Casino & Gambling

1. Aiza ny kasino?

   Where is the casino?

   Usage

   Used to ask for the casino location

   Grammar Note

   "aiza" is the locative question word

2. Ohatrinona ny sarany ambany indrindra amin'ity latabatra ity?

   What is the minimum bet at this table?

   Usage

   Used to ask about the minimum bet

   Grammar Note

   "ambany indrindra" is the superlative "lowest"

3. Ahoana no fividianana jeton?

   How do I buy chips?

   Usage

   Used to ask how to buy casino chips

   Grammar Note

   "Ahoana no" asks "how does one ...?". Casino chips are called by the French word jeton

4. Te-hilalao blackjack / roulette / baccarat aho.

   I'd like to play blackjack / roulette / baccarat.

   Usage

   Used to say which game you want to play

   Grammar Note

   "Te-" + the future form expresses desire (milalao "to play" → hilalao). The noun kilalao "toy, game" comes from the same root lalao

5. Maka / Mijanona / Avo roa heny (terminolojia blackjack)

   Hit / Stand / Double down (blackjack terms)

   Usage

   Used during blackjack gameplay

   Grammar Note

   Multiples are formed as avo + numeral + heny (avo folo heny = "ten times as much"), so avo roa heny is "double". Maka is "to take (a card)" and mijanona is "to stop there"

6. Te-hanakalo jeton ho vola aho.

   I'd like to cash out my chips.

   Usage

   Used to cash out casino chips

   Grammar Note

   "Manakalo A ho B" is "to exchange A for B"; after te- the verb takes the future form hanakalo. The chips themselves are called by the French word jeton

7. Misy fepetra fitafiana ve?

   Is there a dress code?

   Usage

   Used to ask about the dress code

   Grammar Note

   "fepetra" means "rules/conditions"

8. Afaka mahazo zava-pisotro maimaim-poana ve aho?

   Can I get a complimentary drink?

   Usage

   Used to ask about complimentary drinks

   Grammar Note

   "maimaim-poana" means "for free"

9. Inona ny fetra amin'ity latabatra ity?

   What are the table limits?

   Usage

   Used to ask about table betting limits

   Grammar Note

   "inona ny fetra" asks "what are the limits"

10. Misy efitrano VIP ve?

    Is there a VIP room?

    Usage

    Used to ask about VIP room availability

    Grammar Note

    "misy...ve" is an existential question

11. Mijanona amin'ity alina ity aho.

    I think I've had enough for tonight.

    Usage

    Used when deciding to stop playing

    Grammar Note

    "Ity ... ity" is the demonstrative frame "this ..." wrapped around the noun. The subject "I" is aho after the predicate; izaho is used only when it is fronted

12. Vao manomboka aho — afaka manazava ny fitsipika ve ianao?

    I'm a beginner — can you explain the rules?

    Usage

    Used to request a rules explanation

    Grammar Note

    "Afaka ... ve ianao" is a polite ability-question. Rather than a single noun for "beginner", Malagasy naturally says vao (just) + manomboka (to begin): "I have only just started"

13. Amin'ny firy ora no mikatona ny kasino?

    What time does the casino close?

    Usage

    Used to ask the casino's closing time

    Grammar Note

    "Amin'ny firy ora" means "at what time"

14. Inona ny kilalao eo aminareo?

    What games do you have available?

    Usage

    Used to ask about available games

    Grammar Note

    "eo aminareo" means "you have/at your place"

15. Afaka manakalo jeton ho vola eo amin'ny mpandray vola ve aho?

    Can I exchange chips for cash at the cashier?

    Usage

    Used to ask about chip exchange at the cashier

    Grammar Note

    "Manakalo A ho B" is "to exchange A for B". Mpandray is the agent noun of mandray (to receive), so mpandray vola is "the one who receives the money" = cashier. The chips themselves are called by the French word jeton. Do not use mpandoa, which means "the one who pays"

Browse all TravelPhrases languages