Signification
Asking for the purpose.
Contexte culturel
Direct questioning is common and usually not considered rude. Asking 'Enthinanu' about someone's plans is a sign of closeness. The phrase is often used in dramatic confrontations to demand a justification for betrayal or secret actions. In the 'troll' culture of Kerala, 'Enthina?' is used as a sarcastic comment on unnecessary or cringe-worthy content. In spiritual discourses, 'Enthinanu jeevitham?' (What is life for?) is a common starting point for discussing Dharma.
The 'What For' Rule
If you can't replace 'Why' with 'What for' in English, 'Enthinanu' is probably the wrong choice.
Verb Form
Always remember to nominalize the verb (add -athŭ) when using it with 'Enthinanu'.
Signification
Asking for the purpose.
The 'What For' Rule
If you can't replace 'Why' with 'What for' in English, 'Enthinanu' is probably the wrong choice.
Verb Form
Always remember to nominalize the verb (add -athŭ) when using it with 'Enthinanu'.
Politeness
Use the full 'Enthinanu' with strangers to sound more polite and educated.
Shortening
Use 'Enthina' in texts and with friends to sound like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to ask why someone is crying (asking for the reason/purpose).
നീ ____ കരയുന്നത്?
'Enthinanu' is used to ask why someone is performing an action like crying.
Fill in the blank to ask 'What is this for?'
ഇത് ____?
'Enthinanu' asks for the purpose of the object 'Ithu'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see someone holding a strange key.
You are asking about the purpose of the key.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ഞാൻ നാളെ വരാം. B: ____?
B is asking for the purpose of A's visit.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Enthinanu vs Enthukondu
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesനീ ____ കരയുന്നത്?
'Enthinanu' is used to ask why someone is performing an action like crying.
ഇത് ____?
'Enthinanu' asks for the purpose of the object 'Ithu'.
Situation: You see someone holding a strange key.
You are asking about the purpose of the key.
A: ഞാൻ നാളെ വരാം. B: ____?
B is asking for the purpose of A's visit.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, 'Enthinu' is the shorter version of 'Enthinanu'. It is very common in spoken Malayalam.
No, but your tone matters. A sharp tone can make it sound like a demand for justification.
Usually with a verb ending in '-an' (to do) or a noun followed by 'vendi' (for).
'Enthinanu' is formal/complete; 'Enthina' is informal/spoken.
No, use 'Enthukondu' because weather doesn't have a purpose.
Yes, very frequently in romantic and sad songs to ask about the purpose of love or pain.
No, Malayalam interrogatives do not change based on gender.
It is the past tense: 'What was it for?'
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate in its formal form.
Yes, 'Enthinaadey' or 'Enthinaappa' depending on the region.
Usually written as 'enthina' or 'enthinanu'.
In Tamil, it is 'Etharku' (எதற்கு), which is also a dative construction.
Expressions liées
എന്തുകൊണ്ട്?
contrastWhy? (Cause/Reason)
എന്തിനു വേണ്ടി?
specialized formFor the sake of what?
എന്തിനാണെന്നോ?
builds onIs it because...?
എന്താണ്?
similarWhat is it?
