പോയി വരാം
poyi varam
The English phrase 'bye' is translated into Malayalam as പോയി വരാം (poyi varam).
പോയി വരാം is the standard way to say goodbye when you are the person who is leaving a place.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'go and come'.
How does it change in a sentence?
പോയി വരാം is used specifically as a departing phrase when the speaker is the one departing.
How do you pronounce it?
poyi varam
When do people say it?
In Malayalam culture, it is considered impolite or unlucky to use a phrase that implies a permanent departure. Instead of saying something that implies you are simply 'going', speakers say 'go and come' to signify that they will return.
Did you know?
- In many Kerala households, the gesture of touching the feet of elders is often paired with പോയി വരാം to seek permission and blessings before departing.
- The word പോയി in the phrase is the past participle of 'to go', meaning the phrase structurally suggests the act of going is already initiated even as the speaker is still standing there.
- Because പോയി വരാം implies a return, saying a phrase that means 'I am going' without mentioning coming back can sound like a final farewell or an omen of death in some traditional contexts.
Examples in context
- ഞാൻ ഇപ്പോൾ പോയി വരാം.ñān ippōḷ pōyi varām.I will be going now.
- അമ്മേ, ഞാൻ പോയി വരാം.ammē, ñān pōyi varām.Mom, I'm leaving now.
Example conversation
Anjali is leaving Manoj's house after a visit.
- അഞ്ജലി Anjaliമനോജ്, ഞാൻ പോയി വരാം.manōj, ñān pōyi varām.Manoj, goodbye.
- മനോജ് Manojശരി അഞ്ജലി, പോയി വരിക.śari añjali, pōyi varika.Okay Anjali, see you.
- അഞ്ജലി Anjaliശരി, പിന്നെ കാണാം.śari, pinne kāṇām.Okay, see you later.
- മനോജ് Manojശരി, ശ്രദ്ധിച്ചു പോവുക.śari, śraddhiccu pōvuka.Okay, go safely.
