In short: The Malayalam word for "money" is പണം (panam); casually people also say പൈസ (paisa). Rupees are രൂപ (roopa), and "change" is ബാക്കി (baakki).
Variations & related phrases
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| പണം | Panam | Money |
| പൈസ | Paisa | Money / cash (casual) |
| രൂപ | Roopa | Rupees |
| ബാക്കി | Baakki | Change |
When & how to use it
You'll use paisa daily in shops. To pay: ithaa paisa ("here's the money"); to ask for change: baakki tharane.
Example sentences
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| എന്റെ കയ്യിൽ പൈസ ഇല്ല. | Ente kayyil paisa illa. | I don't have money on me. |
| ഇതാ പൈസ, ബാക്കി തരണേ. | Ithaa paisa, baakki tharane. | Here's the money, give me the change. |
Want to hear this used in a real conversation? Listen to Episode 2 - At the Tea Shop 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
What is the Malayalam word for money?
Money is പണം (panam); casually പൈസ (paisa).
How do you say rupees in Malayalam?
Rupees is രൂപ (roopa).
How do you ask for change in Malayalam?
Say ബാക്കി തരണേ (baakki tharane).
How do you say I have no money?
Say എന്റെ കയ്യിൽ പൈസ ഇല്ല (ente kayyil paisa illa).
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