Signification
Asking someone to stay for a short time.
Contexte culturel
Patience is a highly regarded virtue in Kerala. Using this phrase shows you are part of the social fabric that values calm interaction. In IT hubs like Kochi or Trivandrum, this phrase is used to bridge the gap between traditional Malayalam politeness and modern corporate speed. During a traditional feast (Sadhya), if a dish is being brought from the kitchen, the host will use this phrase to keep guests seated. On Malayalam YouTube or Instagram, creators use this phrase in captions to build anticipation for a reveal.
Smile while saying it
In Kerala, a smile makes this phrase 100% more effective and polite.
Don't drop the 'oo'
Saying 'Kaathirikku' (short u) sounds like a command to an inferior. Keep it 'oo' for respect.
Signification
Asking someone to stay for a short time.
Smile while saying it
In Kerala, a smile makes this phrase 100% more effective and polite.
Don't drop the 'oo'
Saying 'Kaathirikku' (short u) sounds like a command to an inferior. Keep it 'oo' for respect.
Add 'Oru minit'
Saying 'Oru minit, അല്പം കാത്തിരിക്കൂ' makes you sound very natural and fluent.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to politely ask someone to wait.
അല്പം _________.
'Kaathirikkoo' is the verb for 'wait'.
Which of these is the most polite for a formal setting?
Asking a manager to wait:
It is the standard formal/neutral polite form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ചായ കിട്ടുമോ? B: ഉവ്വ്, _________.
The shopkeeper is asking the customer to wait for the tea.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on a phone call and need to find a pen.
You need the caller to wait while you search.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesഅല്പം _________.
'Kaathirikkoo' is the verb for 'wait'.
Asking a manager to wait:
It is the standard formal/neutral polite form.
A: ചായ കിട്ടുമോ? B: ഉവ്വ്, _________.
The shopkeeper is asking the customer to wait for the tea.
You are on a phone call and need to find a pen.
You need the caller to wait while you search.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, both mean 'a little', but 'Alpam' is slightly more formal and common in this specific phrase.
Yes, it is perfectly polite for a professional setting. Adding 'Dayavaayi' makes it even better.
Then you should say 'കുറച്ച് സമയം എടുക്കും' (It will take some time) instead of 'Alpam'.
Yes, 'Ippo varam' (Coming now) is the most common casual way to imply 'wait for me'.
Expressions liées
ഒന്ന് നിൽക്കൂ
similarJust wait/stop
ക്ഷമിക്കൂ
builds onPlease forgive/be patient
ഇപ്പോൾ വരാം
similarWill come now
അല്പനേരം
specialized formA short time
