Kerala, also known as God’s own Country, is a breathtaking location in southern India. Whether it is people in India or outside India, Kerala is surely on everyone’s travel bucket list as the location has serene views, lush green landscapes, mesmerising backwaters and much more.
Kerala has everything a travel destination must have, and that’s why it attracts a lot of tourists. Every travel enthusiast wants to explore Kerala’s vibrant festivals, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, but a major challenge that travellers have to face is the language barrier. Malayalam is the main language spoken in Kerala, and it is the 8th most spoken language in India, with over 35 million speakers.
A lot of people cannot finalise their Kerala trip because they don’t know Malayalam and feel that it might make their trips more complicated and confusing. While travelling, it is crucial to know some of the vital words and phrases of the native language because the local people might not know any other language other than their native one. No need to worry, as here you will find more than 60 useful Malayalam words to learn to enhance your travel experience, making interactions with locals smoother and more enjoyable.
Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions
Knowing the basic Malayalam words phrases to greet someone is crucial because, throughout your entire trip, you will meet a lot of native people. If you can’t greet them or understand their greeting, it will hinder your ability to connect and communicate effectively. Using local greetings not only shows respect but also helps to break the ice, making interactions more pleasant and friendly. Here are some essential greetings and polite expressions to help you start conversations on the right note:
1. Hello - ഹലോ (Halo)
2. Good Morning - സുഖമാകട്ടെ (Suprabhatham)
3. Good Evening - സന്ധ്യാസമയം (Sandhya Samayam)
4. Good Night - ശുഭ രാത്രി (Shubha Raathri)
5. Thank You - നന്ദി (Nandi)
6. Thank you very much - വളരെ നന്ദി (valare nandi)
7. Please - ദയവായി (Dayavaayi)
8. Excuse Me - ക്ഷമിക്കണം (Kshamikkane)
9. Yes - അതെ (athe)
10. No - ഇല്ല (Illa)
11. How are you? - സുഖമാണോ? (Sukhamaano?)
12. I am fine, thank you - ഞാൻ സുഖമാണു, നന്ദി (Njaan sukhamaanu, nandi)
13. What is your name? - നിങ്ങളുടെ പേര് എന്താണ്? (Ningalude peru enthaan?)
14. My name is [Your Name] - എന്റെ പേര് [Your Name] ആണ് (Ente peru [Your Name] aanu)
15. Nice to meet you - നിങ്ങൾക്കെങ്ങിനെ കാണുന്നത് സന്തോഷം (Ningalkennu kaananath saanthosham)
Essential Travel Phrases
So now that you know how to speak or write hello, good morning, please, and thank you in Malayalam words, the next step is to know the essential travel phrases. Whether you want to use the bathroom or explain that you are lost, it is vital to know these travel phrases in Malayalam to navigate your trip smoothly and ensure you can ask for help when needed. These phrases will not only make your journey more comfortable but also help you interact more effectively with locals, enhancing your overall travel experience. Here are some key travel phrases to get you started:
16. Where is the bathroom? - കുളിമുറി എവിടെ? (Kulimuri evide?)
17. How much does this cost? - ഇതിന് എത്ര വില? (Ithinu ethra vila?)
18. Can you help me? - നിങ്ങൾ എന്നെ സഹായിക്കുമോ? (Ningal enne sahayikkumo?)
19. I need a doctor - എനിക്ക് ഒരു ഡോക്ടറെ വേണം (Enikku oru doctor veendum)
20. I am lost - ഞാൻ വഴിതെറ്റി (Njaan vazhi thetti)
21. Is there a nearby hotel? - ഇവിടെ അടുത്ത് ഒരു ഹോട്ടൽ ഉണ്ടോ? (Ivide aduthu oru hotel undo?)
22. I want to go to [Place] - എനിക്ക് [Place] പോകണം (Enikku [Place] pokanam)
23. What time is it? - എപ്പോൾ സമയം? (Epole samayam?)
Dining and Food Phrases
Kerala is known for its delicious cuisine, and you don't want to miss the delectable cuisine just because you don't know the local Kerala language. Understanding some basic Malayalam phrases related to dining and food can make your culinary experience much more enjoyable. Whether you're ordering a meal, asking for water, or expressing your dietary preferences, these phrases will help you communicate effectively with restaurant staff and locals, ensuring you savour every bite of Kerala's renowned cuisine. Here are some essential dining and food phrases to help you navigate the rich culinary landscape of Kerala:
24. I am hungry - എനിക്ക് വിശക്കുന്നു (Enikku vishakkunnu)
25. I am thirsty - എനിക്ക് ദാഹിക്കുന്നു (Enikku dahikkunnu)
26. Can I have the menu? - എനിക്ക് മെനു കാണാമോ? (Enikku menu kaanamo?)
27. Vegetarian - സസ്യാഹാരം (Sasyaaharam)
28. Non-Vegetarian - മാംസാഹാരം (Maamsaaharam)
29. Water - വെള്ളം (Vellam)
30. Tea - ചായ (Chaaya)
31. Coffee - കോഫി (Kofi)
32. I don’t eat meat - ഞാൻ മാംസം കഴിക്കാറില്ല (Njaan maamsam kazhikkarilla)
33. The food is delicious - ഭക്ഷണം രുചികരം ആണ് (Bhakshanam ruchikaramaanu)
34. Check, please - ബില്ല് ദയവായി (Bill dayavaayi)
Direction and Transportation Phrases
Knowing some basic Malayalam phrases related to directions and transportation can make a big difference. Whether you're asking for directions, hailing a taxi, or navigating public transportation, these phrases will help you communicate with locals and get to your destination without any hassle. Here are some essential direction and transportation phrases to ensure you can explore Kerala with ease:
35. Left - ഇടത് (Idathu)
36. Right - വലത് (Valathu)
37. Straight - നേരെ (Nere)
38. Bus Stop - ബസ് സ്റ്റോപ്പ് (Bus Stop)
39. Train Station - ട്രെയിൻ സ്റ്റേഷൻ (Train Station)
40. Airport - എയർപോർട്ട് (Airport)
41. How far is [Place]? - [Place] എത്ര ദൂരമാണ്? ([Place] ethra dooram aanu?)
42. Ticket - ടിക്കറ്റ് (Ticket)
43. I need a taxi - എനിക്ക് ഒരു ടാക്സി വേണം (Enikku oru taxi venam)
Fun Fact: Malayalam is the only language that is a palindrome, which means that the word Malayalam is spelled the same regardless of whether you read it backward or forward.
Shopping and Bargaining Phrases
To make the most of your shopping adventures, knowing some basic Malayalam phrases can be very helpful. Whether you're bargaining for the best price, asking about products, or paying for your purchases, these phrases will help you communicate effectively with shopkeepers and vendors. Here are some useful Malayalam phrases to enhance your shopping experience in Kerala:
44. Can you lower the price? - വില കുറക്കാമോ? (Vila kurakkamo?)
45. I am just looking - ഞാൻ നോക്കുക മാത്രം (Njaan nokkuka matram)
46. Do you accept credit cards? - നിങ്ങൾ ക്രെഡിറ്റ് കാർഡ് സ്വീകരിക്കുന്നുണ്ടോ? (Ningal credit card sweekarikkunnundo?)
47. This is too expensive - ഇത് വളരെ വിലയേറിയതാണ് (Ithu valare vilayeriyathaanu)
48. I will buy it - ഞാൻ ഇത് വാങ്ങും (Njaan ith vaangum)
Emergency Phrases
In any travel adventure, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. Knowing a few key Malayalam phrases for emergencies can be incredibly valuable, helping you respond swiftly and effectively if you find yourself in a critical situation. Here are some essential emergency phrases to ensure you're well-equipped for any urgent situations during your stay in Kerala:
49. Help! - സഹായിക്കൂ! (Sahayikku!)
50. Fire! - തീ! (Thee!)
51. Call the police - പോലീസ് വിളിക്കൂ (Police vilikku)
52. I am sick - എനിക്ക് അസുഖം (Enikku asukham)
53. I need a hospital - എനിക്ക് ആശുപത്രി വേണം (Enikku aashupathri venam)
Cultural and Social Phrases
Experiencing Kerala’s rich culture and social traditions can be one of the highlights of your trip. Knowing some basic Malayalam cultural and social phrases will help you engage more meaningfully with locals and participate fully in cultural activities. These are some essential cultural and social phrases to enrich your cultural experience in the Kerala trip:
54. Happy Onam - ഓണം ആശംസകൾ (Onam aashamsakal)
55. Congratulations - അഭിനന്ദനങ്ങൾ (Abhinandanangal)
56. Sorry - ക്ഷമിക്കണം (Kshamikkane)
57. I don’t understand - എനിക്ക് മനസ്സിലാകുന്നില്ല (Enikku manassilakkunnilla)
58. Can you repeat that? - ദയവായി അതു വീണ്ടും പറയാമോ? (Dayavaayi athu veendum parayamo?)
59. What does this mean? - ഇതിന് എന്ത് അർത്ഥം? (Ithinu enthu artham?)
60. Where can I find…? - എവിടെ ഞാൻ കണ്ടെത്താം? (Evide njan kandetham?)
61. I like Kerala - എനിക്ക് കേരളം ഇഷ്ടമാണ് (Enikku Kerala ishtamaanu)
