Startled in Malayalam
To be startled is ഞെട്ടുക (nettuka), the small jolt that runs through you at a sudden noise. Two syllables, net-tu-ka, with the first t doubled and held. It describes the body reacting before the mind has caught up.
Most common translation
Be shocked, shudder, be startled.
വാർത്ത കേട്ട് എല്ലാവരും ഞെട്ടുകയാണ്.
vaartha kettu ellaavarum nettukayaanu.
Everyone is shocked on hearing the news.
All Malayalam words for “startled”
- ഞെട്ടുക (nettuka) — Be shocked, shudder, be startled.
- ത്രസിക്കുക (thrasikkuka) — Tremble, shake, be shocked or startled.
- പകയ്ക്കുക (pakaykkuka) — Be stunned, be perplexed, be startled.
ത്രസിക്കുക (thrasikkuka) leans towards trembling and shaking, and പകയ്ക്കുക (pakaykkuka) towards being dazed or at a loss, so neither is the plain startle.
Common questions
How do you say startled in Malayalam?
To be startled is ഞെട്ടുക (nettuka).
Is nettuka about fear or surprise?
Surprise first. It is the involuntary flinch at something sudden, and fear comes into it only if whatever caused the flinch is frightening.