Maldives Lexicon

The Maldives is a beautiful island country in the Indian Ocean known for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken due to the country's thriving tourism industry. To fully appreciate the culture and practices of the Maldives, it is essential to learn some of the commonly used words and expressions. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most important words and phrases in the Maldives Lexicon.

1. Dhivehi Alphabet

The Dhivehi alphabet has 24 letters, including a combination of vowels and consonants. It is essential to learn the Dhivehi alphabet to read and write in the Maldives. The letters are as follows: ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ??, ????.

2. Greetings and Common Phrases

Learning basic greetings and common phrases is essential when visiting the Maldives. Here are some of the most commonly used greetings and phrases:

Assalaamu alaikum - Peace be upon you

Wa alaikum assalaam - And peace be upon you too

Rajje / Dhivehi Rajje - The Maldives

Thank you - Shukuriyaa

Yes - Aan / Aah

No - Noon

Maybe - Kameh / Dhiibbae

3. Numbers

Learning numbers is crucial when traveling in the Maldives. Here are the numbers from one to ten:

1 - Vaahaka

2 - Dhevanaa

3 - Thiggu

4 - Hatharu

5 - Handhu

6 - Haaru

7 - Hiyani

8 - Atheru

9 - Nooru

10 - Dhaa

4. Food and Beverages

The Maldivian cuisine is influenced by the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Here are some of the popular food and beverage items in the Maldives:

Mas huni - Mashed tuna with coconut, onion, and chili

Roshi - Flatbreads

Garudhiya - Fish soup

Fihunu mas - Grilled fish

Hedhikaa - Maldivian short eats

Raa - Coconut palm sap

Kashikeyo - Sweetened condensed milk

5. Marine Life

The Maldives is a paradise of marine life, and visitors can experience some of the most beautiful creatures in the world. Here are some of the commonly found marine species in the Maldives:

Manta rays

Whale sharks

Sea turtles

Spinner dolphins

Reef sharks

Parrotfish

Giant trevally

Conclusion

The Maldives has a rich cultural heritage and unique island lifestyle. By learning some of the commonly used words and phrases, visitors can immensely enhance their experience and understanding of the Maldives. From basic greetings to marine life, this comprehensive Maldives lexicon will help you better navigate and appreciate the beauty of this island paradise.