English to Malay translation
English to Malay translation is one of the most requested language combinations: Malay has around 77M speakers and is official in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore.
Malay (Malaysia) and Indonesian are mutually intelligible but differ in vocabulary and spelling conventions.
Indicative freelance rates for south & southeast asian languages run from about $0.06 to $0.14 per word for general commercial work; specialised, certified and urgent jobs cost more, and literary translation is usually paid per 1,000 words.
Indicative rates
Per-word band for general commercial work in the south & southeast asian group. Real quotes depend on subject, volume, deadline and experience.
Translation cost calculatorEstimate a quote by language, word count, subject and deadline.
Open calculator →Tips for English → Malay projects
- Allow 10–25% extra space for the Malay text in designs, subtitles and printed books.
- Malay is official in 3 countries — specify the target market (Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore…) so vocabulary and conventions match.
- Send reference material and a glossary of brand or series terms; it saves revision rounds and money.
Frequently asked questions
How much does English to Malay translation cost?
Typical freelance rates are about $0.06–$0.14 per word, depending on subject, deadline and the translator's experience.
How long does it take to translate English to Malay?
A professional translator typically produces 2,000–3,000 words a day, plus time for revision by a second linguist.
Is Malay longer than English?
Usually yes: text typically changes by +10% to +25% when translated from English into Malay.