Signification
Showing gratitude
Contexte culturel
In Kerala, direct eye contact while saying 'Nandiyundu' to an elder is sometimes avoided as a sign of humility. A slight downward gaze is common. Among Malayalis living abroad, 'Nandiyundu' is often used as a way to reclaim cultural identity, even when English would suffice. In temples or churches, 'Nandi' is often replaced by 'Sthuthi' (Praise) or 'Eshwarinu Nandi' (Thanks to God). In Kerala's business world, 'Nandiyundu' is often followed by a slight bow of the head, especially when dealing with long-term partners.
The 'Santhosham' Alternative
If 'Nandiyundu' feels too stiff, just say 'Santhosham' (Happiness) with a smile. It's a very 'Malayali' way to show gratitude.
Don't Over-thank
In Kerala, thanking someone multiple times for a small thing can make you seem like an outsider. Once is enough!
Signification
Showing gratitude
The 'Santhosham' Alternative
If 'Nandiyundu' feels too stiff, just say 'Santhosham' (Happiness) with a smile. It's a very 'Malayali' way to show gratitude.
Don't Over-thank
In Kerala, thanking someone multiple times for a small thing can make you seem like an outsider. Once is enough!
Body Language
A small nod of the head (the famous Indian head bobble) while saying 'Nandiyundu' adds a lot of sincerity.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'Thank you for the help'.
സഹായത്തിന് ________.
'Sahayathinu' (for help) is naturally followed by 'Nandiyundu'.
Which is the most formal way to say thank you?
Choose the most formal option:
'Nandiyundu' is more formal and complete than 'Nandi' or the English loanword 'Thanks'.
Complete the dialogue between a shopkeeper and a customer.
Shopkeeper: 'ഇതാ ബാക്കി പണം.' (Here is the change.) Customer: '________.'
'Sheri, nandiyundu' (Okay, thank you) is the polite way to conclude a transaction.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are leaving a job interview.
Expressing gratitude is the appropriate way to leave an interview.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesസഹായത്തിന് ________.
'Sahayathinu' (for help) is naturally followed by 'Nandiyundu'.
Choose the most formal option:
'Nandiyundu' is more formal and complete than 'Nandi' or the English loanword 'Thanks'.
Shopkeeper: 'ഇതാ ബാക്കി പണം.' (Here is the change.) Customer: '________.'
'Sheri, nandiyundu' (Okay, thank you) is the polite way to conclude a transaction.
Situation: You are leaving a job interview.
Expressing gratitude is the appropriate way to leave an interview.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say 'Venda, nandiyundu' (Don't want, thank you).
Yes, 'Nandi' is perfectly fine for quick, casual interactions.
Use 'Valare nandiyundu' (വളരെ നന്ദിയുണ്ട്).
In cities, 'Thank you' is common, but 'Nandiyundu' is always appreciated and sounds more respectful.
Usually a smile, a nod, or 'Santhosham'. In formal settings, 'Swagatham' (Welcome).
It might sound a bit formal. Usually, children don't say 'Nandi' to parents in Kerala; they show it through actions.
It is written as one word in Malayalam script.
It means 'is' or 'exists'. So you are saying 'Thanks exists'.
Yes, it is very common as a closing in polite emails.
Younger people often use 'Thanks' or 'Machane thanks' (Thanks buddy).
Expressions liées
നന്ദി
similarThanks
കടപ്പാട്
specialized formIndebtedness
സന്തോഷം
similarHappiness
സ്തുതി
specialized formPraise
സ്വാഗതം
contrastWelcome