List of common social expression Common Greetings
Hi! Hello! Good morning Good afternoon Good night How are you? Goodbye!
Greetings on special occasions
Happy New Year Happy Thaipusam Happy Chinese New Year Happy Birthday Happy Anniversary Merry Christmas Happy Mother’s Day
Introduction & responses
My name is Ahmad. Atan, meet my brother, Abu. Hi, I’m Susan. Hello, my name is Harini. This is my friend, Ai Ling. Pleased to meet you. Nice to meet you. How do you do?
To take leave/ to bid farewell
Farewell! Goodbye! Bye! Bye! Good night. See you later. See you soon. See you tomorrow. I’ve to go now. I’m leaving now.
To congratulate
Congratulations! Well done! Excellent! Good job! That’s wonderful. That was great.
To thank
Thanks. Thank you so much. Thanks a lot. Thank you very much. I appreciate your help. Thanks for your help.
To apologize
I am sorry. I apologize. It’s all right. Please forgive me. I apologize for my mistake. Please accept my apology.
To give permission
Of course. Why not? Yes, you may. Yes, you can. Certainly. Alright.
To agree
Good idea. That’s a great idea. Excellent idea. That’s a good suggestion. What a good idea! That’s a wonderful idea.
To refuse/ decline
No, thank you. I’m sorry but I can’t. I don’t think so. Sorry, I can’t make it. No, thank you. I’ll join you the next trip.
To order
Be quiet! Get out now! Close the window. Shutthe door.
To interrupt
Excuse me. Is Mohan in? Sorry to interrupt. What is the time, please? I’m sorry. Can you repeat that? I’m sorry. What did you say just now?
To invite
Would you like to come to my party? Would you like to come with me? Please come to my studio later. I would like to invite you to my house. Would you like to join me? Would you like to go for a movie? Please join the gathering tomorrow. Would you like to come to my house?
To ask for permission
May I borrow your pencil? Can I go out with Hamid, dad? May I go to the toilet, please? Can I use your handphone?
To suggest
Shall we leave at 3pm? I suggest we walk there. Why don’t you join us, Diana?
To beg/ Plead
Please accept my application. I promise I will take care of myself. Please give me another chance.
To request
Can you give me a lift? Will you close the window, please? Do you mind switching on the light?
To agree
I agree with you. Yes, that’s right! You are right.
To promise
I give you my words. I won’t do it again. I win’t tell anyone.