Sinhala and Tamil Phrasebook for Travellers
Sinhala and Tamil are the two main languages of Sri Lanka, and English is widely understood in tourist areas. A few words in the local language still go a long way. The Ceylon Loop phrasebook puts them in your pocket, and once saved on your phone it works offline.
In the app
- Switch between Sinhala and Tamil.
- Search for a phrase or browse by category.
- Save favourite phrases.
- Show a phrase on screen to a driver or shop owner, or play it aloud.
A few phrases to start
| English | Sinhala | Tamil |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Ayubowan | Vanakkam |
| Thank you | Istuti | Nandri |
| Yes | Ow | Aam |
| No | Naha | Illai |
| How much is this? | Meka kiyada? | Idhu evvalavu? |
Pronunciations are simplified. Locals will happily help you.
Travel smarter
Pair the phrasebook with the route finder and the Sri Lanka travel planner.
Frequently asked questions
Which languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages, and English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Does the phrasebook work offline?
Yes, after you save the tool on your phone while you have internet. Logging in, buying and the first download need a connection, so save it before you travel.
Can I show a phrase to my driver?
Yes. The phrasebook has a show-to-driver view, and you can also play phrases aloud.
More Ceylon Loop features
- Offline map of Sri LankaAn island map that keeps working with no internet and no map download.
- Build your own itineraryPick places and arrange them into your own day-by-day plan with Custom Planner.
- Plan a trip with friendsYou and up to 4 friends edit the same trip, each from your own phone.
- Route finderCompare train, bus, car and tuk-tuk options between popular places.
- Fair price checkerCheck a quoted price against typical prices before you pay.
- Packing list plannerA checklist built from your trip length, month and activities.
- Trip budget trackerSet a budget, log spending by category and see what is left.