നമസ്കാരം
namaskāraṁ/n̪ɐmɐskaːɾɐm/
The English phrase 'hi' is translated into Malayalam as നമസ്കാരം (namaskāraṁ).
നമസ്കാരം is a formal greeting that can be used throughout the day. While the English 'hi' is often casual, നമസ്കാരം serves as a respectful way to greet people. Other common greetings include Vandanam, which is a respectful way to say hello or good morning and sukhamano?, which means 'how are you?'
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word നമസ്കാരം is derived from Sanskrit and conveys a sense of salutation or respect.
Which one should you use?
While നമസ്കാരം is a standard formal greeting, if you want a truly informal equivalent that matches the casual tone of the English 'hi', Malayalam speakers often use the loanword ഹലോ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
നമസ്കാരം is a formal and respectful greeting. It is appropriate for use in formal settings, such as when addressing elders, teachers or in professional environments. For a casual or informal tone, you may use the loanword ഹലോ.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is namaskāraṁ.
Did you know?
- When saying നമസ്കാരം, speakers often perform the 'Anjali Mudra' by pressing their palms together in front of the chest. This gesture signifies that the speaker is bowing to the divinity within the other person.
- The word നമസ്കാരം shares a root with the word 'namaste' used in Hindi. Both are derived from the Sanskrit root 'namas', meaning 'bowing' or 'reverence'.
- If you use നമസ്കാരം with a very close friend of the same age, it might actually sound ironically formal or even sarcastic.
Examples in context
- എല്ലാവർക്കും നമസ്കാരം.ellavarkkum namaskāram.Hi to everyone.
Example conversation
Sridevi and Rahul meet at a cafe.
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviനമസ്കാരം, രാഹുൽ!Namaskaram, Rahul!Hi, Rahul!
- രാഹുൽ Rahulനമസ്കാരം, ശ്രീദേവി!Namaskaram, Sridevi!Hi, Sridevi!
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviഎന്തൊക്കെയുണ്ട് വിശേഷം?Enthokkeyundu vishesham?What's new?
- രാഹുൽ Rahulഒക്കെയുണ്ട്, നന്ദി.Okkeyundu, nandhi.Everything is fine, thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry നമസ്കാരം, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries നമസ്കാരം, CC BY-SA 4.0.
