Greetings! In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to say “little” in Malayalam. Whether you want to use it in a formal or informal setting, we’ve got you covered. While Malayalam is primarily spoken in the Indian state of Kerala, it also has regional variations. So, let’s dive in and explore the numerous ways to express “little” in Malayalam!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Little” in Malayalam
If you’re looking to use a formal tone while expressing “little” in Malayalam, the following words and phrases will come in handy:
1. അറിയാതെ (ariyaathe)
Literally meaning “without knowledge,” this term implies a lack of understanding or familiarity. It can be used to describe something as “a little difficult to comprehend.”
Example:
അദ്ദേഹം ആ ചിത്രത്തിനു തുടക്കത്തിൽ അറിയാതെ ഇരുക്കുകയുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. (Addam aitrathinu thudakkathile ariyaathe irukkukayirunnu.)
Translation: He was a little clueless at the beginning of the movie.
2. അല്പം (alpam)
This word simply means “a little” or “a bit.” It can be used to indicate a small amount or degree.
Example:
അവൻ അല്പം നേരം കഴിഞ്ഞുവന്നു. (Avan alpam neram kazhinjuvannu.)
Translation: He came a little late.
Informal Ways to Say “Little” in Malayalam
When it comes to expressing “little” in an informal or casual setting, the Malayalam language offers several phrases that are commonly used:
3. അപ്പൊ (appo)
This term is often used colloquially to mean “a little” or “somewhat.” It is a widely understood and commonly used phrase.
Example:
ഞാൻ അപ്പൊ വേണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു. (Njaan appo vendeerikkunnu.)
Translation: I need a little time.
4. ചില്ലാവോ (chillavo)
This phrase, borrowed from English, is commonly used to mean “a little” or “a bit” in informal conversations among young people.
Example:
അവൻ അത് ചില്ലാവോ മാറുകയുണ്ടായി. (Avan ath chillavo maarkayunundayi.)
Translation: He changed it a little bit.
Regional Variations
Malayalam has regional variations, and although they may not always affect the word for “little,” there are a few instances where certain dialects have unique phrases:
- Kottayam Dialect: In the Kottayam dialect of Malayalam, people often use the phrase “ചേരഞ്ഞമൂട്” (cheranjamoode), which means “a little” or “a trifling amount.”
- Thiruvananthapuram Dialect: In the Thiruvananthapuram dialect, “ചെവിയുമ്പോൾ” (cheviyumbol) or “ചൊടിയുംപോൾ” (chodiyumbol) are used to mean “a bit” or “a little.”
Remember that these regional variations are not commonly used throughout the whole Malayalam speaking community.
With the formal and informal ways to say “little” in Malayalam, along with a glimpse at regional variations, you now have a broader understanding of how to express this concept in various contexts.
Keep in mind that language is dynamic and ever-evolving, so it’s essential to consider the context and the people you’re communicating with. Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to use the word “little” confidently in Malayalam conversations.
Happy learning and best of luck on your exciting language journey!
