▶ Hear it spoken by a native voice.
In short: In everyday spoken Malayalam, "thank you" is നന്ദി (nandi). For "thank you very much" say വളരെ നന്ദി (valare nandi). Among friends many Malayalis simply say "thanks" in English — but nandi sounds warmer and is always safe.
Variations & related phrases
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| നന്ദി | Nandi | Thank you |
| വളരെ നന്ദി | Valare nandi | Thank you very much |
| ഒത്തിരി നന്ദി | Othiri nandi | Thanks a lot (warm, casual) |
| നന്ദിയുണ്ട് ട്ടോ | Nandiyundu tto | I'm really grateful (friendly) |
When & how to use it
Use nandi any time you want to thank someone — a shopkeeper, a friend, a stranger who gave directions. When someone thanks you, the casual reply is സാരമില്ല (saaramilla) or ഒന്നുമില്ല (onnumilla) — "it's nothing / no problem."
Example sentences
| Malayalam | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| സഹായിച്ചതിന് നന്ദി. | Sahaayichathin nandi. | Thanks for helping. |
| ഒത്തിരി നന്ദി ട്ടോ! | Othiri nandi tto! | Thanks a lot, okay! |
Want to hear this used in a real conversation? Listen to Episode 9 - Asking for Directions 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 thank you in casual Malayalam?
In casual spoken Malayalam, "thank you" is നന്ദി (nandi). It works in almost every situation, from a tea shop to thanking a friend.
How do you say thank you very much in Malayalam?
Say വളരെ നന്ദി (valare nandi) or, more warmly, ഒത്തിരി നന്ദി (othiri nandi).
Is nandi formal or casual?
Nandi works in both. It is polite without sounding stiff, so you can use it with strangers, shopkeepers and friends alike.
How do Malayalis reply to thank you?
The everyday reply is സാരമില്ല (saaramilla) or ഒന്നുമില്ല (onnumilla) — "it's nothing."