Baba Malay Lessons: Greetings & Introductions

Learn Baba Malay greetings and introductions to connect with Peranakan culture. Start speaking like a local with these essential phrases!

Welcome to our first article in the series "Everyday Conversations in Baba Malay." In this series, we will explore practical scenarios to help you use Baba Malay in daily life. Whether you're a beginner or looking to polish your skills, these articles will provide you with the essential phrases and cultural insights to communicate effectively and respectfully in Baba Malay. Let's start with the basics: Greetings & Introductions.

In Peranakan culture, greetings are more than just polite expressions; they are a way of showing respect and establishing a connection. The way you greet someone can set the tone for the entire conversation. Learning these fundamental phrases is the first step in mastering Baba Malay and understanding the Peranakan way of life.

Here Are Some Common Greetings in Baba Malay;

- S’lamat Pagi (Good Morning)

Usage: This greeting is used in the morning until around noon.

Example: "S’lamat pagi, apa khabair?" (Good morning, how are you?)

- S’lamat Tenga Hari (Good Afternoon)

Usage: This is used from around noon until the late afternoon.

Example: "S'lamat tengahari, sua makan belom?" (Good afternoon, have you eaten?)

- S'lamat Petang (Good Evening)

Usage: Used in the late afternoon until the early evening.

Example: "S'lamat petang, apa khabair?" (Good evening, how are you?)

- S'lamat Malam (Good Night)

Usage: This greeting is used at night.

Example: "S'lamat malam." (Good night.)

- Apa Khabair? (How Are You?)

Usage: A general greeting that can be used at any time of the day to inquire about someone's well-being.

Example: "Apa khabair? Lama tak jumpa." (How are you? Long time no see.)

- Kam Siah (Thank You)

Usage: Used to express gratitude.

Example: "Kam Siah." (Thank you.) 

- Sama-sama (You're Welcome)

Usage: A polite response to "Thank You."

Example: "Sama-sama!" (You're welcome!)

- Introducing Yourself in Baba Malay

- Nama Gua... (My name is...)

Usage: Used to introduce yourself.

Example: "Nama Gua Ben." (My name is Ben.)

- Gua lagik... (I am from...)

Usage: Used to tell someone where you are from.

Example: "Gua Lagik Melaka." (I am from Melaka.)

- Omor Gua... (I am... years old)

Usage: Used to tell someone your age.

Example: "Omor gua dua puluh lima taon." (I am twenty-five years old.)

- Gua kréja jadi... (I work as...)

Usage: Used to tell someone about your occupation.

Example: "Gua kréja jadi chekgu." (I work as a teacher.)

- Practice Dialogues

Dialogue 1: Greeting a Neighbour

A: "S'lamat pagi, Ahmad! Apa khabair?" (Goodmorning Ahmad, how are you?)

B: "S'lamat pagi, Ali. Khabair baik, Kam Siah." (Good Morning Ali. I’m good thank you.)

Dialogue 2: Introducing Yourself

A: "Apa khabair? Nama Gua Ryan. Lu mia nama apa?" (How are you? My name is Ryan. What is your name?)

B: "Khabair baik, kam siah Gua mia nama Ben." (I’m good, thank you. My name is Ben.)

Dialogue 3: Thanking Someone

A: "Mari masok." (Please come in.)

B: "Kamsiah." (Thank you.)

In the Peranakan community, politeness and respect are highly valued. When greeting someone, it is customary to smile and sometimes offer a slight nod or bow as a sign of respect. Elderly people and those in positions of authority are greeted with more formal language and gestures.

Remember, learning a language is not just about memorising words but also about understanding and appreciating the culture it represents. By learning these greetings and introductions, you're not only gaining language skills but also showing respect for the rich heritage of the Peranakan people.

We encourage you to practise these greetings and introductions with your friends and family. Try using them in your daily interactions to become more comfortable with the language. Share your experiences and any questions you might have in the comments below. We're here to help you on your journey to mastering Baba Malay!

Stay tuned for our next article, where we will dive into everyday conversations at the market. Happy learning!

Ready to master Baba Malay and dive into the rich Peranakan culture? Start using these essential greetings and introductions today! 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