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Malayalam phrasebook Voyage Tips and guide

You can check the original Wikivoyage article Here

    Malayalam (മലയാളം) belongs to the Dravidian language family, and is mostly spoken in Southern India in the states of Kerala and Lakshadweep. Around 36 million people use this language, which is one of the 22 official languages of India. A Malayalam speaker is called a "Malayali". Most Malayalam speakers know basic English words. English nouns are often used and occupy a large proportion of the daily vocabulary. Common English nouns can be used as a replacement for the Malayalam words.

    Pronunciation guide

    [edit]

    The phonetics of Malayalam are similar to those of Telugu and Kannada.

    Don't worry too much about the Malayalam alphabet. Most official signs in Kerala are also written in English, and most text you will need to parse will be in "Manglish", or Malayalam written using English letters. This "Manglish" is common while texting, writing on social media, graffiti and on some signs. However, it is colloquial and not standardised.

    Vowels

    [edit]

    The key distinction is the difference between short and long vowels. In this phrase book, the short vowels are noted with small letters [a, e, i, o, u] and long vowels are noted with capital letters [A, E, I, O, U]. You will often come across non-standard romanizations, noted in table below when applicable.

    Letter ക 'k' Pronunciation Pronunciation
    with (IPA: /k/)    		 Notation in
    this Phrasebook    		 Manglish English equivalent
    അ ക (IPA: /ɐ/) (IPA: /ka/)
    uh
    a
    		 as in sun.
    ആ കാ (IPA: /äː/) (IPA: /kaː/)
    ah
    aa
    		 as in art.
    ഇ കി (IPA: /i/) (IPA: /ki/)
    i
    i
    		 as in sick.
    ഈ കീ (IPA: /iː/) (IPA: /kiː/)
    ee
    ee
    		 as in key
    ഉ കു (IPA: /u/) (IPA: /ku/)
    u
    u
    		 as in cook.
    ഊ കൂ (IPA: /uː/) (IPA: /kuː/)
    oo
    oo
    		 as in cool.
    ഋ കൃ (IPA: /r̩/) (IPA: /kr̩(ɨ̆)/)
    ri
    ri
    		 as in frisk.
    എ കെ (IPA: /e/) (IPA: /ke/)
    e
    e
    		 as in wreck.
    ഏ കേ (IPA: /eː/) (IPA: /keː/)
    ay
    e, eh
    		 as in pray.
    ഐ കൈ (IPA: /ai/) (IPA: /kai/)
    y
    ay, ai
    		 as in python.
    ഒ കൊ (IPA: /o/) (IPA: /ko/)
    o
    o
    		 as in cobra.
    ഓ കോ (IPA: /oː/) (IPA: /koː/)
    oh
    o, oh
    		 as in talk.
    ഔ കൗ (IPA: /au/) (IPA: /kau/)
    au
    au
    		 as in powder
    അം കം (IPA: /am/) (IPA: /kam/)
    um
    am
    		 as in sum.
    അഃ കഃ (IPA: /ah/) (IPA: /kah/)
    (ignored)
    h
    		 no equivalent.
    ് ക് (IPA: /ɨ̆//) (IPA: /kɨ̆//)
    u
    u, -
    		 as in baker.
    • അഃ (IPA: /ah/) is extremely rare, and you shouldn't be bothered with it.

    Notes on ്

    [edit]
    • The symbol ് (IPA: /ɨ̆/) is not an official letter in the alphabet, but is a diacritic put on the consonants. Loan words often have this sound attached to the end when they end in a consonant. Many vowels in between consonants tend to reduce to this sound in every day speech (unlike in english, where vowels tend to reduce to ə).
    • it is common to write nothing at the end of a word to indicate this sound in Manglish.
      Ex: "enikku" can also be written "enikk".
    • At the end of words, /u/ does not occur. In almost all the cases, it has reduced to /ɨ̆/. /ɨ̆/ is found only at the end of words (in the formal language, at least). So, we can safely use the letter "u" to simulataneously mean both.

    Consonants

    [edit]

    The Malayalam script is an abugida: all consonants provided here have an unwritten "a" vowel following them.

    Letter Pronunciation Notation in
    this Phrasebook     		Manglish English equivalent
    ക (IPA: /k/)
    k
    k
    		 as in skip.
    ഖ (IPA: /kʰ/)
    kh
    kh
    		 as in sinkhole.
    ഗ (IPA: /g/)
    g
    g
    		 as in go.
    ഘ (IPA: /gʰ/)
    gh
    gh
    		 as in doghouse.
    ങ (IPA: /ŋ/)
    (ignored)
    ng, nk
    		 as in sing. Never used on its own. Usually seen as ങ്ങ (IPA: /ŋː/) "ng" or as ങ്ക (IPA: /ŋg/) "nk"
    ച (IPA: /tʃ/)
    c
    ch
    		 as in church.
    ഛ (IPA: /tʃʰ/)
    ch
    chh
    		 as in pinch-hit.
    ജ (IPA: /dʒ/)
    j
    j
    		 as in jump.
    ഝ (IPA: /dʒʰ/)
    jh
    jh
    		 as in judge her. Rarely used.
    ഞ (IPA: /ɲ/)
    ñ
    nj
    		 as in canyon. Exactly the same as Spanish ñ.
    ട (IPA: /ʈ/)
    T
    t, d
    		 as in tick, but Retroflex. It is usually pronounced as 'd' as in doom, due to intervocalic voicing (more in notes).
    ഠ (IPA: /ʈʰ/)
    Th
    th, d
    		 as in lighthouse. Retroflex.
    ഡ (IPA: /ɖ/)
    D
    d
    		 as in doom. Retroflex.
    ഢ (IPA: /ɖʰ/)
    Dh
    dh
    		 as in mud hut. Retroflex. Rarely used.
    ണ (IPA: /ɳ/)
    N
    n
    		 retroflex n.
    ത (IPA: /t̪/)
    t
    th
    		 as in French temps, or English "th" (in some dialects).
    ഥ (IPA: /t̪ʰ/)
    th
    th, thh
    		 aspirated version of the previous letter, not as in thanks or the.
    ദ (IPA: /d̪/)
    d
    dh
    		 as in French dents.
    ധ (IPA: /d̪ʰ/)
    dh
    dh, dhh
    		 aspirated version of the above.
    ന (IPA: /n, n̪/)
    n
    n
    		 dental n. Two pronunciations are not interchangeable, more information below.
    പ (IPA: /p/)
    p
    p
    		 as in spin.
    ഫ (IPA: /pʰ, f/)
    ph
    ph, f
    		 as in uphill, or as in fork. Pronunciations interchangeable.
    ബ (IPA: /b/)
    b
    b
    		 as in be.
    ഭ (IPA: /bʰ/)
    bh
    bh
    		 as in abhor.
    മ (IPA: /m/)
    m
    m
    		 as in mere.
    യ (IPA: /j/)
    y
    y
    		 as in yet.
    ര (IPA: /ɾ/)
    r
    r
    		 as in Spanish pero, a tongue trip. Don't roll it.
    ല (IPA: /l/)
    l
    l
    		 as in lean.
    വ (IPA: /ʋ/)
    v
    v, w
    		 as in Spanish vaca, between English v and w, but without the lip rounding of an English w.
    ശ (IPA: /ʃ/)
    sh
    sh, ssh, sch
    		 as in shoot.
    ഷ (IPA: /ʂ/)
    S
    sh
    		 almost indistinguishable retroflex of the above. slightly more aspirated. Used only in Sanskrit loan words.
    സ (IPA: /s/)
    s
    s
    		 as in see.
    ഹ (IPA: /h/)
    h
    h
    		 as in him.
    ള (IPA: /ɭ/)
    L
    l
    		 Retroflex l.
    ഴ (IPA: /ɻ/)
    zh
    zh
    		 Considered a sound that is unique to Malayalam and Tamil. Pronounced as in red in english, but retroflex.
    റ (IPA: /r/)
    R
    r, rh
    		 As in Spanish rosa. Sometimes retroflex.
    റ്റ (IPA: /t/)
    t'
    tt
    		 As in British English better.
    • It is important to be wary of gemination (doubled consonants). Not pronouncing these could lead to misunderstandings.
    • In every day speech, consonants tend to simplify in the intervocalic position (between vowels).
      (1) സുഖം "good" (written/formal: sukham, common: sugam)
      (2)

    Phrase list

    [edit]
    Common signs


    You can find a lot of signs in English as well

    തുറന്നിരിക്കുന്നു (tuRann-irikkunnu)
    Open
    അടച്ചു (adaccu)
    Closed
    പ്രവേശനം (pravEshan'am)
    Entrance
    പുറത്തേക്കുള്ള വഴി (puRattEkkuLLa vazhi)
    Exit
    വലുത് (veludu) / ഇടത്തരം (edattaram) / ചെറുത് (ceRudu)
    Large / Medium / Small
    തള്ളുക (taLLuga)
    Push
    വലിക്കുക (valikkuga)
    Pull
    ടോയ്ㅤലെറ്റ് (toilet)
    Toilet
    പുരുഷൻ (puruSan')
    Men
    സ്ത്രീ (strI)
    Women
    അനുവാദമില്ല (anuvAdamilla)
    Forbidden
    രൂപ (rUba)
    Rupee (currency)
    ലോഡ്ജ് (Lodge)
    Lodge (for sleeping)
    ഹോട്ടൽ (hotel)
    Restaurant (The word "Hotel" is used for dining restaurants)
    ഊണ് തയ്യാർ (UNu TayyAr)
    lunch ready
    മീൽസ് റെഡി (meals ready)
    meals ready
    കൂൾ ഡ്രിങ്ക്സ് (cold drinks)
    for snacks and cool drinks
    പാർക്കിങ്ങ് (parking)
    Parking
    ബസ്(bus)
    Bus

    Basics

    [edit]

    The basic difference in structure of sentences is that in English the pattern is Subject-Verb-Object, but it, in Malayalam, is Subject-Object-Verb. Also, note that the pronunciation given is not for the word's spelling, but how it is pronounced.

    Wherever English alternative is given, that alternative is more common and natural, but all given phrases will be understood.

    Hello.
    നമസ്കാരം (nuh-muh-skah-rum) (Very formal; the below informal form is more common.)
    Hello. (informal)
    Haay or "ha'ye", You can use English "Hello" or "Hi".
    How are you?
    സുഖമാണോ? (su-gum-ah-No?) (lit: Are you fine/comfortable?)
    Or, എന്തൊക്കെയുണ്ട്? (end-okkeh-yuNDu) (lit: What all is there?)
    I am fine.
    എനിക്ക് സുഖമാണ്. (enikku su-gum-ANu)
    I am not fine
    എനിക്ക് സുഖമില്ല. (enikku sugamilla)
    Yes, thank you.
    ശരി / അതെ, നന്ദി. (sheri/ade, nanni)
    What is your name?
    നിങ്ങളുടെ പേരെന്താണ്? (ningaLuDe pErendANu?)
    പേരെന്താണ്? (pErendANu?)
    താങ്ങളുടെ പേരെന്താണ്? (Thāngalude pēru enthānu?) (with respect)
    My name is ______ .
    എന്റെ പേര് ___ . (Ente pēru ______.)
    Nice to meet you.
    കണ്ടതിൽ സന്തോഷം. (Kandathil santhosham.)
    പരിചയപെട്ടതിൽ വളരെ സന്തോഷം. (Parichayappettathil valare santhōsham.) (lit: Extremely delighted to get acquainted with you.)
    Please.
    ദയവായി, ... (Dayavāyi, ...)
    ദയവ് ചെയ്തു, ... (Dayavu cheythu, ...)
    Or, use English word "Please"
    Thank you.
    നന്ദി. (Nanni)
    Or, use English word "Thank you" or "Thanks".
    Thank you very much.
    ഒരുപാട് നന്ദി. (orupādu nanni)
    വളരെ ഉപകാരം. (Valare upakaram) (lit: Huge help)
    Or, you can say in English, or repeat "Thank you" two times.
    You're welcome.
    സ്വാഗതം (Swaagatham) (formal)
    Yes.
    അതെ (Athey) (lit: It is.)
    ശരി (Sheri) (lit: Correct)
    'Athey' is used when agreeing, 'Sheri' is more like "okay" or for expressing understanding.
    No/Not.
    ഇല്ല (Illa)
    അല്ല (Alla)
    To say no, say "alla", if the question ends in "ānō?"
    Otherwise, use "illa". To disagree or express differing sentiments, use "alla". Only exception is if the sentence ends in "vēnō?", in which case you use "vēnda".
    Excuse me. (getting attention)
    ശദ്ധിക്കൂ. (Sradhikyū)
    ക്ഷമിക്കണം, ഒന്നിങ്ങോട്ട് നോക്കൂ. (kshamikkanam onningōttu nōkkū) (lit: Sorry, Please look here)
    Or in English "Excuse me".
    Excuse me. (begging pardon)
    ക്ഷമിക്കൂ. (Kshamikkū) (lit: Forgive me)
    Or in English "Sorry" / "I am sorry".
    I'm sorry.
    എന്നോട് ക്ഷമിക്കണേ. (Ennōdu Kshamikkanē) (say this if it was your fault)
    I'm sorry.
    കഷ്ടം. (Kashtam) (When it isn't your fault)
    കഷ്ടമായി പോയി. (Kashtamāyi Pōyi) (lit: "it's regrettable")
    Don't mind/It's OK
    സാരമില്ല. (Sāramilla) (say this if you are comforting sombody)
    Goodbye
    പിന്നെ കാണാം. (Pinne kānām) (lit: I will see you later)
    വീണ്ടും കാണാം. (Vīndum kānām) (lit: I will see you again)
    or say in English "Goodbye" / "Bye" / "Bye Bye"/ "Tata" / "Tata Bye Bye".
    Goodbye (informal)
    see above.
    I can't speak Malayalam.
    എനിക്ക് മലയാളം (സംസാരിക്കാൻ) അറിയില്ല. (Enikku Malayālam (samsārikkān) ariyilla)
    Do you speak English?
    നിങ്ങൾ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് സംസാരിക്കുമോ? (Ningal English Samsārikkumō?)
    നിങ്ങൾക്ക് ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് അറിയുമോ? (Ningalkku English ariyumo?)
    Is there someone here who speaks English?
    ഇവിടെ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് സംസാരിക്കുന്നവർ ആരെങ്കിലും ഉണ്ടോ? (Ivide English samsārikkunnavar ārengilum undō?)
    Help!
    സഹായിക്കൂ! (Sahāyikkū!)
    Help (Save)
    രക്ഷിക്കൂ! (Rekshikū!)
    Look out!
    ശദ്ധിക്കൂ! (Sradhikyū!) (literally means "be careful").
    നോക്കൂ! (Nōkkū) can also be used to say "see this".
    Good morning.
    സുപ്രഭാതം. (Suprabhātham) (way formal), say in English "Good morning".
    Good evening.
    ശുഭ സായാഹ്നം. (Shubha Sāyāhnam) (archaic), say in English "Good evening".
    Good night (to sleep)
    ശുഭ രാത്രീ. (Shubha Rāthri) (way formal), say in English "Good night".
    I did not understand.
    എനിക്ക്) മനസ്സിലായില്ല. (Enikku manassilaayilla)
    I like sweets
    എനിക്ക് മിഠായി ഇഷ്ടമാണ്. (Enikku mittāyi ishtamānu)
    എനിക്ക് മധുരം ഇഷ്ടമാണ്. (Enikku madhuram ishtamānu) (lit: I like sweet things)
    Flower
    പൂവ് (Pūvu)
    Elephant
    ആന (Āna)
    Dog
    പട്ടി (Patti)
    നായ (Nāya)
    Cat
    പൂച്ച (Pūccha)
    Spicy (hot)
    എരിവ് (Erivu)
    Spicy food
    എരിവുളള ഭക്ഷണം (Erivulla bhakshanam)
    Where are you going?
    നിങ്ങൾ എവിടെയാ പോകുന്നത്. (Ningal evideyā pōkunnathu?)
    Where is the toilet?
    ടോയ്ലറ്റ് എവിടയാണ് (Toilet evideyānu?)
    Careful about using the word "kakkūs", often given as a word for toilet. It is considered impolite.
    Where is the bathroom?
    ബാത്രൂം എവിടെയാണ്? (Bathroom evideyānu?)
    കുളിമുറി എവിടെയാണ്? (Kulimuri evideyānu?) (Kuli means bath, muri means room)
    Please move
    ദയവായി ഒന്ന് മാറി തരുക (Dayavāyi onnu māri tharuga) (polite)
    മാറി പോ (Māri pō) (less polite)
    Do you like me?
    നിനക്ക് എന്നെ ഇഷ്ടമാണോ (Ninakku enne ishtamāno?)
    I like you
    എനിക്ക് നിന്നെ ഇഷ്ടമാണ്. (enniku ninne ishtamānu)
    എനിക്ക് നിന്നെ ഇഷ്ടമായി. (enniku ninne ishtamāyi)
    I love you
    ഞാൻ നിന്നെ പ്രേമിക്കുന്നു. (Njān ninne prēmikkunnu)
    I don't like you
    എനിക്ക് നിന്നെ ഇഷ്ടമല്ല. (Enikku ninne ishtamalla)
    I hate you
    ഞാൻ നിന്നെ വെറുക്കുന്നു. (Njān ninne verukkunnu)
    എനിക്ക് നിന്റടുത്തു വെറുപ്പാണ്. (Enikku ninteduthu veruppānu.)
    Can you show me the way?
    എനിക്ക് വഴി കാണിച്ച് തരുമോ? (Enikku vazhi kānichu tharumō)?
    How old are you?
    നിങ്ങൾക്കെത്ര വയസുണ്ട്? (Ningalkethra vayasundu?)
    I am hungry
    എനിക്ക് വിശക്കുന്നു. (Enikku vishakunnu)
    Where can I get some water?
    വെള്ളം എവിടെ കിട്ടും? (Vellam evide kittum?)
    വെള്ളം അല്പം എവിടെ കിട്ടും (Enikku alpam vellam evide kittum)?
    കുറച്ച് വെള്ളം തരുമോ? (kurachu vellam tharumō?) (lit: Can you give me a little water?)
    Hospital
    ആശുപത്രി (Aashuvathri)
    Can we go for a movie?
    നമ്മൾക്ക് ഒരു സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പോകാമോ? (Nammukku oru cinemekku pogaamo?)
    നമ്മൾ ഒരു സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പോയാലോ? (Nammal oru cinemekku poyaalo?)
    What is the matter?
    എന്താ കാര്യം? (Entha karyam?)
    എന്താ പ്രെശ്നം (Entha preshnam?)
    I forgot
    ഞാൻ മറന്നു. (Njan Marannu)
    I don't know
    എനിക്ക് അറിയില്ല. (Enikku ariyilla)
    Later
    പിന്നീട് (Pinnīdu)
    After
    കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ട് (Kazhinjittu)
    ശേഷം (shesham)
    Before
    മുമ്പ് (Mumbu)
    Please Wait
    ഒന്ന് നിൽക്കു. (Onnu Nilku)
    One question
    ഒരു ചോദ്യം. (Oru chōdyam)

    Problems

    [edit]
    Body parts
    head
    തല thala
    face
    മുഖം mukham
    eyes
    കണ്ണ് kannu
    ears
    ചെവി chevi
    nose
    മൂക്ക് mookku
    tongue
    നാക്ക് naakk
    throat
    തൊണ്ട thonta
    chin
    താടി thati
    neck
    കഴുത്ത് kazhuththu
    shoulder
    തോള് thoalu
    chest
    നെഞ്ച് nenju
    waist
    വയറ് vayarr
    arms
    കൈ kai
    fingers
    വിരൽ viral
    hands
    കൈ kai
    elbow
    കൈമുട്ട് kaimuttu
    buttocks
    ചന്തി chandi
    thigh
    തുട thuta
    knee
    മുട്ട് muttu
    legs
    കാല് kaalu
    foot
    പാദം paadam
    Leave me alone.
    Enne veruthe vidoo.
    Don't touch me!
    Enne thodaruthu.
    I'll call the police.
    Njaan policeine vilikkum.
    Police!
    Police! (Police)
    Stop! Thief!
    Nilku! Kallan!
    I need your help.
    Enikku ningalude sahaayam venam.
    It's an emergency.
    Ithu athhyaavashyamaanu
    I'm lost.
    Enikku vazhithetti.
    I lost my bag.
    Ente sanchi nashtappettu.
    I lost my wallet.
    Ente purse nashtappettu.
    I'm sick.
    Enikku sukhamilla.
    I've been injured.
    Enikku murivu patti.
    I need a doctor.
    Enikku doctorude sahaayam venam.
    Can I use your phone?
    Njaan ningalude phone upayogichotte.
    Can you give me your phone number?
    Enikku ningalude phone number tharamo?
    I'll kill you
    Njan ninne kollum
    Why are you fighting with me?
    Ningal enthina ennodu vazhakkidunnathu?
    Don't you understand what I am saying?
    Ningalkku njan paranjathu manasilakunnille?
    Tie him up
    Avane kettiyidu. (Avane means 'Him')

    Numbers

    [edit]
    1
    one (onnu)
    2
    two (randu)
    3
    three (moonnu) (MOO in moon)
    4
    four (naalu)
    5
    five (anchu)
    6
    six (aaru)
    7
    seven (eezhu)
    8
    eight (ettu E of eight)
    9
    nine (onpathu)
    10
    ten (pathu)
    11
    eleven (pathinonnuh' )
    12
    twelve (panthranduh')
    13
    thirteen (pathimoonnuh)
    14
    fourteen (pathinaaluh)
    15
    fifteen (pathinanchuh)
    16
    sixteen (pathinaaruh)
    17
    seventeen (pathinezhuh)
    18
    eighteen (pathinettuh)
    19
    nineteen (pathombathuh)
    20
    twenty (irupathuh)
    21
    twenty one (irupathonnuh)
    22
    twenty two (irupathiranduh)
    23
    twenty three (irupathimoonuh)
    30
    thirty (muppathuh)
    40
    forty (nalpathuh)
    50
    fifty (anpathuh)
    60
    sixty (arupathuh)
    70
    seventy (ezhupathuh)
    80
    eighty (enpathuh)
    90
    ninety (thonnooru)
    100
    one hundred (nooru)
    200
    two hundred (Irunnooru)
    300
    three hundred (Munnooru)
    1000
    one thousand (aayiram)
    2000
    two thousand (randayiram)
    1,000,000
    one million (pathu-laksham)
    1,000,000,000
    one thousand million in UK, one billion in USA (nooru kodi)
    1,000,000,000,000
    one trillion in USA, formerly one billion in UK (laksham kodi)
    number _____ (train, bus, etc.)
    number _____ (...am Number) eg:-#10 ( Pathh-am Number)
    half
    half (arai or paadhi or pakuthi)
    less
    less (kurachu or kuranja)
    more
    more (kooduthal or koodiya)

    Time

    [edit]
    now
    ഇപ്പോള് Ippol
    later
    പിന്നെ Pinne
    before
    മു൯പെ Munpey.
    morning
    പ്രഭാതം, രാവിലെ Prabhatham, Raavile.
    afternoon
    ഉച്ച Uchha.
    evening
    Vyikunneram. Just before sunset, twilight is called sandya (സന്ധ്യ).
    night
    രാത്രി, രാവ് Raathri.

    Clock time

    [edit]
    one o'clock
    oru mani
    two o'clock
    randu mani

    Use Ravile for AM, Ucha for noon, vaikunneram for 3 PM to 6 PM and rathri for night

    midnight
    paathi rathri

    Duration

    [edit]
    _____ minute(s)
    ______ nimisham
    _____ hour(s)
    _____ mani (manikoor)
    _____ day(s)
    _____ naal, divasam
    _____ week(s)
    _____ vaaram, azhcha
    _____ month(s)
    _____ maasam
    _____ year(s)
    _____ varsham

    Days

    [edit]
    today
    ഇന്ന് (innu)
    yesterday
    ഇന്നലെ (innale)
    tomorrow
    naale
    this week
    eyazhcha
    last week
    kazhinhayazhcha
    next week
    adutha azhcha
    Sunday
    ഞായറാഴ്ച (njhayarazcha)
    Monday
    തിങ്കളാഴ്ച (thingalazhcha)
    Tuesday
    ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച (chovvazhcha)
    Wednesday
    ബുധനാഴ്ച (budhanazhcha)
    Thursday
    വ്യാഴാഴ്ച (vyazhazhcha)
    Friday
    വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച (velliyazhcha)
    Saturday
    ശനിയാഴ്ച (shaniyazhcha)

    Colors

    [edit]
    black
    Karuppu
    white
    Vella
    gray
    chara niram
    red
    chumappu
    blue
    neela
    yellow
    Manja
    green
    pacha
    orange
    orange
    purple
    purple
    brown
    kapi poddi niram
    dark
    kadum
    light
    ilam

    Transportation

    [edit]

    Bus and train

    [edit]
    How much is a ticket to Bhopal?
    Ethra rupayanu Bhopalathekkulla ticketinu / Bhopal ticketinu ethra rupayaakum
    One ticket to Bhopal, please.
    Bhopalathekku oru ticket venam
    Where does this train/bus go?
    Engottanu ee bus/train pokunnathu?
    Where is the train/bus to Kottayam ?
    Evide anne Kottayathekkula bus?
    Does this train/bus stop in Kottayam?
    Ee bus/train kottayathu nirutthumo?
    When does the train/bus for Kottayam leave?
    Eppolaanu Kottayathekkulla ee bus/train povuka?
    When will this train/bus arrive in Kottayam ?
    Eppolaanu ee bus/train Kottayathu etthuka?
    which is the train now?
    ethu train anu ippool

    Directions

    [edit]
    How do I get to _____ ?
    _________il engane pokum / Engane enikku _________ ethaam?
    ...the train station?
    Engene enikku rail way stationanil ettham?
    ...the bus station?
    Engene enikku bus-standil ettham?
    ...the airport?
    Engene enikku vimanathaavalathil ettham?
    ...downtown?
    Engene enikku nagarathil ettham?
    ...the youth hostel?
    Engene enikku youth hostelil ettham?
    ...the _____ hotel?
    Engene enikku _______ hotlil ettham?
    ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate?
    Engene enikku American/Canadian/Australian/British nyathantrakaryalathil enttham?
    Where are there a lot of...
    Evideyaanu dhaaralam .............
    ...hotels?
    Evideyaanu dhaaralam hotelukal ullathu?
    ...restaurants?
    Evideyaanu dhaaralam bhojanashalakal ullathu?
    ...bars?
    Evideyanu dhaaralam BARukal ullathu?
    ...sites to see?
    Evideyaanu dhaaralam sthalangal kaanuvan ullathu?
    Can you show me on the map?
    Enikku mappil onnu kaanichu tharaamo?
    lane
    Veedhi, mudukku
    street
    Theruvu
    road
    Vazhi
    crossroad/junction
    Mukku
    National/State highway
    Desheeya/Samsthaana Padha
    Turn left.
    Idatthekku thiriyuka
    Turn right.
    Valatthekku thiriyuka
    left
    Idathu
    right
    Valathu
    straight ahead
    Nere povuka
    towards the bridge
    Palathinu aduthekku
    past the _____
    Aa _____ kazhinhu
    before the _____
    Aa ______ munpu
    Watch for the _____.
    Aa _________ nokkuka / sradhikkanam
    intersection
    junction / Koodicherunna sthalam
    north
    Vadakku
    south
    Thekku
    east
    Kizhakku
    west
    Padinjaru
    uphill
    Kayattathil
    downhill
    Erakkathil

    Taxi

    [edit]
    Taxi!
    Taxi!
    Take me to _____, please.
    Enne _____ vare kondu pokoo. / ______ vare pokaam.
    How much does it cost to get to _____?
    _________ vare pokaan ethra roopa (money) aavum ?
    how much is the rate?
    ethra roopa?
    Take me there, (please)
    (Dayavaayi) enne ______ vare kondu pokoo

    Lodging

    [edit]
    Do you have any rooms available?
    Ivide muri ozhivundo?
    How much is a room for one person/two people?
    Onno/rendo perkkulla muri vaadeka ethra aanu?
    Does the room come with...
    Ee muriyil ... undakumo? / Ee muriyil ... kittumo?
    ...bedsheets?
    bedsheet
    ...a bathroom?
    kuli muri
    ...a telephone?
    telephone
    ...a TV?
    TV
    May I see the room first?
    Aadyam muri kandote?
    Do you have anything quieter?
    Kuruchum Koode shanthamaya muri undo?
    ...bigger?
    valiyathu
    ...cleaner?
    vrithiyullathu
    ...cheaper?
    vila koranjathu
    OK, I'll take it.
    Sheri, Njan Edukam
    That's enough.
    Ithu madthi
    I will stay for _____ night(s).
    Njan_____raatri thamassikkam
    Can you suggest another hotel?
    Vere oru hotel parayamo?
    Do you have a safe?
    Ningalkku safe undo?
    ...lockers?
    Puuttukal
    Is breakfast/supper included?
    Prabhatha/rathri bhakshanam ulpedumo?
    What time is breakfast/supper?
    Prabhatha/rathri bhakshanam eppozhanu?
    Please clean my room.
    Ente muri onu vrithiyakkanam
    Can you wake me at _____? Enne _______ manikku ezhunnelpikkamo?
    I want to check out.
    Enikku check-out cheyyanam

    Money

    [edit]
    Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars?
    Ningal american dollars edukumo?
    do u accept the British Pound?
    Ningal british pound edukumo
    Do you accept credit cards?
    Credit card edukumo
    Can you change money for me?
    Eniku panam matti tharumo?
    Where can I get money changed?
    Evide ninnu eniku panam matti kittum?
    Can you change a traveler's check for me?
    Enikku oru traveller's check matti tharamo?
    Where can I get a traveler's check changed?
    Evideyanu enikku traveller's check matti kittuka?
    What is the exchange rate?
    Ennathe vinimaya nerrekku enthannu?
    Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)?
    ATM evideyanu?
    Any money exchange around? Money exchange evideyundaakum?

    Eating

    [edit]
    A table for one person/two people, please.
    Enniku/Njakkal oru table vennam
    Can I look at the menu, please?
    Enikku menu kanamo?
    Can I look in the kitchen?
    Enikku adukala kanamo? OR Adukkala Onnu kandotte..?
    Is there a house specialty?
    Innathe special entha?
    Is there a local specialty?
    Nadan Bhakshanam vallathum undo
    I'm a vegetarian.
    Njan Sasyabhojiyaa
    I don't eat pork.
    Njan panni kazhikilla
    I don't eat beef.
    Njan pothirachi thinnilla/kazhikkilla
    I only eat kosher food.
    Njan juda bhakshanam matramme kazhikkullu
    Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard)
    Eenna/Neyyi/Kuzhuppu kurucha pakka peduttamo?
    Are there (fixed-price) meals?
    Meals undo?
    Is there a menu?
    Menu undo?
    breakfast
    Prathal / Prabhatha Bhakshanam
    lunch
    lunch/oonu (meals)/Ucha bhakshanam
    tea
    chaaya
    coffee
    kaapi
    snacks
    Leggu Bhakshanam or Kurrukkaku
    supper
    Athazham
    I want _____.
    Enikk _____ venam
    I want a dish containing _____.
    ____________Kondundakkiya enthengilum mathi
    chicken
    kozhi (the English word is also commonly used)
    beef
    Pothirachi
    fish
    Meen
    ham
    Panni
    sausage
    hot dogs / Eerachi
    cheese
    cheese (Palkkatty / Panner are dishes that make use of cheese, not a translation for "cheese" itself)
    eggs
    Motta
    salad
    Raitha
    (fresh) vegetables
    Pachakkary
    (fresh) fruit
    Pazha vargamkel
    bread
    roti, appam, bread
    toast
    morrikkuka
    noodles
    noodles
    rice
    Ari
    beans
    Payar
    May I have a glass of _____?
    Oru glass ___________ tharamo
    May I have a cup of _____?
    Oru kappu______________tharamo
    May I have a bottle of _____?
    Oru ________ kuppi(read as koo-pee) tharamo
    juice
    pazhachar/ neer
    (bubbly) water
    Soda
    cool drinks
    Sheethalapaniyam
    water
    Vellam
    beer
    Beer
    red/white wine
    Chuvanna/Velutha Veenjhu
    May I have some _____?
    Kurachu_____Tharamo?
    salt
    Uppu
    black pepper
    Kurumulaku
    butter
    Venna
    Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server)
    (Athhe) Chaeta ("Chaeta" means brother)
    I'm finished.
    Njan Mathiyakkuvaa
    It was delicious.
    Gambeeram/Adi poli ("Superb")
    Please take the plates.
    Paathrangal Edutholoo
    The cheque, please.
    Cheque thannalum

    Bars

    [edit]
    Do you serve alcohol?
    Ningal madhyam vilambumo?
    Is there table service?
    Evide table service undo?
    A beer/two beers, please.
    Onne/Randu beer tharoo (Onne = one)
    A glass of red/white wine, please
    Oru glass chuvanna/Velutha veenjhu tharaamo
    A pint, please.
    Oru paynnt tharamo
    A bottle, please.
    Oru Kuppy tharamo
    water
    Vellam
    Do you have any bar snacks?
    Thottu-koottan enthengilum undo
    One more, please.
    Onnum koodi please
    Another round, please.
    Orennam koodi
    When is closing time?
    Eppozha adakkunnathu

    Shopping

    [edit]
    Do you have this in my size?
    ethu ente sizil undo/ ethu ente pakathil undo
    How much is this?
    vila ethra? (ithinu entha vila)
    That's too expensive.
    athu orupadu kooduthalaanu
    Would you take _____?
    ningal edukkumo?
    expensive
    expensive / vila kooduthal aanu
    cheap
    cheap / vila kuranjathu
    I can't afford it.
    ennikku ithu(read as e-thu) thangillya)
    I don't have that much money
    Ente kayil athryayum roopa illa
    I don't want it.
    enikku athu venda / venda
    You're cheating me.
    ningal enne pattikkukayaanu / ningal enne chadikkukayaanu
    I'm not interested.
    enikyu thalpariyam illa
    OK, I'll take it.
    sheri. njan ithu edukkaam / sheri. njan ithu vangaam
    Can I have a bag?
    oru bag tharaamo? / (Oru sanchi/cover/bag kittumo)
    Do you ship (overseas)?
    Ningal videsathekku ayakkumo?
    I need...
    Enikku oru.......venam
    ...toothpaste.
    ...toothpaste. (paste)
    ...a toothbrush.
    ...toothbrush. (brush)
    ...tampons.
    ...tampons. (tampon)
    ...soap.
    ...soap. (soap)
    ...shampoo.
    ...shampoo (shampoo)
    ...modern medicine.
    English medicine / Allopathy medicine
    ...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen)
    pain killer / veedana samhari
    ...cold medicine.
    panikkulla medicine / jala doshathinulla marunnu
    ...stomach medicine.
    vayaru veedanakkulla marunnu
    ...a razor.
    blade
    ...an umbrella.
    Kuda / umbrella
    ...sunblock lotion.
    ...sunblock lotion. (sunscreen lotion)
    ...a postcard.
    ... postcard
    ...postage stamps.
    ...stamp
    ...batteries.
    ...battery
    ...writing paper.
    ...writing paper / ezhuthanulla kadalaasu
    ...a pen.
    paena
    ...English-language books.
    english pusthakangal
    ...English-language magazines.
    english varikakal/mazikakal
    ...an English-language newspaper.
    english pathram
    ...a Malayalam-English dictionary.
    Malayalam English dictionary / Nighandu

    Driving

    [edit]

    English is the primary language for road signs in Kerala

    I want to rent a car.
    Eniku oru CAR vadakakku edukkanam
    Can I get insurance?
    Enikku oru insurance policy edukkanam
    stop (on a street sign)
    Stop / nirthuka
    one way
    one way
    yield
    yield
    no parking
    no parking / evide niruthan paadilla
    speed limit
    speed limit / vega paridhi
    gas (petrol) station
    petrol pump / pump
    petrol
    petrol
    diesel
    diesel

    Authority

    [edit]
    I haven't done anything wrong.
    Njan thettonnum cheythittilla
    It was a misunderstanding.
    Athoru thetti-dharana ayirunnu
    Where are you taking me?
    Ningal enne engottanu kondu-pokunnathu
    Am I under arrest?
    Njan arrestil ano
    I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.
    Njan oru American/Australian/British/Canadian powran aanu
    I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate.
    Enikku .....Embassyyil bandhappedanam
    I want to talk to a lawyer.
    Enikku Oru vakkeeline kananam
    Can I just pay a fine now?
    Oru pizha/Fine adachal mathiyo ?

    Other

    [edit]
    Light switch.
    Light switch / switch / bulb switch
    Church
    Palli
    Mosque
    Palli (or Muslim palli)
    Temple
    Ambalam, Kshethram

    Further reading

    [edit]
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