Signification
Asking for time to consider something.
Contexte culturel
In Kerala, 'Aalochikkatte' is often a 'polite no.' If someone says this and never brings the topic up again, they are likely not interested. In business meetings, 'Aalochikkatte' is a sign of respect. It implies the proposal is significant enough to require deep thought. Children often use 'Aalochikkatte' when parents suggest a marriage alliance, signaling they need time to process the life change. Among Malayalis living abroad (GCM/Europe), the phrase is still used to maintain a connection to traditional politeness even when speaking English-influenced Malayalam.
The 'Onnu' Trick
Add 'Onnu' (ഒന്ന്) before 'Aalochikkatte' to sound 10x more like a native speaker. It softens the phrase perfectly.
Don't Overuse
If you say it too many times in one conversation, you might seem indecisive or disinterested.
Signification
Asking for time to consider something.
The 'Onnu' Trick
Add 'Onnu' (ഒന്ന്) before 'Aalochikkatte' to sound 10x more like a native speaker. It softens the phrase perfectly.
Don't Overuse
If you say it too many times in one conversation, you might seem indecisive or disinterested.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head to the side while saying this makes the 'thinking' look more genuine.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'Let me think' politely.
ഞാൻ ഒന്ന് ______.
The '-atte' ending is required for the 'let me' meaning.
Which response is most appropriate for a pushy salesman?
Salesman: 'ഈ ഫോൺ നല്ലതാണ്, ഇപ്പോൾ തന്നെ എടുക്കാം!' (This phone is good, you can take it right now!)
It is the most polite way to pause a transaction.
Complete the dialogue with a promise to reply tomorrow.
Friend: 'നമുക്ക് നാളെ സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പോയാലോ?' Learner: 'ആലോചിക്കട്ടെ, ______.'
'Naale parayam' means 'I will tell you tomorrow,' which naturally follows 'Aalochikkatte.'
Which of these means 'Let me think about it'?
Pick the correct Malayalam phrase:
'Athinekkurichu' means 'about it'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesഞാൻ ഒന്ന് ______.
The '-atte' ending is required for the 'let me' meaning.
Salesman: 'ഈ ഫോൺ നല്ലതാണ്, ഇപ്പോൾ തന്നെ എടുക്കാം!' (This phone is good, you can take it right now!)
It is the most polite way to pause a transaction.
Friend: 'നമുക്ക് നാളെ സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പോയാലോ?' Learner: 'ആലോചിക്കട്ടെ, ______.'
'Naale parayam' means 'I will tell you tomorrow,' which naturally follows 'Aalochikkatte.'
Pick the correct Malayalam phrase:
'Athinekkurichu' means 'about it'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is actually the opposite. It is a polite way to avoid being rude by saying 'no' too quickly.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in a professional setting to show you are considering a proposal.
'Aalochikkatte' is about mental thinking; 'Nokkatte' is more about 'checking' (like checking a calendar).
Change it to 'നമുക്ക് ആലോചിക്കാം' (Namukku aalochikkam).
Yes, very common. Often abbreviated in Manglish as 'Aalochikkatte' or 'Nokkatte'.
No, it only means you will think about it. There is no guarantee of a 'yes'.
Yes, it's perfect for that!
Say 'ഒരു മിനിറ്റ്, ആലോചിക്കട്ടെ' (Oru minute, aalochikkatte).
Yes, it's a geminate (double) consonant. It sounds like the 'kk' in 'bookkeeper'.
Yes, it is a universal Malayalam expression, though the accent might change.
Yes, it is a safe and neutral phrase for strangers.
Probably 'ഇപ്പോൾ തന്നെ തീരുമാനിക്കാം' (Let's decide right now).
Expressions liées
നോക്കട്ടെ
similarLet me see
ആലോചിച്ചു പറയാം
builds onI'll think and tell you
ചിന്തിക്കട്ടെ
synonymLet me think
ശ്രമിക്കാം
similarI will try
സമ്മതം
contrastAgreement/Yes
