Spoken Malayalam phrases

How to Say "I Have a Fever" in Malayalam

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

എനിക്ക് പനിയാണ്
Enikku paniyaanu — I have a fever

In short: To say "I have a fever", say എനിക്ക് പനിയാണ് (enikku paniyaanu). "I'm not well" is എനിക്ക് സുഖമില്ല (enikku sukhamilla). പനി (pani) = fever.

Variations & related phrases

MalayalamRomanisedEnglish
എനിക്ക് പനിയാണ്Enikku paniyaanuI have a fever
എനിക്ക് സുഖമില്ലEnikku sukhamillaI'm not well
ജലദോഷം ഉണ്ട്Jaladosham unduI have a cold
ചുമയുണ്ട്ChumayunduI have a cough

When & how to use it

At the doctor, enikku ___ undu ("I have ___") covers symptoms: pani (fever), jaladosham (cold), chuma (cough).

Example sentences

MalayalamRomanisedEnglish
എനിക്ക് ഇന്നലെ മുതൽ പനിയാണ്.Enikku innale muthal paniyaanu.I've had a fever since yesterday.
എനിക്ക് സുഖമില്ല, വിശ്രമിക്കണം.Enikku sukhamilla, vishramikkanam.I'm not well, I need to rest.

Want to hear this used in a real conversation? Listen to Episode 18 - Emergencies & Asking for Help 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 I have a fever in Malayalam?

Say എനിക്ക് പനിയാണ് (enikku paniyaanu).

How do you say I'm not well in Malayalam?

Say എനിക്ക് സുഖമില്ല (enikku sukhamilla).

What is the Malayalam word for fever?

"Fever" is പനി (pani).

How do you say I have a cold?

Say ജലദോഷം ഉണ്ട് (jaladosham undu).