Banyan in Malayalam
Banyan tree is വടം (vadam) in Malayalam, the great spreading tree with aerial roots. The same word also means a thick, strong rope, which suits the tree's rope-like roots. Village landmarks and temple yards often take their name from it.
Most common translation
Banyan tree, strong, thick rope.
ഓണത്തിന് വടം വലി മത്സരം ഉണ്ട്.
onathinu vadam vali mathsaram undu.
There is a tug-of-war competition for Onam.
Dictionary entry
- വടം (vadam) — Banyan tree, strong, thick rope.
No other candidate is given, so the only thing to keep straight is its double sense of tree and rope.
Common questions
How do you say banyan in Malayalam?
Use വടം (vadam).
Why does it also mean rope?
The one word covers both, and context makes clear which is meant.