Thou in Malayalam
Malayalam has no archaic thou, but it does grade politeness, and അവിടുന്ന് (avidunnu) is the most respectful you, kept for elders, deities and dignitaries. Older Bible and poetry translations use it where English has thou.
Most common translation
Thou, honorific term for you.
അവിടുന്ന് പറഞ്ഞത് ശരിയാണ്.
avidunnu paranjathu shariyaanu.
What you said is right.
All Malayalam words for “thou”
- അവിടുന്ന് (avidunnu) — Thou, honorific term for you.
- അങ്ങുന്ന് (angunnu) — From there; your(honorific), thou, master.
അങ്ങുന്ന് (angunnu) is the same register and means from there as well as an honorific you. Everyday Malayalam has separate familiar and polite pronouns, neither of them listed here.
Common questions
How do you say thou in Malayalam?
അവിടുന്ന് (avidunnu), the honorific you of older and devotional writing.
Does Malayalam have polite and familiar you?
Yes, in several grades, and അവിടുന്ന് (avidunnu) sits at the top, reserved for the greatest respect.