Spoken Malayalam phrases

How to Say "Big" and "Small" in Malayalam

Casual, everyday Malayalam — not textbook. By Dr. Reshmi R Nair, PhD.

വലുത് / ചെറുത്
Valuthu / Cheruthu — Big / Small

In short: In Malayalam, "big" is വലുത് (valuthu) and "small" is ചെറുത് (cheruthu). For shopping: വലിയ സൈസ് (valiya size) = big size, ചെറിയ സൈസ് (cheriya size) = small size.

Variations & related phrases

MalayalamRomanisedEnglish
വലുത്ValuthuBig
ചെറുത്CheruthuSmall
വലിയ സൈസ്Valiya sizeBig size
ചെറിയ സൈസ്Cheriya sizeSmall size

When & how to use it

Before a noun, use valiya (big) / cheriya (small): valiya veedu ("big house"), cheriya kutty ("little child").

Example sentences

MalayalamRomanisedEnglish
ഇതിന്റെ വലിയ സൈസ് ഉണ്ടോ?Ithinte valiya size undo?Do you have this in a bigger size?
ഒരു ചെറിയ കപ്പ് മതി.Oru cheriya cup mathi.A small cup is enough.

Want to hear this used in a real conversation? Listen to Episode 2 - At the Tea Shop in the free Listen & Learn library — every line has a Malayalam, romanised and English transcript.

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RRN
Dr. Reshmi R Nair, PhD

Teaches casual, everyday spoken Malayalam to beginners, NRIs, partners of Malayalis and travellers — never stiff textbook Malayalam.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say big in Malayalam?

Big is വലുത് (valuthu); before a noun, വലിയ (valiya).

How do you say small in Malayalam?

Small is ചെറുത് (cheruthu); before a noun, ചെറിയ (cheriya).

How do you ask for a bigger size in Malayalam?

Say വലിയ സൈസ് ഉണ്ടോ? (valiya size undo?).

How do you say small cup in Malayalam?

Say ചെറിയ കപ്പ് (cheriya cup).