Quick answer
The most useful Sinhala words are ayubowan (a greeting), sthuthiy (thank you), ow (yes), naha (no) and keeyada (how much). Machan is the Sri Lankan equivalent of mate, and jayawewa means victory, heard in chants at the ground. In Tamil, used in the north and east and by many in Colombo and the hill country, vanakkam is hello and nandri is thank you. Cricket terms themselves are mostly English.
Key takeaways
- Ayubowan is the Sinhala greeting, said with palms pressed together.
- Sthuthiy means thank you in Sinhala; nandri means thank you in Tamil.
- Machan is the Sri Lankan word for mate.
- Jayawewa, meaning victory, is a common cheer at the cricket.
- Cricket terms in Sri Lanka are mostly English.
Sri Lanka's languages
Sinhala is the language of the majority, spoken across the south, west and centre, including Galle, Colombo and Kandy. Tamil is spoken in the north and east, in the tea country and by many people in Colombo. English is widely used in business, tourism and cricket.
You will hear a mix of all three at the ground. Commentary, scoreboards and much of the crowd talk about the game use English cricket terms, often mixed into Sinhala or Tamil sentences.
Learning a few words in either language is a sign of respect, and Sri Lankans are delighted when visitors try.
- →Sinhala: south, west and centre.
- →Tamil: north, east, tea country and Colombo.
- →English: widely spoken in tourist areas.
Greetings and courtesies
Ayubowan, meaning may you live long, is the formal Sinhala greeting, said with palms pressed together in front of the chest. It is used for welcomes and farewells, and hotel staff will greet you with it. In Tamil, the equivalent is vanakkam.
Thank you is sthuthiy in Sinhala, often pronounced like is-too-tee, and nandri in Tamil. How are you is kohomada in Sinhala; the reply hondai means good. Yes is ow and no is naha in Sinhala; in Tamil, aamaa and illai.
A smile and a nod go a long way too.
- →Ayubowan or vanakkam: hello.
- →Sthuthiy or nandri: thank you.
- →Ow and naha: yes and no in Sinhala.
At the ground
Machan is the word to know. It means mate, buddy or brother, used between friends across Sri Lanka, and Sri Lankan fans will often call a friendly Australian neighbour machan by the end of a day. Using it back is a sure way to get a laugh.
Jayawewa means victory, and you will hear it in chants and songs, often as Sri Lanka jayawewa. Ela, roughly meaning great or cool, is common slang for a good shot or a good moment. Sixer, out and four are used just as in English.
Lankan Stays & Trails drivers are often happy to teach fans a few phrases on the way to the ground, along with the names of the players.
- →Machan: mate.
- →Jayawewa: victory.
- →Ela: great, a good shot.
Shopping, tuk-tuks and food
Keeyada, meaning how much, is useful at markets and with tuk-tuk drivers. Mata epa means I do not want, a polite way to decline a seller. Hari means OK, and podi means small or little, useful when asking for less chilli.
When ordering food, sera adu karanna is a way of asking for less spice, though pointing and smiling also work. Bath means rice, and kiri means milk. In Tamil areas, evvalavu means how much.
Prices for tourists are often quoted in English, so numbers are rarely a problem.
- →Keeyada: how much.
- →Mata epa: I do not want.
- →Podi: small or little.
Pronunciation tips
Sinhala and Tamil words are pronounced roughly as written, with each syllable given equal weight. Do not worry about getting it perfect; the effort is what matters, and locals will happily correct you.
Writing a few words on your phone, or in a notebook, helps you remember them on match day.
Many Sri Lankans also switch easily between languages, so you will often hear English words in the middle of a Sinhala sentence.
- →Say each syllable evenly.
- →Effort matters more than accuracy.
- →Keep a list on your phone.
Using words respectfully
Use greetings with older people, monks and hosts. Avoid repeating words you hear in the crowd unless you know what they mean, as some chants and banter are not for polite company.
A simple thank you in the local language at a hotel, a restaurant or with your driver is always appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
What does machan mean in Sri Lanka?
Machan is the Sri Lankan word for mate, buddy or brother, used between friends across the island. Sri Lankan fans will often call a friendly Australian neighbour at the cricket machan, and using it back is a good way to break the ice.
What does jayawewa mean at the cricket?
Jayawewa means victory and is used as a cheer at the cricket, often as Sri Lanka jayawewa. You will hear it in chants and songs from the stands, especially after a wicket or when Sri Lanka are winning. It can also be used as a toast.
How do you say hello in Sinhala?
Ayubowan, meaning may you live long, is the formal Sinhala greeting, said with palms pressed together in front of the chest. Hotel staff will greet you with it. In Tamil, the greeting is vanakkam, used in the north, east and tea country.
How do you say thank you in Sinhala and Tamil?
Thank you is sthuthiy in Sinhala, often pronounced like is-too-tee, and nandri in Tamil. A simple thank you at a hotel, restaurant or with your driver is always appreciated, and locals are pleased when visitors try.
Do you need to speak Sinhala at the cricket?
No, English is widely spoken at the grounds and in tourist areas, and cricket terms are mostly English. But a few words, such as machan, jayawewa and ayubowan, help you connect with Sri Lankan fans and are always well received.
How do you ask for less spicy food in Sinhala?
You can ask for sera adu karanna, roughly meaning make it less spicy, or simply say podi for a little. Pointing and smiling also work. Most restaurants in tourist areas will adjust the chilli if you ask in English.
Is Tamil spoken in Colombo?
Yes, many people in Colombo speak Tamil, along with Sinhala and English. Tamil is the main language in the north and east and in much of the tea country. Vanakkam for hello and nandri for thank you are the most useful words.