Meaning
Expressing a desire to have the same thing.
Cultural Background
Sharing food is a sign of affection. If you say 'Enikkum venam' to a friend eating, they will almost always offer you a bite immediately. Children use this phrase constantly to ensure they get exactly what their siblings get, reflecting a strong sense of sibling equality. On platforms like Instagram, 'Enikkum venam' is a standard comment on travel or food reels, showing appreciation and a bit of 'good envy'. In formal hospitality, the host will often anticipate your 'Enikkum venam' and serve you before you even ask.
The '-um' Rule
Whenever you want to say 'also' in Malayalam, look for the '-um' suffix. It's the magic ingredient!
Don't be too demanding
With elders, add a 'please' (dayavayi) or use a softer tone so 'Enikkum venam' doesn't sound like a tantrum.
Meaning
Expressing a desire to have the same thing.
The '-um' Rule
Whenever you want to say 'also' in Malayalam, look for the '-um' suffix. It's the magic ingredient!
Don't be too demanding
With elders, add a 'please' (dayavayi) or use a softer tone so 'Enikkum venam' doesn't sound like a tantrum.
The 'Me Too' distinction
Remember: Enikkum = I want too. Njanum = I am too. This is the #1 mistake for English speakers.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'I also want ice cream'.
എനിക്കും _______ വേണം.
The object you want (ice cream) should be placed before 'venam'.
Which of these is the correct way to say 'I want it too' in a casual setting?
Choose the correct phrase:
'Enikkum' includes the 'also' (-um) and 'venam' is 'want'.
Complete the dialogue.
Friend: 'ഞാൻ ഒരു പുതിയ ഫോൺ വാങ്ങാൻ പോകുന്നു.' You: 'അതാണോ? _______!'
Since the friend is buying something, 'Enikkum venam' expresses that you want one too.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see your friend eating a delicious chocolate.
You use 'Enikkum venam' when you want a share of what someone is eating.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesഎനിക്കും _______ വേണം.
The object you want (ice cream) should be placed before 'venam'.
Choose the correct phrase:
'Enikkum' includes the 'also' (-um) and 'venam' is 'want'.
Friend: 'ഞാൻ ഒരു പുതിയ ഫോൺ വാങ്ങാൻ പോകുന്നു.' You: 'അതാണോ? _______!'
Since the friend is buying something, 'Enikkum venam' expresses that you want one too.
Situation: You see your friend eating a delicious chocolate.
You use 'Enikkum venam' when you want a share of what someone is eating.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but 'Enikkum pokanam' is more natural than 'Enikkum venam pokan'.
Among friends, no. It's very friendly. With strangers or bosses, use 'Enikkum athu avashyamundu'.
The opposite is 'Enikkum venda' (I also don't want it).
Malayalam uses dative subjects for feelings and needs. You don't 'do' the wanting; the want 'happens' to you.
Related Phrases
എനിക്കും കൂടി
similarMe as well
എനിക്കും അറിയാം
builds onI also know
എനിക്കും വരാം
contrastI can also come
എനിക്കും അത് മതി
similarThat is enough for me too
എനിക്കും തരണേ
specialized formPlease give it to me too
