Spoken Malayalam phrases

How to Say "Dog" and "Cat" in Malayalam

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

പട്ടി / പൂച്ച
Patti / Poocha — Dog / Cat

In short: In Malayalam, "dog" is പട്ടി (patti) and "cat" is പൂച്ച (poocha). A few more everyday animals: ആന (aana) elephant, പശു (pashu) cow, കിളി (kili) bird.

Variations & related phrases

MalayalamRomanisedEnglish
പട്ടിPattiDog
പൂച്ചPoochaCat
ആനAanaElephant
പശുPashuCow

When & how to use it

These are great first words for kids. Note naaya is the more formal word for dog, but patti is what everyone says.

Example sentences

MalayalamRomanisedEnglish
ദേ ഒരു പൂച്ച!De oru poocha!Look, a cat!
ആ പട്ടി കടിക്കുമോ?Aa patti kadikkumo?Does that dog bite?

Want to hear this used in a real conversation? Listen to Episode 16 - Family & Home Talk in the free Listen & Learn library — every line has a Malayalam, romanised and English transcript.

Practise speaking it for real

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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 dog in Malayalam?

Dog is പട്ടി (patti).

How do you say cat in Malayalam?

Cat is പൂച്ച (poocha).

How do you say elephant in Malayalam?

Elephant is ആന (aana).

What's a good way to teach kids animal words?

Point and name - "de oru poocha!" ("look, a cat!") - and repeat playfully.