Day 88 · Giving Advice & Suggestions 🧭

1 · Core Words (12)

Ona [o-na]
yanna ona
ඔන
Should / need to
should go
Hondai nam [hon-dai nam]
හොඳයි නම්
It’s better if
Uthsaha karanna [uth-sa-ha]
උත්සාහ කරන්න
Try
Epa [e-pa]
එපා
Don’t
Wedagath [we-da-gath]
වැදගත්
Important
Saukyamath [sau-kya-math]
සෞඛ්‍යමත්
Healthy
Hemin [he-min]
හෙමින්
Slowly
Ahanna [a-han-na]
අහන්න
Listen
Nidahas wenna
නිදහස් වෙන්න
Rest / relax
Bonna [bon-na]
බොන්න
Drink
Kanna [kan-na]
කන්න
Eat
Ahanna [a-han-na]
අහන්න
Ask

2 · Typical Phrases (6)

Oya hemin yanna ona — You should go slowly

Watura bonna hondai — It’s good to drink water

Epa ikman wenna — Don’t hurry

Doctor kenekgen ahanna — Ask a doctor

Nidahas wenna ona — You should rest

Saukyamath kanna ona — You should eat healthy

3 · Dialogue (8)

A: Mata tikak mahansiy. — I feel a bit tired.

B: Oya nidahas wenna ona. — You should rest.

A: Mama weda godak kara. — I worked a lot.

B: Watura bonna hondai. — It’s good to drink water.

A: Mama doctor kenekgen ahanna da? — Should I ask a doctor?

B: Ow, eka wedagath. — Yes, that is important.

A: Mama hemin wada karannam. — I will work slowly.

B: Hari, saukyama balaganna. — Good, take care of your health.

4 · Cultural Note

Advice in Sinhala culture is usually gentle, not commanding. People avoid direct orders and use soft forms like “ona” or “hondai.” Elders often give guidance through stories rather than strict rules. Health advice commonly includes drinking water and resting. Friends show care by small suggestions, not criticism. Saying “epa” (don’t) must be polite and kind in tone. Community life means people look after each other. Even strangers may offer friendly advice on the street. Listening respectfully is more valued than arguing. Good advice is seen as a form of love and responsibility.