Dhivehi, the language of the Maldives, is strongly influenced by the major languages of the area, with the Sinhalese language of Sri Lanka being the most similar. The wide dispersion of islands in the Maldives has given rise to variations in dialect from atoll to atoll, with the difference being most pronounced in the southernmost atolls. Hurawalhi boasts an international team that speaks a myriad of languages so learning Dhivehi isn’t a necessity, but if you’d like to enrich your holiday by learning a few words and common conversational phrases before you arrive, read on…

Conversational Phrases

Hello – Assalaamu alaikum.
Goodbye – dhanee or vakivelanee
How are you? – Haalu kihineh?
Fine, thank you – Ran’galhu, shukuriyaa
Very, very well – Varah barabaru!
What’s your name? – Kon nameh kiyanee?
My name is ___ – Aharenge namakee ___.
Thank you – Shukuriyaa
You’re welcome – Maruhabaa

Words for divers and snorkellers:

Boat – Dhoni
Fish – Mas
Turtle – Velaa
Shark – Miyaaru
Manta – Madi
Dolphins – Koamas
Shallow underwater island – Giri
Deep underwater island – Thila
Channel between reefs – Kandu

Our team at Hurawalhi Maldives will be very happy to help you learn more words and practice you new skills during your time with us here in paradise.