Key facts
- Malayalam is the official language of Kerala and is written in its own script.
- In Malayalam, “vellam” means drinking water — in Tamil the same word means a flood.
- “Chetta” (elder brother) is the normal, polite way to call an auto driver, shopkeeper or conductor.
- Questions are often made by adding “-o” to the end of a word: “pokum” (will go) becomes “pokumo?” (will you go?).
- 112 is India’s all-in-one emergency number and works in Kerala.
Three things that make Malayalam easier
- Call people chetta (ചേട്ടാ). It means elder brother and is how most people address an auto driver, bus conductor or shopkeeper. For a woman, chechi (ചേച്ചി), elder sister. It is polite without being stiff.
- Add “-o” to ask. Many yes/no questions are the plain word plus “o”: *undu* (there is) → *undo?* (is there?), *pokum* (will go) → *pokumo?* (will you go?). Learn that and half the list below becomes guessable.
- Mix freely. Kochi Malayalam is full of English words — bus, stop, current, bill, parcel, ticket. Using them inside a Malayalam sentence is normal, not lazy.
The pronunciations below are rough English spellings, not a scientific transliteration. Double letters are held a little longer, and *zh* (as in *pazham*, പഴം, banana) is a sound somewhere between r and l — do not worry if you cannot get it in the first month.
Getting by: basics (1–7)
| Malayalam | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. നമസ്കാരം | namaskaaram | Hello (formal; a smile and nod is also fine) |
| 2. സുഖമാണോ? | sukhamaano? | How are you? |
| 3. നന്ദി | nanni | Thank you |
| 4. ശരി | shari | OK / right |
| 5. മനസ്സിലായില്ല | manassilaayilla | I didn’t understand |
| 6. പതുക്കെ പറയാമോ? | pathukke parayaamo? | Can you say it slowly? |
| 7. എനിക്ക് മലയാളം കുറച്ചേ അറിയൂ | enikku Malayalam kuracche ariyoo | I only know a little Malayalam |
In an auto or on the bus (8–15)
Most short trips around Kalamassery are by auto-rickshaw or private bus. Our auto and taxi tips and bus guide cover fares and routes; these phrases get you through the conversation.
| Malayalam | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 8. ചേട്ടാ, NAD റോഡ് പോകുമോ? | chetta, NAD Road pokumo? | Brother, will you go to NAD Road? |
| 9. മീറ്റർ ഇടാമോ? | meter idaamo? | Will you put the meter on? |
| 10. എത്രയാകും? | ethrayaakum? | How much will it come to? |
| 11. നേരെ പോകൂ | nere pokoo | Go straight |
| 12. ഇടത്തോട്ട് / വലത്തോട്ട് | idathottu / valathottu | To the left / to the right |
| 13. ഇവിടെ നിർത്തണം | ivide nirthanam | Stop here, please |
| 14. ഈ ബസ് ആലുവ പോകുമോ? | ee bus Aluva pokumo? | Does this bus go to Aluva? |
| 15. അടുത്ത സ്റ്റോപ്പ് ഏതാ? | adutha stop etha? | Which is the next stop? |
Private bus conductors move fast. Say your stop clearly when you pay (“oru Kalamassery” — one to Kalamassery) and keep small change ready.
At the tea shop, hotel or shop (16–23)
In Kerala a “hotel” usually means a restaurant, and *oonu* is the rice meal served at lunch. See eating well on a budget and tea shops and bakeries for where to practise.
| Malayalam | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 16. ഇതിന് എത്രയാ? | ithinu ethrayaa? | How much is this? |
| 17. ഒരു ചായ | oru chaaya | One tea |
| 18. ഊണ് ഉണ്ടോ? | oonu undo? | Is the rice meal available? |
| 19. എരിവ് കുറച്ച് | erivu kuracchu | Less spicy, please |
| 20. പാഴ്സൽ | paarsal | Takeaway / parcel |
| 21. വേണ്ട | venda | Don’t want / no thanks |
| 22. ചില്ലറ ഇല്ല | chillara illa | I don’t have change |
| 23. ബില്ല് തരാമോ? | bill tharaamo? | Can I have the bill? |
At the hostel and with neighbours (24–28)
These are the sentences you will need when something stops working — especially in the monsoon, when power cuts and water problems are more common. See monsoon tips.
| Malayalam | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 24. കറന്റ് പോയി | current poyi | The power has gone |
| 25. വെള്ളം വരുന്നില്ല | vellam varunnilla | Water isn’t coming |
| 26. താക്കോൽ എവിടെ? | thaakkol evide? | Where is the key? |
| 27. വാടക എപ്പോൾ തരണം? | vaadaka eppol tharanam? | When should I pay the rent? |
| 28. ഞാൻ NAD റോഡിലാണ് താമസം | njaan NAD Roadil-aanu thaamasam | I live on NAD Road |
If something goes wrong (29–30)
| Malayalam | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 29. സഹായിക്കാമോ? | sahaayikkaamo? | Can you help me? |
| 30. ആശുപത്രി എവിടെയാണ്? | aashupathri evideyaanu? | Where is the hospital? |
In a real emergency, dial 112. For where to go for treatment, keep our list of hospitals and clinics near Kalamassery saved on your phone.
How to actually learn them
- Learn the auto and tea-shop sets first — you will use them every day.
- Save this page and read three phrases on the metro or bus each morning.
- Ask your roommate or the tea-shop owner to correct you; most people are pleased you are trying.
- Listen for *undo*, *venda* and *shari* — once you notice them, you will hear them everywhere.
If you are from Tamil Nadu, much will feel familiar; if you are from north India, expect a slower start but quick progress with the numbers and question words. Our Hindi and Tamil pages also have short word lists: हिन्दी · தமிழ்.
Where Ashraf Gents Hostel fits
Ashraf Gents Hostel is a boys’ hostel and PG for students, staff and working men at Ashraf house, NAD Road, at the signal in Kalamassery — phrase 28 is the one you will give auto drivers. The indicative rate from its public profile is about ₹2,000–3,000 per head per month, negotiable, with one month’s advance; it is confirmed on the call (+91 90746 23855). If you are not confident in Malayalam yet, a short WhatsApp message is an easy way to start. See the photos and the first-week checklist before you move.
Frequently asked questions
Can I manage in Kalamassery without Malayalam?
Yes, many people get by with English, Hindi or Tamil, especially around colleges and offices. A few Malayalam phrases still make autos, buses and shops much easier.
What does “chetta” mean?
It means elder brother and is the usual polite way to address a man such as an auto driver, conductor or shopkeeper. “Chechi” is used for a woman.
What is “oonu”?
Oonu is the Kerala rice meal, usually served at lunchtime with curries and side dishes.
Which number do I call in an emergency?
Dial 112, India’s single emergency number, which connects to police, fire and ambulance services.
Related guides
Sources
Facts about Ashraf Gents Hostel come from the hostel’s own profile and photos; rates are indicative and confirmed on the call. Last reviewed . How we write these guides: editorial notes. Map embeds © Google.