കൊള്ളാം
kollam
The Malayalam word for "wow" is കൊള്ളാം (kollam).
While it can be used to express amazement like the English "wow", കൊള്ളാം is more specifically used to express that something is "good", "fine" or "satisfactory".
Meaning: amazement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root kolluka (to be good or to suffice) and the suffix -am (can or is), literally meaning "it is good" or "it will do".
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English "wow" which can express shock or disbelief, കൊള്ളാം is almost always a positive affirmation of quality or approval.
How do you pronounce it?
kollam
Did you know?
- The word കൊള്ളാം is a homonym for 'Kollam', a major coastal city and port in Kerala.
- To express a true, high-energy 'wow' that is more intense than കൊള്ളാം, speakers often use the word അടിപൊളി (adipoli) instead.
- If someone is truly shocked, they might use അമ്മേ ('mother') as an exclamation instead of കൊള്ളാം, as the latter is too reserved for extreme surprise.
Example conversation
Rahul and Anjali are looking at a photo in a book.
- രാഹുൽ Rahulഈ ചിത്രം കൊള്ളാം, അല്ലേ?ee chithram kollam, alle?This picture is nice, isn't it?
- അഞ്ജലി Anjaliഅതെ, ഇത് വളരെ കൊള്ളാം.athe, ithu valare kollam.Yes, this is really great.
- രാഹുൽ Rahulനിനക്ക് ഇത് ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടോ?ninakku ithu ishtappetto?Did you like it?
- അഞ്ജലി Anjaliഅതെ, എനിക്ക് ഒത്തിരി ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടു.athe, enikku otthiri ishtappettu.Yes, I liked it a lot.
