Languages of Maldives: A Complete Guide

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

A signboard in English at Maldivian beach, Language of the Maldives
A signboard in English at a beach in Maldives (Source)
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

A signboard in Arabic, Languages of Maldives
A signboard in Arabic (Source)
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!

This post was published by Pranjali Kureel

Share this post on social media

Maldives Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Related Articles

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Culture of Maldives - Customs and Traditions of Maldives

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

History of Maldives - The Realm of Rich Legacy and Vibrant History

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

16 Fun Facts About Maldives That Will Make You Want to Visit It

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Traditional Dress of Maldives - 5 Local Traditional Maldives Dresses

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Maldives vs Seychelles: Pick Your Next Holiday Destination!

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Maldives Visa for Indians - On Arrival Tourist Visa Information

Romantic & Honeymoon

Romantic & Honeymoon

Honeymoon in Maldives Guide - Cost, Best Resorts, Things to Do

Nightlife

Nightlife

Nightlife in Maldives: Where to Go When the Sun Goes Down

Shopping

Shopping

Shopping in Maldives - Best Places & Souvenirs to Buy

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

12 Airports in Maldives Listed to Make Your Travel Easier

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

13 Beautiful Places in Maldives That Will Take Your Breath Away

Adventure

Adventure

Snorkelling in Maldives Guides

Transport

Transport

Transportation in Maldives - Pick Your Ride for a Hassle Free Vacation

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Bora Bora vs Maldives: Which is Better for You?

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Maldives Weather in December- All Whats and Wheres You Need to Know

Religious

Religious

Religion in Maldives - Understanding the Religious Beliefs in Maldives

Adventure

Adventure

Surfing In Maldives - All About Riding the Wave in Maldives

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Is Maldives Safe? Travel Advice and Things to Know

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Food of Maldives - 20 Tempting Dishes and Drinks to Try in Maldives

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Vegetarian Food in Maldives - 10 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Hawaii Vs Maldives: Which One to Choose for Your next Vacay?

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Currency Exchange in the Maldives

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Maldives Weather in April - The Perfect Time to Experience the Tropical Island

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Island Hopping in Maldives - Traverse the Miniature Paradise

Adventure

Adventure

Maldives Cruises - Discover the Country Wave by Wave

Experiences

Experiences

Wedding in Maldives - Top 10 Resorts for an Exquisite Ceremony

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Maldives Weather in January - Experience the Best of this Country!

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife & Nature

Flora and Fauna in Maldives For A Wild Holiday

Experiences

Experiences

10 Best Spas in Maldives - Serenity and Well Being at its Best

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Weather of Maldives in May - Cheap Prices, Fun Activities & Sightseeing!

Comments on this post

Browse Package Collections

View Packages