythm and sounds. Pay attention to the clear vowels and the smooth flow of the whole sentence rather than trying to match it to English sounds.
Dialogue
Hi, my name is Ana.
Hi, my name is Ali.
What is your name?
My name is Ali.
Pronunciation
Listen to the recording, repeat each phrase aloud, and copy the speaker's rhythm and sounds. Focus on the clear vowels and the smooth flow of the whole sentence.
Common mistake
Using a formal or overly literal English-style question to ask a friend's name instead of the common informal Malay forms.
Use 'Siapa nama awak?' or 'Nama awak siapa?' with friends, classmates, or people of similar age. 'Siapa nama kamu?' is another common informal option.
Practice
Listen and repeat after the recording to greet someone and give your name in one sentence.
The sample answer is 'Hai, nama saya Ana.' Replace 'Ana' with your own name when you repeat.
Show answer
Hai, nama saya Ana.'Hai, nama saya Ana.' greets someone and gives your name in one simple sentence. 'Nama saya' means 'my name'.
Listen and repeat after the recording to ask a friend their name using this question.
The sample answer is 'Siapa nama awak?' Use it with friends, classmates, or people of similar age.
Show answer
Siapa nama awak?'Siapa nama awak?' means 'What is your name?' and uses the informal 'awak' for 'you'.
Listen and repeat after the recording to give your name using this sentence pattern.
The sample answer is 'Nama saya Ali.' Replace 'Ali' with your own name.
Show answer
Nama saya Ali.'Nama saya Ali.' follows the pattern 'Nama saya ...' to say 'My name is ...'.
You can now greet someone, give your name with 'Nama saya ...', and ask a friend's name using 'Siapa nama awak?' or 'Siapa nama kamu?'.
Practice with Yapr
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Practice on Yapr