Question Words

1. എന്ത്?

   enthu?

   What?

   Usage

   A one-word request for clarification when you did not catch something

2. എവിടെ?

   evide?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a location. Point at a map or photo while you say it

3. എപ്പോൾ?

   eppol?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks for a time or date — useful for departure times

4. ആര്?

   aaru?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who someone is or who is in charge

5. എന്തുകൊണ്ട്?

   enthukondu?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason. It can sound blunt, so soften it with a smile

6. എങ്ങനെ?

   engane?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks how to do something — ticket machines, for instance

7. എത്ര?

   ethra?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. ഇതിന് എത്രയാണ്?

   ithinu ethrayaanu?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard price question. In markets ask them to show the number on a calculator

9. ഏത്?

   ethu?

   Which one?

   Usage

   For choosing between options — use it while pointing

10. ഇത് എന്താണ്?

    ithu enthaanu?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product to ask what it is

11. ടോയിലറ്റ് എവിടെയാണ്?

    toilet evideyaanu?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions of any trip. Works in shops, stations and hotels

12. ഇപ്പോൾ സമയം എത്രയായി?

    ippol samayam ethrayaayi?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful when your phone is dead

13. ഉണ്ടോ?

    undo?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    A short way to ask about stock or availability while pointing at something

14. പറ്റുമോ?

    pattumo?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — card payment, changing money and so on

15. ഇതിന് പണം വേണോ?

    ithinu panam veno?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Checks for an extra fee — luggage storage, Wi-Fi and the like

16. ഇത് സൗജന്യമാണോ?

    ithu saujanyamaano?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free of charge — water or refills, for example

17. ഇത് ശരിയാണോ?

    ithu shariyaano?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asking for permission — often used together with pointing

18. പറ്റില്ലേ?

    paattille?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being told no

19. നിങ്ങൾക്ക് സുഖമാണോ?

    ningalkku sukhamaano?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from qst-017, which asks permission

20. ശരിക്കും?

    sharikkum?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. നിങ്ങൾക്ക് ഉറപ്പാണോ?

    ningalkku urappaano?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Used to press for certainty about a fact — more formal than qst-020 ("Really?")

22. നിങ്ങൾ എവിടെ നിന്നാണ്?

    ningal evide ninnaanu?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A common conversation starter

23. നിങ്ങളുടെ പേരെന്താണ്?

    ningalude peerenthaanu?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A common conversation starter

24. നിങ്ങൾക്ക് എത്ര വയസ്സായി?

    ningalkku ethra vayassaayi?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking age is fairly common in South Asia, but it can still feel a bit forward with strangers or elders

25. ഒരുമിച്ച് ഫോട്ടോ എടുക്കാമോ?

    orumichu photo edukkaamo?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask permission before taking a photo together

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