How to Say "Hi" in Malay
The most natural way to say "Hi" in Malay is Hai. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.
Other ways to say it
When to use it
You can use 'Hai' when greeting friends or acquaintances in a casual setting. It is appropriate for both face-to-face interactions and online communication. It is widely understood and accepted among Malaysians.
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Examples in Malay
| Malay | English |
|---|---|
| Hai, apa khabar? | Hi, how are you? |
| Hai, selamat datang! | Hi, welcome! |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Hai, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Malay with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.
Frequently asked questions
Is 'Hai' used in formal situations?
'Hai' is generally informal; use 'Salam' for formal contexts.
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