Malagasy is the national language of Madagascar, spoken by more than twenty million people. It is an Austronesian language related to Malay and Indonesian, enriched with Bantu, Arabic and French words. With this kit, you have the bare minimum to greet, find your way and make a good impression in Antananarivo, Tamatave or villages across the island.
Malagasy is Madagascar's national language and co-official with French. Spoken by more than twenty million people, it is unique in Africa because it belongs to the Austronesian family, alongside Indonesian, Malay and Tagalog. Its first speakers crossed the Indian Ocean from the Indonesian archipelago about one thousand five hundred years ago, and their language was later enriched through contact with East African Bantu peoples, Arab traders and French settlers. Standard Malagasy is based on the Merina dialect of the central highlands around Antananarivo, but there are around twenty regional varieties (Sakalava, Betsimisaraka, Antandroy, Vezo) that remain largely mutually intelligible. The language has been written in the Latin alphabet since the nineteenth century, with regular pronunciation rules where most words carry stress on the penultimate syllable. Grammar follows an unusual verb-object-subject order and relies heavily on a passive voice, which can be surprising at first. Culturally, Malagasy carries a rich oral tradition (kabary, hainteny), a vibrant music scene (salegy, vakodrazana) and a growing film industry. This kit brings together the bare essentials to greet, find your way around a home or village, order food, handle an emergency and leave gracefully, with a glossary of everyday words and essential verbs. Simple politeness and a sincere Misaotra will radically transform your travel experience.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You step into a home in Antananarivo after a long trip. You greet your hosts with a respectful Manao ahoana, give a warmer Salama to the younger family members, receive a welcoming Tonga soa and slip in an early Veloma to a neighbour leaving.
The taxi-be drops you off in front of the house (trano) you rented in Tamatave. You ask where your room (efitrano) is, locate the shared kitchen (lakozia) and note the main door (varavarana) to lock at night.
You sit down in a neighbourhood hotely for lunch. You ask for boiled water (rano), some milk (ronono) for the coffee, a portion of hot rice (vary) and a piece of bread (mofo) to round off the meal.
You feel unwell and try to explain the pain to the nurse at the local clinic. You point to your head (loha), show stinging eyes (maso), signal a painful ear (sofina) and mention a bitter taste in your mouth (vava).
It is your last evening before flying home. You wish your hosts Tsara mandry at bedtime, thank them with a heartfelt Misaotra the next morning, receive a humble Tsy misy fisaorana in reply and add an Azafady before asking one last favour.
What you need to know before travelling to a malgache-speaking country.
Malagasy is an Austronesian language whose roots lie in the Indonesian archipelago. You will spot words akin to Malay (rano for water, fanahy for spirit), echoes of a journey made over a thousand years ago.
The word Azafady is essential: it covers please, sorry and excuse me. Using it often is a key marker of politeness much appreciated in Madagascar.
Rice (vary) is central to every Malagasy meal, often eaten morning, noon and night. Refusing rice can be surprising; accepting even a small portion shows respect for local hospitality.
The concept of fihavanana (social bond, solidarity) deeply shapes Malagasy society. Prefer patience, respect for elders and discretion over direct confrontation.
French is widely understood in cities and administration, but slipping in a few Malagasy words (Manao ahoana, Misaotra) immediately opens conversations in markets and villages.
Fady (taboos) vary from one region and clan to another, covering food, places and gestures. Always ask if in doubt, especially before entering a tomb or sacred area.
The sense of time in Madagascar (mora mora, slowly slowly) is more flexible than in Europe. Accept the rhythm; visible impatience is a faux pas that closes doors.
Bargaining is expected at markets and with informal drivers. Do it with a smile and without fuss; aiming for about two thirds of the initial price is a good starting point.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Eny
yes
Tsia
no
Tsara
fine / good
Tsy azoko
I don't understand
Mazava
I understand / clear
Tiako ianao
I love you
Tompoko
sir / madam (honorific)
misy
to be / there is
manana
to have
mandeha
to go
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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