Here is a list of basic phrases you can use to get around.
| Phrase | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| namaskaram! | nah-mah-ska-rahm | hello! |
| pinne kaanam! | pin-nay kah-num | see you later! |
| suprabhaatham | soo-prah-bhaa-tham | good morning |
| shubha raathri | shu-bhah raa-three | good night |
| ente peru _____ aanu | en-tay pay-roo _____ aa-noo | my name is _____ |
| sughamano? | soo-gha-mah-no? | how are you? |
| enikku sukhamanu | en-ik-koo soo-kha-mah-noo | i’m fine |
| enikku sukhamalla | en-ik-koo soo-kha-mah-la | i’m not fine |
| valare nanni | vah-lah-ray nun-nee | thank you very much. |
| kshamikkanam | ksha-mik-ka-num | please forgive me. |
| ithu evideya? | i-thoo eh-vi-day-ah? | where is this? |
| ethrayayi? | eth-ra-yaa-yee? | how much? |
| enikku manassilaayilla | en-ik-koo ma-nas-si-laa-yil-la | i didn't understand |
| angane alla | anga-nay al-la | it’s not like that |
| athu thanne | ah-thoo thaan-nay | exactly! |