Meaning
Suggesting an outing.
Cultural Background
Going out in the evening is a social ritual. It usually involves a walk to a local junction or beach. Younger people often use 'Onnu irangiyalo' (Shall we step out) as a cooler version of 'Purathu pokam'. 'Purathu pokam' is often a code for eating at a 'Thattukada' (street food stall). In families, 'Purathu pokam' often implies a visit to a relative's house or a temple festival.
Add 'Namukku'
Adding 'Namukku' (to us) at the start makes the sentence feel more complete and polite.
Avoid 'Po'
Never say just 'Purathu po' unless you are actually angry and want someone to leave.
Meaning
Suggesting an outing.
Add 'Namukku'
Adding 'Namukku' (to us) at the start makes the sentence feel more complete and polite.
Avoid 'Po'
Never say just 'Purathu po' unless you are actually angry and want someone to leave.
Use 'Poyalo'
For a more suggestive 'Shall we?', use 'Purathu poyalo?' instead of 'pokam'.
The 'Tea' Context
In Kerala, 'Purathu pokam' is almost always followed by getting tea or snacks.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to suggest going out.
നമുക്ക് ____ പോകാം.
'Purathu' means outside, which is needed for an outing.
Which of these is a polite suggestion to go out?
Select the correct phrase:
'Pokam' is the suggestion form; 'Po' is a command and 'Poyi' is past tense.
Complete the dialogue.
Friend: 'എനിക്ക് ബോറടിക്കുന്നു.' You: '____'
Suggesting an outing is the most natural response to someone being bored.
Match the Malayalam to the English.
Match the following:
Matching the correct verb endings to their meanings.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesനമുക്ക് ____ പോകാം.
'Purathu' means outside, which is needed for an outing.
Select the correct phrase:
'Pokam' is the suggestion form; 'Po' is a command and 'Poyi' is past tense.
Friend: 'എനിക്ക് ബോറടിക്കുന്നു.' You: '____'
Suggesting an outing is the most natural response to someone being bored.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the correct verb endings to their meanings.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and colleagues you are comfortable with.
No, for going abroad, we say 'Videshathu pokam'. 'Purathu' usually means just outside the current building or local area.
'Pokam' means 'let's go' or 'can go'. 'Poka' is the root verb 'to go'.
You say 'Purathu pokanda'.
Yes, but adding 'Sir/Madam' or using the question form 'Purathu poyalo?' is more professional.
Related Phrases
കറങ്ങാൻ പോകാം
similarLet's go for a stroll/round.
സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പോകാം
specialized formLet's go for a movie.
യാത്ര പോകാം
builds onLet's go on a trip.
തിരിച്ചു പോകാം
contrastLet's go back.
അകത്തു പോകാം
contrastLet's go inside.
