Ways to say it
| Malayalam | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| നീ | nī | /n̪iː/ |
| താൻ | tāṉ | /t̪aːn/ |
| താങ്കൾ | tāṅkaḷ | /t̪aːŋkɐɭ/ |
The terms in Malayalam function as subject pronouns to address the person being spoken to.
Which one should you use?
While നീ is the standard informal way to say 'you', it is used specifically for friends, younger people or those with whom you have a close relationship. In contrast, താൻ can be used in a somewhat detached or informal way to mean 'one' or 'you'. To address someone with respect, you should use താങ്കൾ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
നീ is the most common informal term, but using it with elders or superiors can be perceived as disrespectful. For a polite and respectful way to address someone, such as a stranger or in a formal setting, use താങ്കൾ. The form താൻ is also categorized as informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun നിങ്ങൾ is used when addressing more than one person (plural) or can serve as a formal version of 'you' in certain contexts. The form താൻ is sometimes used in a reflexive sense or within certain dialects to mean 'one' or 'you'.
How do you pronounce it?
nī (/n̪iː/)
Did you know?
- The respectful form താങ്കൾ is actually a linguistic construction built by adding the plural suffix -കൾ to the word താൻ.
- While English uses 'you' for everyone, choosing the wrong Malayalam pronoun can accidentally insult someone by implying they are either your inferior or a complete stranger.
- While നിങ്ങൾ is the standard plural 'you', it is frequently used as a singular 'you' to show a level of polite distance that നീ cannot provide.
Examples in context
- നീ നിന്റെ കടങ്ങള് വീട്ടണം.You should pay back your debts.This sentence demonstrates the use of നീ regarding obligations.Tatoeba #7908717 by lonewolfie, translation #16014 by 6dDcHYgMAg
- നീയും ടോമും ആദ്യമായി കണ്ടത് ഇവിടെവച്ചാണ്?Where did you and Tom first meet each other?This sentence shows how to use നീ when asking about a meeting between two people.Tatoeba #7896050 by lonewolfie, translation #7493869 by CK
- നീ കൂട്ടുകാരെ കണ്ടെത്തുമ്പോൾ സൂക്ഷിക്കണം.You must be careful in choosing your friends.This sentence uses നീ to give a warning or advice about friends.Tatoeba #10657390 by signalzero, translation #324427 by CK
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a park.
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviനീ എവിടെ പോകുന്നു?nee evide pokunnu?Where are you going?
- മനോജ് Manojഞാൻ വീട്ടിലേക്ക് പോകുന്നു.njan veettilekku pokunnu.I am going home.
- ശ്രീദേവി Srideviനീ എപ്പോഴാണ് തിരിച്ചുവരുന്നത്?nee eppozhanu thirichuvarunnathu?When are you coming back?
- മനോജ് Manojഞാൻ വൈകുന്നേരം വരാം.njan vaikunneram varam.I will come in the evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries നീ, താൻ, താങ്കൾ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries താങ്കൾ, താൻ, നീ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
