Lah.
Go ahead, say it.
It’s kinda’ like saying ‘aaa’ at the dentist, only shorter, and with a little more love.
Got it? Good. Because ‘Lah’ is the word that will turn your trip in Malaysia into a great adventure.
It’s the open sesame to the heart of any Malaysian. It’s the sambal on Nasi Lemak.
(If it’s your first trip, I highly recommend this delectable dish anytime of the day).
Without ‘La’ Malaysia would just Maysia. That’s like a hamburger that’s just a hamger.
Don’t believe it? Try it on a flight attendant.
The one that caught your eye. Yes, she’s looking at you.
Ask for a bottle of sparkling water. And when she apologizes,
and says she only has mineral water. Smile and say ‘ok-lah’.
Just see! Your water will be served with a sweet smile.
Next, try it on a street vendor. That nice T-shirt you like?
Ask for the half price. Watch him frown in disagreement.
Now use your ‘Lah’ and say, ‘Can-lah’
Watch him smile, his way to a ‘yes’ or at least meet you halfway and you’ll land a bargain.
Want to see KL in a day? Get a teksi.
The driver can take you around and be your instant tour guide.
And if in a hurry to catch your next flight, just say “faster-lah”.
He will tell you “boleh” his way of saying hold on tight!
Hungry? Don’t worry!
Malaysia offers a wide gastronomy.
Noodles? Rice? Redang?
If you don’t like spicy, just wave to hawker auntie and say “no spicy-lah” and you’ll have it!
Bulom no more.
Wanna’ make a new friend?
Malaysians are friendly, but a bit shy.
Watch them warm up to you.
Ask them to join you for a drink.
Come-lah don’t be shy, you say.
And, behold, no more shy.
It’s magic-lah!
When you visit Malaysia, don’t forget to use the word – lah!
Not convinced? Try it – lah!
So you can have more fun under the tropical sun! OK-lah? 😉
* Adopted from DIGI Malaysia
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Great to know. I’ll have to visit Malaysia again some time as didn’t see much of it last time around. I’ll make sure to lah my way around.
Apa khabar East Malaysia! Thanks for taking the time reading this post. From simple "LA" to magnificent "LAH" – thanks for noticing..I just did the modification. Keep on reading and inspiring-lah! hehe 😉
Hi. I'm from East Malaysia. I just want to tell you that 'Boleh' means 'Okay'. On the situation you mentions up there. And people here usually spell it 'lah'. 🙂
Glad to know that you find this interesting. There's always magical when you say 'LA' and who knows what other good things it may bring. Just simply love it-la!