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
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| പട്ടി | Patti | Dog |
| പൂച്ച | Poocha | Cat |
| ആന | Aana | Elephant |
| പശു | Pashu | Cow |
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
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| 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
These pages train your ear. A live 1-to-1 lesson with Dr. Reshmi trains your mouth — real-time correction only a teacher can give.
Book a lesson →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.