Baba Malay Lessons: Asking For Directions

Navigate like a Peranakan! Learn essential Baba Malay phrases for asking directions and exploring Peranakan neighborhoods with confidence.

Navigating through a new place can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the language. In this article, we'll explore essential Baba Malay phrases to help you ask for and understand directions. Whether you're visiting a traditional market, looking for a famous restaurant, or trying to find your way to a cultural landmark, these phrases will come in handy. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of Baba Malay and learn how to get around with confidence!

Key Phrases for Directions

Here are some fundamental phrases and questions in Baba Malay that you can use to ask for directions:

"Di mana..." (Where is...)

Example: "Di mana pasair?" (Where is the market?)

"Belok kiri/kanan" (Turn left/right)

Example: "Belok kiri di simpang." (Turn left at the junction.)

"Terus jalan" (Go straight)

Example: "Terus jalan sampai hujung." (Go straight until the end.)

"Brenti..." (Stop at...)

Example: "Brenti depan keday." (Stop in front of the shop.)

Specific Vocabulary

Here are some common places you might need to find, along with their Baba Malay terms:

Bank: Bank

Temple: Chai Tng/Bio/Rumah Datok

Church: Geréja

Hospital: Hospital

Bridge: Jematan

Toilet: Chiwan

Shop: Keday

Market: Pasair 

School: Sekolah

Bus Stop: Tempat Tunggu Bair

Train/MRT Station: Tempat Kréta Api/MRT

Cinema: Wayang Gambair

Here are some common words for directions you might need to use when finding these places:

Turn Left/Right:  Belok Kiri/Kana

Follow: Ikot

Walk Pass: Jalan Lalu

Walk Straight: Jalan Terus

Walk Past: Jalan Teurs Sampay

Cross The Road: Seberang Jalan

Into; to enter: Masok

To turn around: Pusing

On one side, next to: Sebelah

To Stop: Brenti

Practice Dialogues

“Gua pi pasair semalam.” (I went to the market yesterday.)

“Gua mo pi pasair.” (I want to go to the market.)

“Pukol berapa lu sampay?” (What time did you arrive?)

“Pukol berapa kita pi?” (What time do we go)

A: “Pukol berapa ni jam?” (What time is it now?)

B:”Ni jam pukol semilan, sepuloh pagi” (It’s 9:10 in the morning now.)

Understanding directions is not just about language; it's also about cultural context. Here are some cultural insights to keep in mind when asking for directions in a Peranakan community:

Politeness: Always start your conversation with a greeting like "S'lamat pagi" (Good morning) or "S'lamat tenga hari" (Good afternoon) to show respect.

Landmarks: Directions might often include landmarks rather than street names, e.g., "near the old mosque" or "next to the big tree."

We'd love to hear from you! Share your experiences using Baba Malay to ask for directions. Did you find it easy or challenging? Do you have any interesting stories or encounters while navigating through a Peranakan neighbourhood? Leave your comments below and join the conversation.

Share your progress and experiences with us. Follow us on Instagram at @babagabra. Let's learn and celebrate Baba Malay together!

Credits: BABA MALAY FOR EVERYONE: A comprehensive guide to the Peranakan Language(2020) by Baba Kenneth Tan and Amelyn Thompson