Slang

1. ދޯ

   dho

   Right?

   Usage

   A tag added at the end of a sentence to seek agreement — the single most common word in Dhivehi conversation, and safe with anyone. Do not confuse it with dhoni, the boat

2. މަޖާ

   majaa

   Fun

   Usage

   Said of an event or a place. Safe with anyone, though applied to a person it can suggest they are not serious

3. ބަރާބަރު

   baraabaru

   Perfect / spot on

   Usage

   Said when arrangements or results have come out just right; aimed at staff or a guide it reads as thanks. Safe with anyone

4. ސާބަސް

   saabas

   Well done / bravo

   Usage

   Praise for someone's effort. Tone matters — said flatly it can sound sarcastic, so say it warmly. Safer with peers and younger people

5. ދެން

   dhen

   So / then / come on

   Usage

   An all-purpose filler that links what you are saying, and also a mild "oh come on". The first sense is safe with anyone; keep the second for friends

6. ނޫނޭ

   noonay

   No way! / Really?

   Usage

   A drawn-out form of the plain "no", used for surprise or a light denial. For friends and peers; in formal settings use the plain form

7. ބޭބެ

   beybe

   Older brother / uncle (address for a man)

   Usage

   An address for an older man, no kinship needed — the safest way to hail a boatman or a shopkeeper. Not used for peers or younger men

8. ދައްތަ

   dhaiytha

   Older sister / aunt (address for a woman)

   Usage

   The female counterpart of beybe and a safe hail for an older woman. On local islands it is better not to engage a woman you do not know at length, so keep it brief

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