Signification
Describing the wind.
Contexte culturel
In the humid climate of Kerala, 'Kaattu' is seen as a blessing. People often design houses with 'Tharavadu' style courtyards to maximize wind flow. The wind is often used as a metaphor for longing or the arrival of a loved one. Many famous songs start with the word 'Kaatte' (O Wind). Fishermen in Kerala rely on the direction of the wind (Kaattu). They have specific names for winds from different directions, like 'Kachaan' (West wind). Farmers watch the wind to predict the monsoon. A change in wind direction 'hitting' the land signals the start of the planting season.
The 'Hit' Rule
Remember that in Malayalam, nature 'hits' you. Sun, rain, and wind all use 'adikkunnu'.
Don't say 'Blow'
Avoid translating 'blow' literally as 'uthuka'. It will sound like the wind has a mouth!
Signification
Describing the wind.
The 'Hit' Rule
Remember that in Malayalam, nature 'hits' you. Sun, rain, and wind all use 'adikkunnu'.
Don't say 'Blow'
Avoid translating 'blow' literally as 'uthuka'. It will sound like the wind has a mouth!
Use 'Undu' for state
If you just want to say 'It's windy' without emphasizing the action, say 'Kaattu-undu'.
Beach Talk
When at a beach in Kerala, saying 'Nalla kaattu!' is the best way to start a conversation with a local.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form for 'blowing'.
പുറത്ത് നല്ല കാറ്റ് ______.
In Malayalam, wind 'hits' (adikkunnu), rain 'falls' (peyyunnu), and people 'eat' (kazhikkunnu) or 'sleep' (urangunnu).
How do you say 'The wind is not blowing'?
Choose the correct negative form:
Adding '-illa' to the verb stem creates the negative present continuous.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Situation: You are at the beach and feel a nice breeze.
The beach is the most common place to comment on the wind blowing.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ഫാൻ ഇടണോ? B: വേണ്ട, ജനൽ തുറന്നാൽ ______.
Opening a window is a common way to get 'wind' (kaattu) in Kerala.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Wind Intensity
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesപുറത്ത് നല്ല കാറ്റ് ______.
In Malayalam, wind 'hits' (adikkunnu), rain 'falls' (peyyunnu), and people 'eat' (kazhikkunnu) or 'sleep' (urangunnu).
Choose the correct negative form:
Adding '-illa' to the verb stem creates the negative present continuous.
Situation: You are at the beach and feel a nice breeze.
The beach is the most common place to comment on the wind blowing.
A: ഫാൻ ഇടണോ? B: വേണ്ട, ജനൽ തുറന്നാൽ ______.
Opening a window is a common way to get 'wind' (kaattu) in Kerala.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes! It is the most common way to describe the air coming from a fan.
No, but it's very formal. Use 'adikkunnu' for daily life.
'Kaattu adichu' (The wind blew).
Add 'nallapolae' or 'shakthamayi' before 'adikkunnu'.
In some very specific rural dialects, 'kaattu' can euphemistically refer to a spirit, but 99% of the time it just means wind.
The written form is 'Kaattu', but the final vowel is a very short 'u' sound.
No, for smells use 'maṇam varunnu' (smell is coming).
Say 'Thanutha kaattu adikkunnu'.
Yes, it is universal across all Malayalam dialects.
Say 'Kaattu ninnu'.
Yes, 'mazha adikkunnu' means the rain is hitting/driving in (usually through a window).
Yes, it's a neutral, standard phrase.
Expressions liées
കാറ്റ് വീശുന്നു
similarThe wind blows (formal/poetic)
ഇളംകാറ്റ്
specialized formGentle breeze
ചുഴലിക്കാറ്റ്
specialized formCyclone/Whirlwind
കാറ്റാടി
builds onWindmill or a pinwheel toy
കാറ്റ് പിടിക്കുക
similarTo catch the wind
കാറ്റ് കൊള്ളുക
similarTo enjoy the breeze
