Signification
Inviting someone to eat a meal.
Contexte culturel
The 'Oonu' is traditionally served on a banana leaf. The placement of items on the leaf is specific, with rice in the center-bottom. In places like Dubai or the US, 'Oonu കഴിക്കാം' is a way for the community to reconnect with their roots, often involving weekend potlucks. Sharing 'Oonu' from lunch boxes (tiffin) is a common bonding ritual in Kerala offices. It's rude to start eating without asking others. During Onam or Vishu, the 'Oonu' becomes a 'Sadya'. The invitation remains the same but the scale of the meal increases significantly.
The 'Second' Invitation
In Kerala, people might say 'no' the first time out of politeness. Always ask a second time: 'Sathyamayum, oonu kazhikkam!' (Really, let's eat!)
Don't use 'Thinnam'
Even if you see it in a dictionary, 'Thinnuka' is considered rude for humans. Stick to 'Kazhikkuka'.
Signification
Inviting someone to eat a meal.
The 'Second' Invitation
In Kerala, people might say 'no' the first time out of politeness. Always ask a second time: 'Sathyamayum, oonu kazhikkam!' (Really, let's eat!)
Don't use 'Thinnam'
Even if you see it in a dictionary, 'Thinnuka' is considered rude for humans. Stick to 'Kazhikkuka'.
The 'Choru' variant
If you are in a very casual setting, 'Choru kazhichalo?' sounds more like a natural, local suggestion.
Timing is everything
Saying this at 8 PM might confuse people; they will expect a full rice meal instead of a light dinner.
Teste-toi
Complete the invitation to lunch.
വരൂ, നമുക്ക് ______ കഴിക്കാം.
'Oonu' is the correct word for a meal/lunch invitation.
Match the phrase to the correct time of day.
When would you say 'ഊണ് കഴിക്കാം'?
'Oonu' refers to lunch, typically eaten in the early afternoon.
Which verb ending makes it an invitation 'Let's eat'?
ഊണ് ______
The '-am' ending (kazhikkam) creates the 'let's' or hortative form.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Friend A: വിശക്കുന്നു. Friend B: ശരി, നമുക്ക് ______.
If someone is hungry (vishakkunnu), the logical response is to suggest eating.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Meal Times in Kerala
Morning
- • Prathal (Breakfast)
Noon
- • Oonu (Lunch)
Evening
- • Chaya (Tea/Snacks)
Night
- • Aaharam (Dinner)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesവരൂ, നമുക്ക് ______ കഴിക്കാം.
'Oonu' is the correct word for a meal/lunch invitation.
When would you say 'ഊണ് കഴിക്കാം'?
'Oonu' refers to lunch, typically eaten in the early afternoon.
ഊണ് ______
The '-am' ending (kazhikkam) creates the 'let's' or hortative form.
Friend A: വിശക്കുന്നു. Friend B: ശരി, നമുക്ക് ______.
If someone is hungry (vishakkunnu), the logical response is to suggest eating.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically yes, if you are eating a full rice meal. However, 'Aaharam kazhikkam' is more common for dinner.
Yes, it is neutral and polite. To be extra formal, use 'Saaar, bhakshanam kazhikkam'.
Choru is just the cooked rice. Oonu is the entire meal including curries and sides.
Say 'Njan kazhichu' (I ate).
The phrase remains the same: 'Ellavarum varu, oonu kazhikkam'.
No, this is specific to Malayalam and Tamil (as 'Un'). In Hindi, they say 'Khana'.
Culturally, yes. It's often implied that washing hands is the next step.
Yes, it's very common for parents to say this to children.
Usually 'Sari' (Okay) or 'Varaam' (I will come).
Yes, if you are suggesting to friends that you all go eat together.
Expressions liées
ഭക്ഷണം കഴിക്കാം
synonymLet's eat food
ചോറ് കഴിക്കാം
similarLet's eat rice
കൈ കഴുകാം
builds onLet's wash hands
വയറു നിറഞ്ഞു
contrastStomach is full
വിശക്കുന്നു
builds onI am hungry
