These phrases help you describe how you feel and get help quickly — important for travellers and families in Kerala.
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Real colloquial pronunciation, the way it’s actually said in Kerala.
| English | Malayalam |
|---|---|
| I need a doctor | Enikku oru doctore venam |
| I am not well | Enikku sukhamilla |
| It hurts here | Ivide vedanikkunnu |
| I have a fever | Enikku pani undu |
| Headache | Thalavedana |
| Stomach ache | Vayaru vedana |
| Cough | Chuma |
| Medicine | Marunnu |
| Pharmacy | Marunnu kada |
| Help! | Sahaayikku! |
In an emergency, dial 112 in India. For everyday words, see body parts in Malayalam.
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Talking to a doctor or pharmacist in Malayalam
When you’re unwell, a few clear phrases make all the difference. Start with enikku sukhamilla (I’m not well), then describe the problem using ‘[body part] + vedana’ for pain or enikku pani undu (I have a fever). Other useful ones include chuma (cough) and ksheenam (tiredness).
At a pharmacy, you may need numbers and time words to understand dosage — how many times a day (divasam ethra thavana) and for how many days. Knowing your numbers 1–10 and words like raavile (morning) and raathri (night) helps you follow instructions accurately.
Most hospitals in cities have English-speaking staff, but in smaller towns or in an emergency, being able to state your symptoms in Malayalam can genuinely matter. Even a small medical vocabulary gives you confidence and safety while travelling or living in Kerala.
Symptoms and medical words
When you're unwell, a small, precise vocabulary makes all the difference. These are the words and phrases you're most likely to need with a doctor or pharmacist in Kerala.
| English | Malayalam (Romanised) |
|---|---|
| I'm not well | enikku sukhamilla |
| fever | pani |
| cough | chuma |
| cold | jaladosham |
| pain | vedana |
| headache | thala vedana |
| stomach ache | vayaru vedana |
| vomiting | chardi |
| dizzy | thala karangunnu |
| tired / weak | ksheenam |
| medicine | marunnu |
| doctor | doctor / vaidyan |
Putting it together at the clinic
Start with enikku sukhamilla (I'm not well), then add the specific problem — enikku pani undu (I have a fever) or [body part] + vedana for pain. At the pharmacy you'll also want numbers and time words to follow dosage instructions: how many times a day (divasam ethra thavana) and morning or night (raavile / raathri).
Many city hospitals have English-speaking staff, but in smaller towns or an emergency, stating your symptoms in Malayalam can genuinely matter. Even this short medical vocabulary gives you real confidence and safety while travelling or living in Kerala.
Frequently asked questions
How do I describe symptoms in Malayalam?
Combine a body part with "vedana" (pain), e.g. "thala vedana" (headache), or say "enikku sukhamilla" (I'm unwell). "Pani" means fever.
How do you say 'I have a fever' in Malayalam?
"Enikku pani undu" means "I have a fever." "Enikku … vedana" describes pain in a specific body part.
What Malayalam phrases help at a hospital?
Knowing symptoms, body parts, "sukhamilla" (unwell), and numbers for time and dosage helps you communicate clearly with doctors and pharmacists.
Is medical Malayalam useful for travellers?
Yes — being able to explain basic symptoms can be important in an emergency or at a pharmacy when English isn't available.
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