തീർച്ചയായും
theerchayayum
The English word 'sure' is translated into Malayalam as തീർച്ചയായും (theerchayayum).
While the English word 'sure' can function as an adjective (for example, 'I am sure'), the Malayalam form തീർച്ചയായും is primarily used as an adverb to mean 'certainly' or 'definitely'. It is often used to emphasize a statement or to respond to a question.
Meaning: certain in one's knowledge or belief (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
theerchayayum
When do people say it?
When someone makes a request or asks a question and you want to express enthusiastic agreement, തീർച്ചയായും is a natural way to say 'sure' or 'of course'.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region in Kerala, a head shake that looks like a side-to-side tilt to English speakers can accompany തീർച്ചയായും to signal agreement.
- In casual conversation, Malayalam speakers often replace തീർച്ചയായും with a simple പിന്നെന്താ, which literally translates to 'then what' but functions as 'sure' or 'why not'.
- In very formal or poetic Malayalam, the concept of being 'sure' can be expressed using ഉറപ്പാണ്, where ഉറപ്പ് refers to physical firmness or hardness.
Examples in context
- അവൾ തീർച്ചയായും വരും.aval theerchayayum varum.She will surely come.
- ഇത് തീർച്ചയായും ശരിയാണ്.ithu theerchayayum shariyanu.This is certainly correct.
Example conversation
Vishnu and Lakshmi are discussing a scheduled meeting.
- വിഷ്ണു Vishnuഅവൻ ഇന്ന് വരുന്നുണ്ടോ?avan innu varunnundo?Is he coming today?
- ലക്ഷ്മി Lakshmiഅവൻ തീർച്ചയായും വരും.avan theerchayayum varum.He will surely come.
- വിഷ്ണു Vishnuനിനക്ക് അത് ഉറപ്പാണോ?ninakku athu urappano?Are you sure about that?
- ലക്ഷ്മി Lakshmiഅതെ, എനിക്ക് ഉറപ്പാണ്.athe, enikku urappanu.Yes, I am certain.
