Significado
Something very few
Contexto cultural
In Kerala, social status is often linked to the size of one's 'crowd' (weddings, funerals). Using this idiom can sometimes imply a lack of social reach or a very exclusive, elite status. Authors like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer used such idioms to bring a 'common man's' feel to their writing, contrasting with the heavy Sanskritized Malayalam of the past. The 'poruthu' (finger segments) counting method is still used by older generations in Kerala for astrological calculations or simple math, making the finger a symbol of 'truth' and 'calculation.' On Malayalam YouTube or Instagram, influencers use this to describe their 'small but loyal' fan base, giving the idiom a positive, modern spin.
The 'Mathram' Rule
This idiom almost always sounds better when followed by 'mathram' (only) or 'mathrame ullu' (only there is).
Don't over-count
If the number is more than 10-15, this idiom starts to sound sarcastic or incorrect. Use it for truly small numbers.
Significado
Something very few
The 'Mathram' Rule
This idiom almost always sounds better when followed by 'mathram' (only) or 'mathrame ullu' (only there is).
Don't over-count
If the number is more than 10-15, this idiom starts to sound sarcastic or incorrect. Use it for truly small numbers.
Newspaper Style
If you are writing an essay in Malayalam, use 'വിരലിലെണ്ണാവുന്ന' to sound more professional and literary.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
ആ യോഗത്തിൽ ________ ആളുകൾ മാത്രമേ പങ്കെടുത്തുള്ളൂ.
The adjectival form 'viralilennavunna' is used to describe the noun 'aalukal' (people).
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean 'very few'?
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence 'b' correctly pairs the idiom with 'mathrame ullu' (only have) to show scarcity.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: Only 3 days left for your trip.
'Divasangal' means days, which fits the travel context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: കടയിൽ തിരക്കുണ്ടോ? B: ഇല്ല, അവിടെ ________ പേരേ ഉള്ളൂ.
Since B says 'No' (illa) to the question about a crowd, 'viralilennavunna' (few) is the logical answer.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosആ യോഗത്തിൽ ________ ആളുകൾ മാത്രമേ പങ്കെടുത്തുള്ളൂ.
The adjectival form 'viralilennavunna' is used to describe the noun 'aalukal' (people).
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence 'b' correctly pairs the idiom with 'mathrame ullu' (only have) to show scarcity.
Situation: Only 3 days left for your trip.
'Divasangal' means days, which fits the travel context.
A: കടയിൽ തിരക്കുണ്ടോ? B: ഇല്ല, അവിടെ ________ പേരേ ഉള്ളൂ.
Since B says 'No' (illa) to the question about a crowd, 'viralilennavunna' (few) is the logical answer.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's figurative. It just means 'very few.' It could be 2, 5, or 12, as long as it feels like a small number.
Yes, but usually to describe a very small amount of coins or notes. 'Viralilennavunna roopa' (A few rupees).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or in a news report.
'Kurach' is just 'few.' 'Viralilennavunna' is 'so few you can count them on your fingers.' It's more dramatic.
Yes, very common for days (divasangal) or minutes (minittukal) left for an event.
Yes, Tamil (Viralvittu ennavudiya) and Telugu have very similar idioms.
It's a heavy 'n'. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and let the sound come through your nose.
Yes. 'Viralilennavunna nallavar' (Few good people) or 'Viralilennavunna kuttangal' (Few crimes).
Not really a slang word, but saying 'Viralilennam' (Can count on fingers) in a sarcastic tone is common.
'-il' is the locative case, meaning 'in' or 'on'. So it's 'Countable ON fingers'.
Frases relacionadas
കുറച്ച് (Kurach)
synonymA little / A few
അപൂർവ്വം (Apoorvam)
similarRare
എണ്ണമറ്റ (Ennamatta)
contrastCountless / Innumerable
കൈനിറയെ (Kainiraye)
contrastA handful (plenty)
