Learn Spoken Malayalam for Beginners: Your Complete Guide

Are you planning to visit Kerala, connect with Malayali friends, or simply interested in learning a new language? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll help you learn spoken Malayalam for beginners step-by-step — from basic greetings to forming sentences and building confidence in conversations.

Why Learn Spoken Malayalam?

• Connect with locals when visiting Kerala.
• Enhance personal and professional relationships with Malayali speakers.
• Explore Kerala’s rich culture through its language, music, and literature.
• Boost your brain power by learning a new language structure.

How to Learn Spoken Malayalam for Beginners

1. Start with Common Malayalam Phrases

English Phrase	Malayalam (Roman Script)
Hello	Namaskaram
How are you?	Sukhamaano?
I am fine	Njaan sukham aanu
Thank you	Nanni
Yes / No	Athe / Illa
What is your name?	Ningalude peru enthaanu?
My name is John	Ente peru John aanu

2. Learn the Malayalam Alphabet

Though it’s not mandatory to learn the script for speaking, familiarizing yourself with the Malayalam alphabet can improve your pronunciation and listening skills. Malayalam has 15 vowels and 36 consonants. You can check our Decode Malayalam alphabet guide for visual charts and audio support.

3. Master Pronunciation and Sounds

• Listen to native speakers.
• Use YouTube videos and audio lessons from Decode Malayalam.
• Repeat aloud and record yourself.

4. Understand Sentence Structure

Malayalam follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) structure. Verbs often come at the end in Malayalam. Learning sentence patterns will help you form your own sentences naturally.

5. Use Everyday Vocabulary

Family:

• Father – Achchan
• Mother – Amma
• Brother – Sahodaran
• Sister – Sahodari

Food:

• Rice – Choru
• Fish – Meen
• Water – Vellam
• Tea – Chaya

Directions:

• Left – Idathu
• Right – Valathu
• Straight – Munpil

Learn Malayalam with Decode Malayalam

At Decode Malayalam, we offer:

• Live interactive classes for absolute beginners
• One-on-one sessions for personalized learning
• Practice sessions with native speakers
• Downloadable materials and speaking challenges

Join Our Beginner Course Today

6. Practice Speaking with Native Speakers

Talk with Malayali friends, use language exchange apps like Tandem or HelloTalk, or join our speaking clubs. Speaking regularly builds fluency and confidence.

7. Watch Malayalam Movies and Listen to Songs

Watch Malayalam movies like Drishyam, Bangalore Days, or Ustad Hotel to absorb natural speaking patterns. Use subtitles at first, then gradually go without.

FAQs on Learning Spoken Malayalam

• How long to learn Malayalam? — Basic conversations in 3–6 months with daily practice.
• Do I need to learn the script? — No. You can speak Malayalam without learning the script.
• Is Malayalam hard? — It’s different but becomes easy with consistent learning and the right guidance.

Final Thoughts

Learning Malayalam opens doors to Kerala’s culture, deeper relationships, and new experiences. With Decode Malayalam, your journey will be easy, fun, and interactive. Follow our roadmap, stay consistent, and enjoy speaking Malayalam.