The official language of Maldives is Dhivehi (or Divehi), which is also known as Maldivian. One of the most widely spoken languages in Maldives is English, majorly due to the widespread tourism that the country is dependent on. Since Maldives is dominated by the Islamic religion, the Arabic language is also spoken by a large majority of the population. The religious language of Muslims, Arabic, is taught in schools and mosques in Maldives. The other dominant languages in Maldives are Mulaku, Huvadhu, Maliku, Haddhunmathee, and Addu. Most of the staff at the resorts in Maldives speak English along with French, German, Mandarin, and other international languages.
Here is a list of languages of Maldives, followed by a translation guide to help you out on your tour:
1. Dhivehi
The official and the most common language of Maldives, Dhivehi, or the Maldivian language, has been influenced by various languages like Arabic, French, Persian, Portuguese, Hindustani, and English. The language is derived from Elu Prakrit and is quite closely related to the Sinhalese language of Sri Lanka. English words like atoll and Dhoni are anglicised versions of Dhivehi words- atolu and doni. This language is written in Thaana script, written from right to left like Arabic.
Dhivehi Translation Guide
| Hello | Assalaamu alaikum |
| Yes | Aan |
| No | Noon |
| Please | Adhes kohfa |
| Thank You | Adhes kohfa |
| You're welcome | Maruhabaa |
| Excuse me | Ma-aaf kurey |
| I'm sorry | Ma-aafu kurey |
| Goodbye | Dhanee |
| Good morning | Baajjaveri hendhuneh |
| Good night | Baajjaveri reygande |
| How are you? | Haalu kihineh? |
| Fine. Thank you | Ran'galhu, shukuriyaa ( ) |
| What is your name? | Kon nameh tha kiyanee? |
| My name is _________ | Aharenge namakee ______ |
| Nice to meet you | Baddhalu vee thi varah ufavejje |
| I can't speak *name of language* | ahannakha "____" eh negey maa rangalhakah. |
| Do you speak English? | Ingireysin vaahaka dhakkan ingeytha? |
| Is there someone here who speaks English? | Mithaa ingireysin vahaka dhakan ingey mehaku eba huri tha? |
| Help! | Salaamai kurey! |
| I only eat vegetarian food | Ahannakee evves kahala janavaaru maheh nukaa meeheh. |
| Can I use your phone? | ahannah thi phoanu beynun kollevi dhaane tha? |
| How much does it cost? | Meege agakee kobaa? |
| I'll call the police | aharen fuluhun nah gulhaanan |
2. English
English is the second most popular language in the Maldives, widely used in the education, commerce and tourism sectors. Although the Maldives had been a British protectorate in the 19th and the first half of the 20th century, the popularity of English rose only when it was introduced in the schools in 1960 and replaced Dhivehi as the medium of education. Consequently, it has become the unofficial second language of Maldives. Measures like the introduction of the English - Dhivehi - English dictionary have been taken to promote a greater understanding of the English language among Dhivehi speakers and vice versa. Since English is widely spoken by the locals and those in the tourism sector, language won't be a major problem here.
3. Arabic
Since Islam is the official and the most widespread religion of Maldives, with a majority Muslim population, the religious language of Muslims - Arabic is quite widespread in Maldives. It is taught in schools and mosques, and thus, most of the population is familiar with the language to a great extent.
Arabic Translation Guide
| Hello | marhaban |
| Yes | na`am; away |
| No | la |
| Please | min fadlak (male); min fadlik (female) |
| Thank You | shukran |
| You're welcome | `afwan |
| Excuse me | law samaht |
| I'm sorry | ana 'sif (male); anasifa (female) |
| Goodbye | b'y b'y |
| Good morning | Baajjaveri hendhuneh |
| Good night | Baajjaveri reygande |
| How are you? | Haalu kihineh? |
| Fine. Thank you | bi-khair shukran |
| What is your name? | ismak (male); ismik (female) |
| My name is _________ | Aharenge namakee ______ |
| How do I get to ______? | kayf bawsal la __ |
| I can't speak *name of language* | Laatakallam _____ |
| Do you speak English? | hal tatakallam el-ingliziyya? |
| Is there someone here who speaks English? | had beyetkallem ingelizi? |
| Help! | an-najda! |
| I'm vegetarian | Ana nabati |
| Can I use your phone? | hal mumkin astakhdim at-telefon? |
| How much does it cost? | bikam hatha |
| I'll call the police | sa attasil bil-shurta |
Although English is a very popular language in Maldives and resorts and tourist places are gradually adopting various others like German and French because of the increasing number of these foreign visitors, keep this translation guide handy as it will help you communicate and mix up with the local population on your Maldives trip. There are other plenty of handbooks, mobile applications and online guides available these days that will help you further if you wish to learn more!