Significado
Asking about an object
Contexto cultural
Malayalis are naturally curious and helpful. Asking 'What is this?' often leads to a long, friendly explanation about the history or use of the object. Avoid pointing with your index finger in very formal settings; use an open hand instead while asking the question. In a traditional feast (Sadhya), it is common for guests to ask about the various curries. It is considered a compliment to the host's variety. On Kerala social media, 'Enthāṇithu' is often used as a comment on weird or funny videos, similar to 'What on earth is this?'.
The 'Is' is Optional in Slang
In very casual talk, you can just say 'Enthā ithu?'. It's faster and very common among friends.
Don't Objectify People
Never use 'Enthāṇu ithu' for a person. It's like calling them an object and is considered very rude.
Significado
Asking about an object
The 'Is' is Optional in Slang
In very casual talk, you can just say 'Enthā ithu?'. It's faster and very common among friends.
Don't Objectify People
Never use 'Enthāṇu ithu' for a person. It's like calling them an object and is considered very rude.
Use it for Learning
This is the best phrase for immersion. Point at everything and ask native speakers 'Enthāṇu ithu?' to build your vocabulary rapidly.
Smile while asking
A friendly smile makes this basic question sound like genuine interest rather than a demand.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct Malayalam translation for 'What is this?'
What is this?
'Enthāṇu' means 'What is', making it the correct choice.
Complete the question to ask about an object in your hand.
എന്താണ് ____?
'Ithu' means 'this' (near you).
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: (Points to a fruit) ________? B: ഇത് മാങ്ങയാണ്.
Since the person is pointing to something close, 'Enthāṇu ithu?' is appropriate.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You see a strange animal in a cage nearby.
You are asking about the identity of the animal (object/thing).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
This vs That
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosWhat is this?
'Enthāṇu' means 'What is', making it the correct choice.
എന്താണ് ____?
'Ithu' means 'this' (near you).
A: (Points to a fruit) ________? B: ഇത് മാങ്ങയാണ്.
Since the person is pointing to something close, 'Enthāṇu ithu?' is appropriate.
You see a strange animal in a cage nearby.
You are asking about the identity of the animal (object/thing).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with a boss or a child. The contracted 'Enthāṇithu' is more informal.
Yes, you can point to a pile of things and ask 'Enthāṇu ithu?'. Grammatically, 'Iva enthāṇu?' is the plural, but 'ithu' is used 90% of the time.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Ithu enthāṇu' puts slightly more emphasis on the object 'This'.
Simply replace 'ithu' with 'athu'. So, 'എന്താണ് അത്?' (Enthāṇu athu?).
Because of 'Sandhi' rules, the words merge into 'Enthāṇithu' in spoken Malayalam.
Yes! If you smell something strange, you can ask 'എന്താണ് ഇത്?' while sniffing.
No, it shows you are interested in their home. Just use a polite tone.
If you see a shape in the dark, it's safer to ask 'ആരാണ് അത്?' (Who is that?) to be polite.
Start with 'ഇത്...' followed by the name of the object and 'ആണ്'. E.g., 'ഇത് പേനയാണ്' (This is a pen).
Yes, 'Enthu' is the primary word for 'What' in Malayalam.
Yes, if you are attaching a file and asking 'What is this?', it is perfectly fine.
Yes, 'ഇതെന്താ?' (Ithenthā?) is the shortest common version.
'എന്തായിരുന്നു ഇത്?' (Enthāyirunnu ithu?) - What was this?
No, for price use 'ഇതിന് എത്രയാണ്?' (How much for this?).
Frases relacionadas
എന്താണ് അത്?
similarWhat is that?
ആരാണ് ഇത്?
specialized formWho is this?
എന്താ വിശേഷം?
builds onWhat's the news/What's up?
ഇതെന്താ ഇങ്ങനെ?
specialized formWhy is this like this?
എന്തിനാണ് ഇത്?
specialized formWhat is this for?
