Knowledge in Malayalam

In Malayalam, knowledge is അറിവ് (arivu), a plain word at home in conversation and in textbooks alike. It stretches over information, learning and understanding, so what an elder passes on is also arivu. The final letter is a short, almost swallowed u.

Most common translation

അറിവ് (arivu)

Knowledge, information, learning, intimation, understanding.

വായന അറിവ് വർദ്ധിപ്പിക്കും.

vaayana arivu vardhippikkum.

Reading increases knowledge.

All Malayalam words for “knowledge”

അറിവ് (arivu) is the general word, while വിജ്ഞാനം (vijnaanam) suits the knowledge of arts and sciences and പ്രജ്ഞാനം (prajnaanam) carries a philosophical, almost spiritual weight. പഠിത്തം (paditham) and വിദ്യ (vidya) tilt towards schooling and learning.

Common questions

How do you say knowledge in Malayalam?

അറിവ് (arivu), covering both information and learning.

Which word fits academic knowledge?

വിജ്ഞാനം (vijnaanam), used for erudition and the knowledge of arts and sciences.