NO Tharjama Malayalam words ( Untranslatable)
“Untranslatable words” are a vibe that significantly adds to the language and culture. Some of these words from languages do not have translations in others, or they aren’t translated so that the essence isn’t lost. For instance, Would Jugaad in Hindi, used to depict the Indian way of getting things done by hook or crook, be replaced by any other word and convey the same sentiments? Nor would Mohabbat in Urdu be represented the same as any other term. These carry a sense of rusticity and simplicity.
At a certain point, these words can feel like cultural fetishism. We love them and often belt them out in the conversations to feel at home.
My proficiency is limited to basic Malayalam, which wasn’t pursued as my first language in school. I would delve into some words that exude some sentiments that are culturally nuanced and untranslatable in Malayalam.
Ethramathe- Which among in the list — is what it means literally, is touted as a untraslatable. For usage — Nee Entramathe ? is enough to ask… In the line of your siblings which position do you belong? See I told you. thats the funda of such words.
Adipoli! — is a word, which encapsulates someones enthusiasm towards a particular subject, or it can be used as a praise
Enthino — Its a expression, which elaboates to — enthino vendi thilakuna sambar — Someone or something which is getting triggered for no reason.
Kidilam- means ‘beyond awesome’ another word which can be used like Adipoli.
Ente Ammo!- sentiment first — Astonishment/ Anger/ Resentment. Literally means Oh my Mother. Can be used to say it's all going south.
Oh Pinne! — Sentiment being refusal/disbelief. It cannot be translated, nothing literall about it, it just fits in the conversation if used aptly.
Onnu Podappa! — Sentiment — cute way to say get lost.
Uvve!- Literally means — Yes, but sentiment here is of mockingly agreeing to some story other person is weaving.
Thallu— Literally means Push…. may be pushing your envelope, empty one at that… sharing something which isnt real or self praise.
Pani Kitti - literal meaning is that you got a job but actually means that you fell into a trap
Po Mone Dinesha - Mohanlals famous dialogue, enters our conversation as when you want to tell someone to get lost for good.
Koppu — Literal meaning — vase. Sentiments frustration as something which has gone wrong.
Pulivalu — Literal menaing — Tiget tail. Sentiment here is that what could happen if you touch the beasts tail, you would flee.. so you are in trouble is what it means
Kalakki kidukki timirthu !
Adipoli!
kidilolkidilam
Muttu
Thattinpuram
Naalukettu
Pathalakkarandy
Enthino
(enthino vendi thilakuna sambar)
Dingolphi
Dharmasangadam
Ethramathe
Olam
- KIDILAM- means ‘beyond awesome’(eg: That was a kidilam movie).
- PEDICHU THOORI-means ‘ pooped out of fear’ (haha! used When you are shit scared of something)
- ENTE AMMO!- literal meaning is ‘Oh my mother’( can be used when you see a really astonishing scene or even you mess up something )
- OH PINNE! -means ‘Oh really?’ ( can be used when you don’t believe what the other is saying)
- ONNU PODAAPPA!-means ‘get lost man !’ (in a cute way)
- AYYO- literally the cutest word ever. Used all through south India whenever you mess something up
- ADIPOLI ,THALLIPOLI- former word stands for Awesome and latter usually denotes a gunda or hooligan or even a person you hate ;)
- UVVE!- when you know that someone is faking but you mockingly agree to him /her .
- THALLU — denotes the fake hype or self praise by someone who is boasting but you know it’s not true.( eg : whenever you friend says that he personally knows Shahrukh Khan you can tell him that what he is saying is nothing but a THALLU)
- THEPPU — literal meaning is ironing. (Used when bf/gf ditches you )
- OOLA- when you want to call your friend an idiot or stupid ,you can use this word generously
- PANI KITTI- literal meaning is that you got a job but actually means that you fell into a trap
- CHAKARAE/VAVE/MUTHE/PONNE- terms to address a person you love or small children.
- PAZHAM( BANANA), MAZHA(RAIN),PUZHA (RIVER) — The ‘zha’ in these words are the stressed version of ‘ela’ which most non Malayalis find difficult to pronounce. So here is a challenge for you.
- PO MONE DINESHA- The list would not be complete without Mohanlal’s epic dialogue. This means ‘ get lost dinesha’ which Kerala famously used to Shoo away our prime minister when he compared Kerala to Somalia. HAPPY LEARNING!
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Krimi kadi
Pha chette
Oh pinne
Freaken
Ugran
Midukki — Smart girl
Kochu kalli- You little mischief
Azhak
Ashreekaram
Koppu
An expression that is usually used to show anger and frustration.
Pulivalu
