Adjectives

1. Lehibe

   Big

   Usage

   For asking for another size; use it with a gesture

2. Kely

   Small

   Usage

   For describing clothing or room size

3. Mavesatra

   Heavy

   Usage

   For excess baggage, or asking someone to lift something

4. Maivana

   Light (weight)

   Usage

   About weight only — in many languages this is a different word from “bright”

5. Lafo

   Expensive

   Usage

   The opening move in a haggle; pair it with a face

6. Mora

   Cheap

   Usage

   For asking whether a cheaper option exists

7. Mafana

   Hot (thing)

   Usage

   About food, drink, or water — not the same word as hot weather

   Grammar Note

   "Mafana" describes a hot object; hot weather is "mafana ny andro" (the day is hot).

8. Mangatsiaka

   Cold (thing)

   Usage

   About drinks and food — not the same word as cold weather

9. Vaovao

   New

   Usage

   For checking whether something is unused

10. Tranainy

    Old (thing)

    Usage

    For objects only; used of people it is rude in many languages

    Grammar Note

    "Tranainy" is for objects; for people use "antitra."

11. Tanora

    Young

    Usage

    About a person’s age; a small-talk word

12. Antitra

    Old (person)

    Usage

    The dedicated word for people; pick the respectful one

    Grammar Note

    "Antitra" describes an aged person; when addressing them, the honorifics "dadabe" and "nenibe" are courteous.

13. Madio

    Clean

    Usage

    For a clean room or clean water

14. Maloto

    Dirty

    Usage

    Useful when asking to change rooms

15. Tsara

    Good

    Usage

    The all-purpose word for agreement and approval

16. Ratsy

    Bad

    Usage

    For saying that your health or an item’s quality is poor

17. Akaiky

    Near

    Usage

    For checking whether somewhere is within walking distance

18. Lavitra

    Far

    Usage

    Tells you whether you need transport

19. Aloha

    Early

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “fast”

    Grammar Note

    "Aloha" is early in time; fast in speed is "haingana."

20. Tara

    Late

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “slow”

    Grammar Note

    "Tara" is being late; slow in speed is "miadana."

21. Maro

    Many

    Usage

    About quantity or how crowded somewhere is

22. Vitsy

    Few

    Usage

    Also useful for asking for a smaller portion

23. Mafana ny andro

    Hot (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a hot object

24. Mangatsiaka ny andro

    Cold (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a cold object

25. Mahafatifaty

    Cute

    Usage

    Mainly used of children and babies to praise their charm

26. Mamy

    Delicious

    Usage

    The most common compliment at a meal

27. Mahagaga!

    Amazing

    Usage

    Used to express surprise or admiration

28. Mahafinaritra

    Fun

    Usage

    For reacting to an experience itself

29. Bebe kokoa

    More

    Usage

    Point at it when you want more of something

30. Kely monja

    Just a little

    Usage

    Point at it when you want only a small amount

31. Antsasany

    Half

    Usage

    Point at it when you want half the amount

32. Rehetra

    All of it

    Usage

    Point at it when you mean the whole lot

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