Signification
Asking to perform a task without hurry.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Nidhanam' (patience) is highly valued. Rushing is often seen as a lack of sophistication or 'Thidukkam' (unnecessary hurry). Slow, meaningful dialogues are a hallmark of classic Malayalam cinema (like the works of Adoor Gopalakrishnan). 'Pathukke' is the aesthetic pace of high art in Kerala. In Kathakali, 'Pathukke' is not just a speed; it's a discipline. The slow tempo (Pathikaalam) is considered the most difficult to master. Even in the fast-paced tech world, 'Pathukke' is used as a reminder for 'Mindfulness' and avoiding burnout.
Politeness is Key
Always use the '-oo' ending (ചെയ്യൂ) unless you are talking to a very close younger sibling.
Don't use for Volume
If you want someone to speak quieter, 'Melle' is better than 'Pathukke'.
Signification
Asking to perform a task without hurry.
Politeness is Key
Always use the '-oo' ending (ചെയ്യൂ) unless you are talking to a very close younger sibling.
Don't use for Volume
If you want someone to speak quieter, 'Melle' is better than 'Pathukke'.
Double it up
Saying 'Pathukke pathukke' makes you sound very native when describing a slow improvement.
The 'Chetta' Rule
When telling a driver to slow down, start with 'Chetta' (Brother) to keep it friendly.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'slowly'.
ഭക്ഷണം _______ കഴിക്കൂ. (Bhakshanam _______ kazhikkoo.)
Pathukke means slowly, which fits the context of eating carefully.
Which of these is the most polite way to tell a driver to slow down?
Select the best option:
The '-oo' ending makes it polite and neutral for a driver.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: You are teaching a child to write.
Ezhuthoo means 'write', which is appropriate for teaching writing.
Complete the dialogue.
A: എനിക്ക് ഈ പാഠം മനസ്സിലാകുന്നില്ല. (I don't understand this lesson.) B: സാരമില്ല, നമുക്ക് _______ പഠിക്കാം. (No problem, we can learn _______.)
Learning 'slowly' is the natural response to someone not understanding.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Pathukke vs. Melle
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesഭക്ഷണം _______ കഴിക്കൂ. (Bhakshanam _______ kazhikkoo.)
Pathukke means slowly, which fits the context of eating carefully.
Select the best option:
The '-oo' ending makes it polite and neutral for a driver.
Situation: You are teaching a child to write.
Ezhuthoo means 'write', which is appropriate for teaching writing.
A: എനിക്ക് ഈ പാഠം മനസ്സിലാകുന്നില്ല. (I don't understand this lesson.) B: സാരമില്ല, നമുക്ക് _______ പഠിക്കാം. (No problem, we can learn _______.)
Learning 'slowly' is the natural response to someone not understanding.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt is neutral. It's used in everyday conversation. For very formal settings, use 'Saavadhanam'.
Yes, but 'Melle' is more common for volume. 'Pathukke' usually refers to speed.
The opposite is 'Vegathil' (വേഗത്തിൽ) or 'Vegam' (വേഗം), meaning quickly.
Say 'Kurachu pathukke pokoo' (Please go a bit slowly).
No, that is too informal. Use 'Pathukke cheyyoo' or 'Saavadhanam cheyyoo'.
No, it is a native Dravidian word, unlike 'Saavadhanam'.
Yes, 'Pathukke vevikkoo' means 'cook it slowly/on low flame'.
It means 'gradually' or 'little by little'.
In Northern Kerala (Malabar), you might hear 'Melle' used more frequently for speed than in the South.
Yes, 'Melle' or 'Pathukke' can be used to describe a gentle, slow romantic moment.
Not if you use the polite '-oo' ending. It usually sounds like helpful advice.
It is written as പതുക്കെ ചെയ്യൂ.
Yes, 'Computer pathukke aanu jolichiyyunnathu' (The computer is working slowly).
Putting the verb before the adverb, like 'Cheyyoo pathukke'.
Expressions liées
മെല്ലെ പറയൂ
similarSpeak softly/slowly
സാവധാനം
synonymSlowly/Calmly
തിടുക്കം വേണ്ട
contrastNo need to hurry
വേഗത്തിൽ ചെയ്യൂ
contrastDo it quickly
പതുക്കെ പതുക്കെ
builds onGradually
