Meaning
Creating sound
Cultural Background
In Kerala, silence is often equated with discipline. In schools, 'Pin-drop silence' is a common English phrase used alongside its Malayalam equivalent. During prayer times in mosques, temples, or churches, making noise nearby is strictly avoided as a sign of communal respect. Malayalees are known for being vocal about their rights. 'Making noise' (protesting) is a deeply ingrained part of the political culture. In arts like Kathakali, the 'shabdam' is provided by singers, while actors remain silent. The 'noise' of the drums is the heartbeat of the performance.
Use it for machines
If any electronic item is making a weird sound, this is the perfect phrase to use with a repairman.
Don't say 'Shabdam cheyyuka'
This is a common error for English speakers. Always use 'undakkuka' (make/create).
Meaning
Creating sound
Use it for machines
If any electronic item is making a weird sound, this is the perfect phrase to use with a repairman.
Don't say 'Shabdam cheyyuka'
This is a common error for English speakers. Always use 'undakkuka' (make/create).
The 'Aruthu' suffix
Memorize 'Shabdam undakkaruthu' as a single chunk. It's one of the most useful commands in Malayalam.
Politeness matters
In formal settings, add 'dayavayi' (please) before the phrase to sound more polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'undakkuka'.
കുട്ടികൾ ക്ലാസ്സിൽ ശബ്ദം ______.
The present continuous form 'undakkunnu' is used to describe what the children are currently doing.
Which sentence means 'Don't make noise'?
Choose the correct command:
'-aruthu' is the negative imperative suffix in Malayalam.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a library and someone is talking loudly.
This is the standard way to ask for silence in a library.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ഈ വണ്ടി എന്തിനാണ് ഇത്രയും ______ ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നത്? B: അത് പഴയതുകൊണ്ടാണ്.
The context of a vehicle being old and making something points to 'shabdam' (noise).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Noise vs. Sound
Practice Bank
4 exercisesകുട്ടികൾ ക്ലാസ്സിൽ ശബ്ദം ______.
The present continuous form 'undakkunnu' is used to describe what the children are currently doing.
Choose the correct command:
'-aruthu' is the negative imperative suffix in Malayalam.
Situation: You are at a library and someone is talking loudly.
This is the standard way to ask for silence in a library.
A: ഈ വണ്ടി എന്തിനാണ് ഇത്രയും ______ ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നത്? B: അത് പഴയതുകൊണ്ടാണ്.
The context of a vehicle being old and making something points to 'shabdam' (noise).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be any sound, including a low whisper or a bird chirping. However, without an adjective, it often implies a disturbing noise.
Not really. Use 'Paattu vekkuka' (put on a song) or 'Paattu paaduka' (sing a song). 'Shabdam undakkuka' sounds like the music is just noise.
'Shabdam' is more formal and standard. 'Occha' is very colloquial and common in spoken Malayalam.
You can say 'ശബ്ദം ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നത് നിർത്തൂ' (Shabdam undakkunnath nirthu).
Yes, you can say 'പക്ഷികൾ ശബ്ദം ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നു' (Birds are making sounds).
Yes, if they are being noisy or if you are telling them to be quiet, but 'samsarikkuka' is better for the act of speaking.
Yes, it's a very common verb meaning 'to make' (e.g., making food, making a mistake).
Use 'ചെറിയ ശബ്ദം' (cheriya shabdam).
It is neutral. To make it a polite request, use 'ശബ്ദം ഉണ്ടാക്കാതിരിക്കാമോ?' (Can you please not make noise?)
No, but it can mean 'to voice an opinion' in a metaphorical sense.
Related Phrases
ബഹളം വെക്കുക
similarTo make a commotion/ruckus
മിണ്ടാതിരിക്കുക
contrastTo keep quiet/silent
ശബ്ദം കേൾക്കുക
builds onTo hear a sound
ഉച്ചത്തിൽ സംസാരിക്കുക
specialized formTo speak loudly
