In short: To say "it's late", say സമയം വൈകി (samayam vaiki). "I'm getting late" is എനിക്ക് വൈകുന്നു (enikku vaikunnu). സമയം (samayam) = time; വൈകുക (vaikuka) = to be late.
Variations & related phrases
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| സമയം വൈകി | Samayam vaiki | It's late |
| എനിക്ക് വൈകുന്നു | Enikku vaikunnu | I'm getting late |
| നേരം ഒരുപാടായി | Neram orupaadaayi | It's gotten quite late |
| വേഗം പോകണം | Vegam pokanam | I need to go quickly |
When & how to use it
A polite way to wrap up a visit: samayam vaiki, njaan irangatte ("it's late, let me head off"). Neram also means "time".
Example sentences
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| സമയം വൈകി, ഞാൻ ഇറങ്ങട്ടെ. | Samayam vaiki, njaan irangatte. | It's late, let me head off. |
| എനിക്ക് വൈകുന്നു, പിന്നെ കാണാം. | Enikku vaikunnu, pinne kaanaam. | I'm getting late, see you later. |
Want to hear this used in a real conversation? Listen to Episode 10 - Time, Days & Dates in the free Listen & Learn library — every line has a Malayalam, romanised and English transcript.
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Book a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say it's late in Malayalam?
Say സമയം വൈകി (samayam vaiki).
How do you say I'm getting late in Malayalam?
Say എനിക്ക് വൈകുന്നു (enikku vaikunnu).
What is the Malayalam word for time?
"Time" is സമയം (samayam).
How do you politely say you need to leave?
Say സമയം വൈകി, ഞാൻ ഇറങ്ങട്ടെ (samayam vaiki, njaan irangatte).