Suhail Buxton (Uniformed Services Nursing)

The English word "why" is translated to "എന്തുകൊണ്ട്" (pronounced as "enthukondu") in Malayalam. This is the most common and direct translation used to ask for a reason or cause. For example, "Why are you late?" would be "നീ എന്തുകൊണ്ട് താമസിച്ചത്?" (Nee enthukondu thaamasicchath?). The word can be broken down: "എന്ത്" (enthu) means "what" and "കൊണ്ട്" (kondu) means "with" or "by," so the literal construction is "with what?" or "because of what?" which perfectly captures the meaning of "why." It's the word you will use in almost all everyday situations to inquire about the reason behind an action, event, or statement. Understanding this basic word is essential for forming questions and engaging in meaningful conversation in Malayalam.