Meaning
The right response to a question
Cultural Background
In Kerala, the 'correct answer' is often seen as the only path to success. This leads to a high emphasis on rote learning and competitive exams like the PSC (Public Service Commission). Quiz shows are a staple of Malayalam television. The phrase 'ശരിയായ ഉത്തരം' is used as a dramatic hook before revealing a winner. When correcting an elder, Malayalis often avoid saying 'You are wrong' directly. Instead, they might say 'The correct answer is actually...' to be more polite. With the rise of WhatsApp forwards, 'ശരിയായ ഉത്തരം' is now frequently used in the context of debunking fake news in Kerala.
Use the compound form
In written exams or formal writing, use 'ശരിയുത്തരം' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't say 'Shari Utharam'
Always remember the '-aya' suffix. 'Shari Utharam' sounds broken and unnatural.
Meaning
The right response to a question
Use the compound form
In written exams or formal writing, use 'ശരിയുത്തരം' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't say 'Shari Utharam'
Always remember the '-aya' suffix. 'Shari Utharam' sounds broken and unnatural.
Polite correction
If you need to correct someone older, start with 'എന്റെ അറിവിൽ...' (In my knowledge...) before giving the 'ശരിയായ ഉത്തരം'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the adjective.
ഇതാണ് _____ ഉത്തരം. (shari)
We need the adjectival form 'ശരിയായ' to modify the noun 'ഉത്തരം'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
When 'shari' is used as a predicate (at the end of a statement), it becomes 'shariyanu'.
Match the Malayalam phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matches the core vocabulary of the lesson.
Complete the dialogue.
Teacher: '2+2 എത്രയാണ്?' Student: '4 ആണ് ടീച്ചർ.' Teacher: 'മിടുക്കൻ! അത് ____ ____ ആണ്.'
The teacher is validating a correct mathematical fact.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesഇതാണ് _____ ഉത്തരം. (shari)
We need the adjectival form 'ശരിയായ' to modify the noun 'ഉത്തരം'.
Choose the correct sentence:
When 'shari' is used as a predicate (at the end of a statement), it becomes 'shariyanu'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches the core vocabulary of the lesson.
Teacher: '2+2 എത്രയാണ്?' Student: '4 ആണ് ടീച്ചർ.' Teacher: 'മിടുക്കൻ! അത് ____ ____ ആണ്.'
The teacher is validating a correct mathematical fact.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in a casual context, if someone asks 'Is it 4?', you can just say 'Shari' (Correct). But 'Shariyaya utharam' is the full phrase.
'Utharam' is specifically an answer to a question. 'Marupadi' is a general reply or response to a statement.
It is neutral. It is used in both formal exams and casual conversations.
The most common way is 'തെറ്റായ ഉത്തരം' (Thettaya utharam).
Yes, but 'ശരിയായ കാര്യം' (the right thing) is more common for moral actions.
It is an adjectival suffix that turns the noun 'Shari' (correctness) into the adjective 'Correct'.
Constantly! Especially in thrillers where a character has to solve a riddle.
Yes, many urban Malayalis say 'Correct answer' in English, but 'Shariyaya utharam' is preferred in formal/pure contexts.
Not exactly, but people might say 'Item correct aanu' (The item/thing is correct) in very casual slang.
Add '-angal' to the end: 'ശരിയായ ഉത്തരങ്ങൾ'.
Related Phrases
ശരിയുത്തരം
specialized formThe compound form of correct answer.
തെറ്റായ ഉത്തരം
contrastWrong answer.
കൃത്യമായ മറുപടി
similarPrecise reply.
നല്ല ഉത്തരം
similarGood answer.
യഥാർത്ഥ ഉത്തരം
builds onThe real answer.
