In short: To say "listen", say കേൾക്കൂ (kelkkoo). To get attention ("hey, listen"), Malayalis say ദേ, കേട്ടോ (de, ketto) or just കേട്ടോ? (ketto?) ("you hear?"). കേൾക്കുക (kelkkuka) = to hear/listen.
Variations & related phrases
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| കേൾക്കൂ | Kelkkoo | Listen |
| ദേ, കേട്ടോ | De, ketto | Hey, listen |
| എന്നെ കേൾക്കൂ | Enne kelkkoo | Listen to me |
| കേട്ടോ? | Ketto? | You hear? |
When & how to use it
Ketto? ("you hear / okay?") is sprinkled through everyday speech to check the listener is following. De = "hey / look".
Example sentences
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| ദേ, കേട്ടോ, ഒരു കാര്യം പറയാനുണ്ട്. | De, ketto, oru kaaryam parayaanundu. | Hey listen, I have something to tell you. |
| എന്നെ ഒന്ന് കേൾക്കൂ. | Enne onnu kelkkoo. | Just listen to me. |
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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Book a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say listen in Malayalam?
Say കേൾക്കൂ (kelkkoo).
How do you say hey listen in Malayalam?
Say ദേ, കേട്ടോ (de, ketto).
How do you say listen to me in Malayalam?
Say എന്നെ കേൾക്കൂ (enne kelkkoo).
What does ketto mean?
"You hear? / okay?" - a common way to confirm the listener is following.