Signification
Command to cease action or movement.
Contexte culturel
Direct commands are rare in social circles. People prefer 'Nirtham' (Let's stop) to include themselves in the action, making it less bossy. Never say 'Nirthū' when someone is serving you 'Sadhya' (traditional feast). It is considered very rude. Always use 'Mathi'. In private buses, there is a bell system. If the bell doesn't work, passengers shout 'Nirthū' or 'Ivide' (Here). Malayali parents often use 'Nirthu' repetitively for emphasis: 'Nirthu, nirthu!' to get a child's attention quickly.
The 'Onnu' Trick
Always add 'ഒന്ന്' (onnu) before 'നിർത്തൂ' to sound 50% more polite instantly.
Avoid for Food
Using 'Nirthū' at a dinner table will make people look at you strangely. Stick to 'Mathi'.
Signification
Command to cease action or movement.
The 'Onnu' Trick
Always add 'ഒന്ന്' (onnu) before 'നിർത്തൂ' to sound 50% more polite instantly.
Avoid for Food
Using 'Nirthū' at a dinner table will make people look at you strangely. Stick to 'Mathi'.
Bus Etiquette
When the bus is crowded, shout 'നിർത്തണേ!' (Nirthane!) - the '-e' ending carries better over noise.
Body Language
A palm facing outward while saying 'Nirthū' is the universal sign for 'Stop' in Kerala.
Teste-toi
You are in an auto-rickshaw and want to stop. What do you say?
ചേട്ടാ, ഇവിടെ _______.
'Nirthū' is the correct command for a driver to stop a vehicle.
Fill in the blank to tell someone to stop talking politely.
ദയവായി സംസാരം ഒന്ന് _______.
'Samsaram nirthū' means 'stop talking'. Adding 'onnu' makes it polite.
Match the Malayalam phrase with its English context.
1. ഭക്ഷണം മതി, 2. വണ്ടി നിർത്തൂ, 3. കളി നിർത്തൂ
This tests the distinction between 'Mathi' (food) and 'Nirthū' (action).
Which phrase is best for an elder?
You want your grandfather to stop walking in the sun.
The interrogative form is the most respectful for elders.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use Nirthū vs Mathi
Use Nirthū
- • Moving Cars
- • Talking
- • Running
- • Music
Use Mathi
- • Rice/Food
- • Water/Drinks
- • Money
- • Time
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesചേട്ടാ, ഇവിടെ _______.
'Nirthū' is the correct command for a driver to stop a vehicle.
ദയവായി സംസാരം ഒന്ന് _______.
'Samsaram nirthū' means 'stop talking'. Adding 'onnu' makes it polite.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
This tests the distinction between 'Mathi' (food) and 'Nirthū' (action).
You want your grandfather to stop walking in the sun.
The interrogative form is the most respectful for elders.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on the tone. To peers, it's neutral. To elders, it's rude. Use 'Nirthamo' for elders.
Yes, 'Stop' buttons in Malayalam software are often labeled 'നിർത്തുക'.
'Nirthu' is a very short, informal command. 'Nirthū' is slightly more formal and standard.
You say 'നിർത്തരുത്' (Nirtharuthu).
Yes, 'പാട്ട് നിർത്തൂ' is perfectly correct.
Yes, 'Scene nirthu' is used by youth to mean 'stop the drama'.
You can say 'ഒന്ന് നിൽക്കൂ' (Wait a bit) or 'നിർത്തൂ' if they are walking into danger.
Yes, in the context of a job or a habit, it can mean 'to quit'.
The opposite is 'തുടങ്ങൂ' (Thudangū - Start) or 'തുടരൂ' (Thudarū - Continue).
Yes, if someone is showing you too many items, you can say 'അത് അവിടെ നിർത്തൂ'.
Expressions liées
മതി
similarEnough
നിൽക്കൂ
builds onWait / Stand
അവസാനിപ്പിക്കൂ
specialized formFinish it
വിടൂ
contrastLeave it / Let go
