What time is it? Telling the time in Malayalam is simple once you know one little word — mani ('o'clock'). Here's how to ask and say the time, including half past and quarter, with everyday examples.
Asking and saying the time
To ask the time: Samayam ethrayaayi? ("what time is it?"). To answer, use the number + mani ("o'clock"): pathu maniyaayi = "it's ten o'clock".
O'clock, quarter & half
- Anchu mani — five o'clock
- Anchara — half past five (5:30)
- Anchu kaal — quarter past five (5:15)
- Anchu mukkaal — quarter to six (5:45)
(kaal = quarter, ara = half, mukkaal = three-quarters.) You'll also hear plain "5:30" said in English numbers — that's common too.
Parts of the day
- Raavile — morning
- Uchaykku — at noon / midday
- Vaikunneram — evening
- Raathri — night
Useful sentences
- Ippo pathu maniyaayi — it's ten o'clock now
- Raavile ettu maniykku kaanaam — let's meet at eight in the morning
- Vaikunneram aaru maniykku — at six in the evening
Build on it
You'll need numbers first — learn them in how to count to ten. Hear time and days used naturally in the "Time, Days & Dates" conversation, and browse more in the phrases hub.
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Book a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you ask what time it is in Malayalam?
Say Samayam ethrayaayi? - 'what time is it?'
How do you say o'clock in Malayalam?
Use the number plus mani, e.g. pathu mani = ten o'clock, anchu mani = five o'clock.
How do you say half past in Malayalam?
Add -ara to the hour, e.g. anchara = half past five (5:30); anchu kaal is quarter past, anchu mukkaal is quarter to six.
What are the parts of the day in Malayalam?
Raavile (morning), uchaykku (noon), vaikunneram (evening) and raathri (night).