Intellectuals in Malayalam

Intellectuals is ബുദ്ധിജീവികള്‍ (buddhijeevikal) in Malayalam, literally those who live by the intellect. Kerala newspapers and public debate use the word constantly, sometimes admiringly and sometimes with a sting. The singular drops the plural ending.

Most common translation

ബുദ്ധിജീവികള്‍ (buddhijeevikal)

Intellectuals.

നഗരത്തിലെ സമ്മേളനത്തിൽ ബുദ്ധിജീവികള്‍ പ്രസംഗിച്ചു.

nagarathile sammelanathil buddhijeevikal prasamgichu.

Intellectuals spoke at the meeting in the city.

Dictionary entry

This is the only option, and it names the class of thinkers, writers and academics as a group.

Common questions

How do you say intellectuals in Malayalam?

Use ബുദ്ധിജീവികള്‍ (buddhijeevikal).

Is the word ever used critically?

It can be. In debate ബുദ്ധിജീവികള്‍ (buddhijeevikal) is sometimes used with a sceptical edge, much as in English.