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

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

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 ്

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_____ minute(s)

______ nimisham

_____ hour(s)

_____ mani (manikoor)

_____ day(s)

_____ naal, divasam

_____ week(s)

_____ vaaram, azhcha

_____ month(s)

_____ maasam

_____ year(s)

_____ varsham

Days

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

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

Bus and train

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Light switch.

Light switch / switch / bulb switch

Church

Palli

Mosque

Palli (or Muslim palli)

Temple

Ambalam, Kshethram

Further reading

• Wiktionary:en:Appendix:Malayalam Swadesh list