Asking for Directions

Where’s the bus stand? Is there an ATM nearby? Straight, left, right, how far — find your way anywhere.

▶ Slowed for learners · voiced by Meera · subscribe as a podcast.

Transcript

Vazhi chodikkaan pedikkanda, tto. Aarodengilum chodikkaam, ‘chetta, bus stand evideyaa?’ Allenkil, ‘ivide aduthu oru ATM undo?’ Avaru parayum, ‘nere pokoo, ennittu idathottu thiriyoo.’ Dooram ariyanel chodikkaam, ‘ividunnu ethra dooram undu? Nadannu pokaamo?’ Avaru parayum, ‘adhikam dooramalla, anju minute nadannaa mathi.’ Nandi parayaan marakkanda, ‘othiri nandi tto!’

Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. You can ask someone, ‘brother, where’s the bus stand?’ or ‘is there an ATM nearby?’ They’ll say, ‘go straight, then turn left.’ To know the distance, ask ‘how far is it from here? Can I walk?’ They’ll say, ‘not far, just a five-minute walk.’ Don’t forget to thank them — ‘thanks a lot!’

How to use this episode

Play it once just listening. Play it again and say each line aloud with the audio (shadowing). Then hide the transcript and see how much you catch. Ten minutes a day and casual Malayalam starts to feel natural.