നിങ്ങൾ ആരാണ്?
niṅṅaḷ ārāṇ?
The phrase "who are you?" in Malayalam is നിങ്ങൾ ആരാണ്? (niṅṅaḷ ārāṇ?)
This phrase is used as a question to ask someone for their identity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of niṅṅaḷ (you, plural/polite) and ārāṇ (who is/are).
Which one should you use?
While നിങ്ങൾ ആരാണ്? is polite or formal, നീ ആരാണ്? is the informal version used with children or close friends.
How do you pronounce it?
niṅṅaḷ ārāṇ?
Did you know?
- If you use the informal നീ (nī) with a stranger, it can be perceived as an aggressive or deeply disrespectful confrontation rather than just a casual greeting.
- The term നീ (nī) is not just 'informal' but is also the specific form used in ancient poetic works and classical literature to address deities or beloveds.
- While നിങ്ങൾ ആരാണ്? is the literal translation, a stranger calling you on the phone will often ask ആരാണെന്ന് അറിയാൻ സാധിക്കുമോ?, which means 'could I know who it is?'
Examples in context
- നിങ്ങൾ ആരാണ്?ningal aaraanu?Who are you?
- ക്ഷമിക്കണം, നിങ്ങൾ ആരാണ്?kshamikkanam, ningal aaraanu?Excuse me, who are you?
Example conversation
Anjali answers a call from an unknown number.
- വിഷ്ണു Vishnuഹലോ, അഞ്ജലി അവിടെയുണ്ടോ?hello, anjali avideyundo?Hello, is Anjali there?
- അഞ്ജലി Anjaliഅതെ, ഞാൻ അഞ്ജലിയാണ്. നിങ്ങൾ ആരാണ്?athe, njan anjaliyaanu. ningal araanu?Yes, I am Anjali. Who are you?
- വിഷ്ണു Vishnuഞാൻ വിഷ്ണു ആണ്, നിങ്ങളുടെ സഹപാഠിയാണ്.njan vishnu aanu, ningalude sahapaathiyaanu.I am Vishnu, your classmate.
- അഞ്ജലി Anjaliഓ, വിഷ്ണു! നമസ്കാരം.oh, vishnu! namaskaram.Oh, Vishnu! Hello.
