Signification
Describing spicy food.
Contexte culturel
Spiciness is a hallmark of Kerala cuisine. A meal without 'Erivu' is often considered incomplete or 'bland' (chappa). In Northern Kerala, black pepper is still highly valued for its 'Erivu', often used in 'Mutton Kuruma' or 'Biryani'. Famous for 'Meen Mulakittathu', a bright red fish curry where the 'Erivu' is the star of the dish. There is a trend of 'Spice Challenges' on social media involving the 'Kanthari' chili, pushing the limits of 'Erivu'.
The 'Nalla' Trick
In Malayalam, 'Nalla' usually means 'Good', but with 'Erivu', it means 'Very'. 'Nalla Erivu' = 'Very Spicy'.
Don't say 'Hot'
If you say 'Hot' in English, people might think you mean the temperature. Always use 'Erivu' for spice.
Signification
Describing spicy food.
The 'Nalla' Trick
In Malayalam, 'Nalla' usually means 'Good', but with 'Erivu', it means 'Very'. 'Nalla Erivu' = 'Very Spicy'.
Don't say 'Hot'
If you say 'Hot' in English, people might think you mean the temperature. Always use 'Erivu' for spice.
The Water Myth
If you say 'Erivundu' and someone offers water, try asking for 'Thayiru' (yogurt) instead. It's the local way to kill the heat!
Complimenting the Cook
Saying 'Nalla erivundu!' with a smile is often a compliment to a Kerala cook, as it means the food is authentic.
Teste-toi
How do you say 'Is it spicy?' in Malayalam?
Select the correct question form:
Adding '-o' to the end of 'undu' turns it into a question.
Complete the sentence to say 'This curry is very spicy.'
ഈ കറിക്ക് നല്ല ______.
'Nalla erivundu' is the common way to say 'very spicy'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are eating a chili and your mouth is burning.
You use 'Erivundu' to describe the burning sensation of a chili.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a customer.
Waiter: 'ഭക്ഷണം എങ്ങനെയുണ്ട്?' Customer: 'രുചിയുണ്ട്, പക്ഷെ ______.'
The customer is giving feedback that the food is tasty but spicy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Erivu vs. Choodu
Things with Erivu
Ingredients
- • Mulaku
- • Kanthari
- • Kurumulaku
Dishes
- • Meen Curry
- • Achar
- • Chammanti
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSelect the correct question form:
Adding '-o' to the end of 'undu' turns it into a question.
ഈ കറിക്ക് നല്ല ______.
'Nalla erivundu' is the common way to say 'very spicy'.
You are eating a chili and your mouth is burning.
You use 'Erivundu' to describe the burning sensation of a chili.
Waiter: 'ഭക്ഷണം എങ്ങനെയുണ്ട്?' Customer: 'രുചിയുണ്ട്, പക്ഷെ ______.'
The customer is giving feedback that the food is tasty but spicy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly yes, but it also covers the heat from black pepper and ginger.
Say 'എരിവ് വേണ്ട' (Erivu venda) or 'എരിവില്ലാത്ത ഭക്ഷണം' (Erivillatha bhakshanam).
Yes, it's a neutral descriptive term. It's not rude.
'Erivundu' means 'there is spice', while 'Erivaanu' means 'it is spice'. They are used interchangeably.
Only metaphorically to mean they are 'sharp' or 'fiery', but it's rare.
There isn't a single word for 'bland', but you can say 'എരിവില്ല' (no spice) or 'മധുരം' (sweet).
It's partly due to the climate and the historical availability of spices like pepper and later chilies.
It's a noun. 'Erivulla' is the adjective form.
Say 'എരിവ് കൂടുതലാണ്' (Erivu kooduthalaanu).
Yes, the pungency of mustard is also called 'Erivu' in Malayalam.
Expressions liées
എരിവ് കുറയ്ക്കുക
builds onTo reduce the spice
നല്ല എരിവ്
similarVery spicy
എരിവില്ല
contrastNot spicy
കാന്താരി എരിവ്
specialized formIntense spice (like bird's eye chili)
എരിവും പുളിയും
similarSpicy and sour
