Learn Sinhala: Sinhala Words You’ll Hear in Colombo Every Day

If you’re planning a trip to Colombo or moving to Sri Lanka, one of the most rewarding things you can do is learn Sinhala. Sinhala (සිංහල) is the language spoken by the majority of Sri Lankans, and knowing even a handful of everyday words will completely change how you experience the city. Locals appreciate when foreigners try to use Sinhala, and it often opens doors to warmer conversations, better deals at markets, and a deeper cultural connection.

In this article, we’ll walk you through essential Sinhala words and phrases you’re likely to hear in Colombo every day, along with tips on how to learn Sinhala effectively whether you’re a beginner, traveler, or long-term learner.

---

---

Why Learn Sinhala in Colombo?

Colombo is a bustling mix of tradition and modernity. You’ll hear English in many places, but Sinhala dominates in markets, small shops, buses, tuk-tuks, and with local families. By choosing to learn Sinhala, even just the basics, you’ll:

• Feel more confident moving around the city.
• Build rapport with tuk-tuk drivers, vendors, and restaurant staff.
• Understand local culture and humor better.
• Avoid misunderstandings in day-to-day conversations.

Even if you only stay for a short time, these words will make Colombo feel much friendlier.

---

Everyday Sinhala Words You’ll Hear in Colombo

Here are some of the most common Sinhala words and phrases that pop up daily in Colombo:

Greetings & Polite Words

• Ayubowan (ආයුබෝවන්) – Traditional greeting meaning “May you live long.”
• Kohomədə? (කොහොමද?) – How are you?
• Hari (හරි) – Okay / Fine.
• Stuti (ස්තුති) – Thank you.

Getting Around

• Etənə (එතන) – There.
• Metənə (මෙතන) – Here.
• Yannə (යන්න) – Go.
• Navatvannə (නවත්වන්න) – Stop.

At Markets & Shops

• Gānə vædi (ගාන වැඩියි) – The price is too much. - Maṭə ekak ōne (මට එකක් ඕනෙ) – I want one.
• Kiyədə? (කිමේද?) – How much? - Maṭə dekak dennə (මට දෙකක් දෙන්න) – Give me two.

Food & Drink

• Bath (බත්) – Rice (the staple of almost every meal).
• Kiri (කිරි) – Milk.
• Thambili (තඹිලි) – King coconut, a popular Colombo refreshment.
• Waturə (වතුර) – Water.

Everyday Expressions

• Ayyo (අයියෝ) – Oh no.
• Dan (දැන්) – Now.
• Podi (පොඩි) – Small.
• Rasə (රස) – Tasty.

Pronunciation Tips  

• The symbol ə (called schwa) is pronounced like a quick, relaxed, and unstressed “uh” sound, as in the first syllable of about.
• The symbol ō is pronounced as a long “o” sound, like the vowel in go or home.
• The symbol ṭ represents a retroflex “t,” made by curling the tongue back against the roof of the mouth.
• The symbol æ is pronounced like a short “a” sound, similar to the vowel in the English word cat.
• The symbol ā is pronounced as a long “a” sound, like the vowel in the English word father.

These words are short, practical, and commonly used in Colombo. By practicing them daily, you’ll notice how often they pop up in conversations around you.

---

---

How to Learn Sinhala Effectively

Learning Sinhala might feel challenging at first because it uses a unique script and sounds that don’t always exist in English. But with the right approach, it can be fun and rewarding. Here are a few tips:

1. Start with Spoken Sinhala Instead of jumping straight into reading and writing, focus on listening and speaking. Spoken Sinhala is simpler than written Sinhala and more useful in Colombo.

2. Use Repetition & Flashcards Make a list of 20–30 key words (like the ones above). Use flashcards or apps to repeat them daily until they stick. The Nemo app is great for this.

3. Practice with Locals Colombo locals are usually friendly and encouraging if you try to speak Sinhala. Use short phrases like kohomədə? or stuti whenever you can.

4. Immerse Yourself in Daily Life Ride public buses, order food in Sinhala, and listen to Sri Lankan radio or TV. Real-world exposure will speed up your learning.

5. Find the Right Tools If you’ve searched “what app to learn Sinhala” or “learn Sinhala online free,” you’ll know that resources are limited compared to bigger languages. That’s exactly why our upcoming learn-sinhala.com platform is designed to make language learning engaging, step-by-step, and fun.

---

Common Questions About Learning Sinhala

Can you learn Sinhala on Duolingo?

Not yet. Sinhala isn’t currently on Duolingo, which is why learners look for alternatives. learn-sinhala.com aims to fill that gap.

Where can I learn Sinhala for free?

There are several YouTube channels and online blogs and online resources to choose from, which are detailed in this article.

How hard is it to learn Sinhala?

Sinhala grammar is logical, but the script can be tricky. Most learners find that conversational Sinhala is achievable within a few months of consistent practice.

---

Final Thoughts

Colombo is a city where every street corner, market stall, and bus ride is alive with Sinhala conversations. By choosing to learn Sinhala, even just a few key words, you’ll transform your experience from that of a visitor to someone who can connect meaningfully with locals.

So the next time you’re walking down Galle Road, ordering thambili from a vendor, or hopping into a tuk-tuk, try using Sinhala. You’ll be surprised how much warmer the city feels when you speak its language.

Stay tuned to our blog as we continue publishing resources to help you learn Sinhala online for free, and keep an eye out for our app - built to make learning Sinhala as fun.