കുറിയ
kuṟiya/kurijɐ/
The Malayalam word for "short" is കുറിയ (kuṟiya).
This adjective describes something that is abrupt, brief, pointed or petulant.
Meaning: abrupt, brief, pointed, petulant (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as kuṟiya.
Did you know?
- Malayalam uses the concept of 'heat' to describe a 'short' temper, using words like ചുടുരക്തം to mean 'hot-blooded' instead of using an adjective for length.
- While കുറിയ describes a 'short' or 'abrupt' manner, a person who is physically 'short' is more likely to be described with the word പൊക്കം കുറഞ്ഞ, which literally means 'less height'.
- The word കുറിയ is sometimes used in literature to imply a sense of being 'insignificant' or 'trivial' rather than just small in size.
Example conversation
Sridevi is upset with Manoj's lack of communication.
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviമനോജ്, എന്താണ് നിന്റെ ഈ കുറിയ മറുപടികൾ?Manoj, enthanu ninte ee kuriya marupadikal?Manoj, what is with these abrupt replies of yours?
- മനോജ് Manojഎനിക്ക് ഇപ്പോൾ തിരക്കായിരുന്നു ശ്രീദേവി.enikku ippol thirakkayirunnu Sridevi.I was busy just now, Sridevi.
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviഎങ്കിലും ഇങ്ങനെ സംസാരിക്കരുത്.engilum ingane samsarikkaruthu.Even so, don't speak like this.
- മനോജ് Manojശരി, ഞാൻ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കാം.sari, njan shraddhikkan.Okay, I will be mindful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry കുറിയ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
