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Spoken Malayalam phrases

How to Say "I'm Scared" in Malayalam

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

എനിക്ക് പേടിയാണ്
Enikku pediyaanu — I'm scared

In short: To say "I'm scared", say എനിക്ക് പേടിയാണ് (enikku pediyaanu). To reassure someone, പേടിക്കണ്ട (pedikkanda) ("don't be afraid"). പേടി (pedi) = fear.

Variations & related phrases

MalayalamRomanisedEnglish
എനിക്ക് പേടിയാണ്Enikku pediyaanuI'm scared
പേടിക്കണ്ടPedikkandaDon't be afraid
ഭയങ്കര പേടിBhayankara pediReally scared
ധൈര്യമായിരിക്ക്DhairyamaayirikkuBe brave / stay calm

When & how to use it

Pedikkanda ("don't worry / don't be scared") is a warm, very common reassurance. Pair it with njaan ivideyundu ("I'm here").

Example sentences

MalayalamRomanisedEnglish
ഇരുട്ടത്ത് എനിക്ക് പേടിയാണ്.Iruttathu enikku pediyaanu.I'm scared in the dark.
പേടിക്കണ്ട, ഞാൻ ഇവിടെയുണ്ട്.Pedikkanda, njaan ivideyundu.Don't be afraid, I'm here.

Want to hear this used in a real conversation? Listen to Episode 22 - Feelings & Compliments in the free Listen & Learn library — every line has a Malayalam, romanised and English transcript.

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Reshmi R Nair, Malayalam Linguist

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

Frequently asked questions

How do you say I'm scared in Malayalam?

Say എനിക്ക് പേടിയാണ് (enikku pediyaanu).

How do you say don't be afraid in Malayalam?

Say പേടിക്കണ്ട (pedikkanda).

What is the Malayalam word for fear?

"Fear" is പേടി (pedi).

How do you reassure someone in Malayalam?

Say പേടിക്കണ്ട, ഞാൻ ഇവിടെയുണ്ട് (pedikkanda, njaan ivideyundu).

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