Signification
Used to agree or acknowledge something.
Contexte culturel
The 'Malayalam Nod' is a side-to-side tilt of the head that often accompanies the word 'Shari'. It doesn't mean 'No'; it means 'I am following what you are saying'. In Kerala business culture, people rarely say a flat 'No'. They might say 'Shari' to acknowledge your proposal, but then follow up with 'Nokkatte' (Let me see), which is a polite way of saying 'maybe not'. Children are expected to say 'Shari' to elders as a sign of obedience. Saying 'Athe' (Yes) can sometimes sound too assertive, whereas 'Shari' sounds like 'I accept your wisdom'. On WhatsApp, 'Shari' is often abbreviated to 'Sari' or even just 'S' in very casual chats, though the '👍' emoji is now the most common digital form of 'Shari'.
The Double Shari
Saying 'Shari, shari' quickly while someone is talking shows you are an expert listener. It's the ultimate 'backchanneling' tool in Kerala.
Avoid the Flat Tone
A flat, robotic 'Shari' can sound like you are annoyed. Add a slight rising intonation to sound friendly.
Signification
Used to agree or acknowledge something.
The Double Shari
Saying 'Shari, shari' quickly while someone is talking shows you are an expert listener. It's the ultimate 'backchanneling' tool in Kerala.
Avoid the Flat Tone
A flat, robotic 'Shari' can sound like you are annoyed. Add a slight rising intonation to sound friendly.
The Phone Exit
Never just hang up. Always say 'Shari എന്നാൽ' (Shari enna) to signal the end of the call.
Shariyaanu vs Shari
Use 'Shariyaanu' when you want to sound more intelligent or certain about a fact.
Teste-toi
Choose the best response to: 'നമുക്ക് സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പോയാലോ?' (Shall we go for a movie?)
Response:
'Shari, pokam' (Okay, let's go) is the natural way to agree to a suggestion.
Complete the sentence to say 'That is correct'.
അത് ______.
'Shariyaanu' is the form used to state that something is a factually correct statement.
Complete the phone conversation.
Friend: 'ഞാൻ നാളെ വരാം.' You: '______ എന്നാൽ.'
'Shari enna' is the standard way to say 'Okay then' when concluding a plan.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are telling someone they did a job perfectly.
'Shariyaayi cheythu' means 'Did it correctly/properly'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Shari vs. Athe
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesResponse:
'Shari, pokam' (Okay, let's go) is the natural way to agree to a suggestion.
അത് ______.
'Shariyaanu' is the form used to state that something is a factually correct statement.
Friend: 'ഞാൻ നാളെ വരാം.' You: '______ എന്നാൽ.'
'Shari enna' is the standard way to say 'Okay then' when concluding a plan.
Situation: You are telling someone they did a job perfectly.
'Shariyaayi cheythu' means 'Did it correctly/properly'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo. Use 'Sukhamanu' (സുഖമാണ്) for that. 'Shari' only means 'okay' in terms of agreement or correctness.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or a stranger.
'Athe' is 'Yes' (factual). 'Shari' is 'Okay' (social agreement).
Say 'Athu shariyalla' (അത് ശരിയല്ല).
Repeating it ('Shari, shari') shows active listening and enthusiasm.
Yes, a correct answer is called a 'shariutharam' (ശരിയുത്തരം).
Youth often say 'Set' (സെറ്റ്) to mean 'Okay/Done'.
Say 'Ellam shariyakum' (എല്ലാം ശരിയാകും).
No, it remains the same regardless of who is speaking or being spoken to.
Yes, it's often used to transition to a new topic: 'Shari, namukku thudangam' (Okay, let's start).
Expressions liées
അതെ
similarYes
സമ്മതം
specialized formConsent/Agreement
കൊള്ളാം
similarGood/Nice
ശരിയാക്കാം
builds onI will fix it / I will make it right
അതെയതെ
similarYes, yes
