Which one should you use?
The forms vary based on the intent of the speaker: ഇരിക്കൂ is a polite command, while ഇരിക്കെടാ is an informal or derogatory command used specifically for males. For stating facts, use ഇരിക്കുന്നു (is sitting), for expressing wishes or permission, use ഇരിക്കട്ടെ (let him/her/them sit), for expressing necessity, use ഇരിക്കണം (must sit/should sit) and for the past negative, use ഇരുന്നില്ല (did not sit).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ഇരിക്കൂ is a polite imperative used when asking someone to sit down. In contrast, ഇരിക്കെടാ is a highly informal or derogatory way to tell a male to sit and should only be used with very close friends or subordinates.
How does it change in a sentence?
Different grammatical moods and tenses change the form: ഇരിക്കുന്നു is the indicative form used to state the fact that someone is currently sitting. ഇരിക്കട്ടെ is the optative form used to express a wish or permission for someone to sit. ഇരിക്കണം is the obligative form used to express necessity or an obligation to sit. Finally, ഇരുന്നില്ല is the past negative form meaning 'did not sit'.
How do you pronounce it?
irikku
Did you know?
- The root of ഇരിക്കൂ is also used to express the concept of 'remaining' or 'staying' in a certain state, not just the physical act of sitting.
- The phrase ഇരിക്കൂ is often accompanied by a hand gesture where the palm is faced downwards and moved slightly toward the seat.
- In formal Malayalam, the word ഇരിക്കൂ can be extended into highly honorific forms to show extreme respect to guests or deities.
Examples in context
- ഇവിടെ ഇരിക്കൂ.ivide irikkoo.Sit here.
- ഈ കസേരയിൽ ഇരിക്കൂ.ee kaserayil irikkoo.Sit on this chair.
Example conversation
Rahul is welcoming Lakshmi to his house.
- രാഹുൽ Rahulലക്ഷ്മി, ദയവായി ഇവിടെ ഇരിക്കൂ.lakshmi, dayavaayi ivide irikkoo.Lakshmi, please sit here.
- ലക്ഷ്മി Lakshmiനന്ദി രാഹുൽ.nandi raahul.Thank you, Rahul.
- രാഹുൽ Rahulഎന്തെങ്കിലും കുടിക്കാൻ വേണോ?enthenkilum kudikkaan veno?Do you want something to drink?
- ലക്ഷ്മി Lakshmiഒരു ചായ മതി.oru chaaya mathi.A tea will be enough.
