Language/Plateau-malagasy/Vocabulary/Travel-Phrases-and-Directions
Plateau Malagasy is the language spoken in the central plateau of Madagascar, and is one of the two official languages of the country. It is the language of the Merina people, who make up the largest ethnic group on the island. In this lesson, you will learn useful travel phrases and directions in Plateau Malagasy, including asking for and giving directions, and talking about travel plans.
Travel Phrases
Here are some common travel phrases in Plateau Malagasy:
- Manao ahoana ny andro? - How are you?
- Tsara be, misaotra anao. - I'm good, thank you.
- Tianao ve ny mihinana? - Do you want to eat?
- Ianao ve no handeha? - Are you the one who's leaving?
- Vao eo ihany ianao? - Are you just arriving?
- Inona ny zavatra namboarinao eto? - What did you bring here?
- Azonao atao ny manaraka? - What are you going to do next?
Directions
Here are some useful travel phrases for asking directions:
- Aiza ny fovana? - Where is the toilet?
- Aiza ny lalana mba handeha any...? - Where is the road to...?
- Mitsidika ahoana ny...? - How do I get to the...?
- Inona ny lohahevitra ho an'ilay toerana? - What is the name of this place?
- Misy ve tsena eto? - Is there a market here?
- Aiza ny tsena? - Where is the market?
- Aiza ny fiara? - Where is the car?
- Aiza ny fiaramanidina? - Where is the taxi?
- Aiza ny trano fandraharahana? - Where is the hotel?
And here are some common travel phrases for giving directions:
- Miantso anao hivarotra eo anivon'ny latabatra làlana am-pitsoniana manokana. - Turn left at the traffic light.
- Alohan'ny tsena, miaraka amin'ny fahasalamana. - Before the market, turn right.
- Ankehitriny, tsy mety misy olana mba hiteraka azy. - Nowadays, there's no problem in finding it.
- Etazonia ho any amin'ny tranomasina, ka miaraka amin'ny latabatra efa nanamboaranay teto, ho avy any anaty indostria iray. - You need to take the boat to the other side, and then turn right at the crossroad we passed earlier, and find yourself inside a factory.
Here's a table with some vocabulary related to travel and directions:
| Plateau Malagasy | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Aiza? | eye-za | Where? |
| Lalana | la-la-na | Road |
| Miandry anao | my-andry a-nao | Excuse me |
| Mandeha | man-de-ha | Go |
| Midira | me-di-ra | Enter |
| Misoratra | mee-soh-ra-tra | Write |
| Mahatazana | ma-hat-az-a-na | Understand |
| Miova | mee-oo-va | Turn |
| Mikalo | mi-kaloo | Straight |
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a basic understanding of how to ask for and give directions, and speak about travel plans in Plateau Malagasy. With practice, you'll be able to navigate your way through the island with ease. Don't forget to use these new phrases on your next trip to Madagascar!