During your visit to Madagascar, you may have the opportunity to attend cultural events where greetings and wishes play a central role. Whether it’s to celebrate a birth, a wedding, or even year-end festivities, it’s essential to know how to express your wishes and greetings in Malagasy. And guess what? It’s just as simple as in any other country!
Greetings :
Here are some key phrases to help you integrate:
- Birth: Arahaba nomen’Andriamanitra ny fara! (Greetings to you, to whom God has given offspring)
- Wedding: Arahaba nahazo tokan-trano (Greetings to you who have obtained a home)
- Travel: Arahaba tonga soa aman-tsara (Greetings to you who have arrived safe and sound)
- Congratulations: Arahaba mahazo fisondrotana (Greetings to you who have received a promotion)
- Misfortune: Arahaba tsy maty fo aman’aina (Greetings to you who have arrived safe and sound)
- Death: Mahaiza mionona! (Be comforted) or Aza misosoka alahelo (Do not be overwhelmed by grief)
Wishes :
Expressing wishes is also greatly appreciated in Madagascar. Here are some examples:
- For a sick person: Sitràna soa aman-tsara (Get well soon)
- For a traveler: Tongava soa aman-tsara (Arrive safely) or Ho tsara mandroso, ho tsara miverina (Have a good journey to and from) / simply Soava dia (Safe travels)
- For newlyweds: Marèna tokan-trano (May the household remain united) or Maroa fara sy dimby (May you have many descendants)
Participating in these exchanges is much more than just saying words: it’s immersing yourself in Malagasy culture. Each greeting and each shared wish bring you closer to the Malagasy people. You will discover a welcoming and joyful community ready to share its traditions with you.
So, don’t hesitate! During your next trip to Madagascar, take the time to learn these greetings and wishes and to participate in the exchanges. But don’t forget to ask for more information about the event beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.
