Malagasy is an easy language to learn and to understand…once you practice. As Malagasy people understand French in most parts of the  Red Island, they will be pleased to hear you try the local language. You will find below, in our small lexicon, some of our daily expressions which, we hope, will help you out during your trip accross the island. Have fun and soa vadia !

HelloManahoana
GoodbyeVeloma
PleaseAzafady
Thank youMisaotra
Excuse-meAzafady
How are you ?Inona vaovao ?
Have a good tripSoa Vadia
WelcomeTonga soa
leftAvia
rightAvanana
Straight onMahintsy
UpAmbony
DownAmbany
How much does it cost ?Otrinona
To payMandoa
the moneyVola
Where is...?Aiza no misy...?
the mealSakafo
the riceVary
the sauceSosy
bredes (leaves)Anana
the meatHena
the zebu (local beef)Omby
the zebu meatHenan'omby
porkKisoa
chickenAkoho
the fishTrondro
a roomEfitra
a houseTrano
the rice fieldsTanim-bary
the seaRanomasina
the pirogue (local fisher-boat)Lakana
the boatSambo
the carTomobila
breakfastSakafo maraina
lunchSakafo atoandro
dinnerSakafo hariva
morningMaraina
noonAtoandro
eveningHariva
traditionFomba
forbiddenFady
the placeToerana
redMena
greenMaintso
whiteFotsy
clearMazava
darkMaizina
sunMasoandro
moonVolana
hourOra
dayAndro
monthVolana
yearTaona
the marketNy tsena