Your next language
Learn Malayalamfor real life
മലയാളം
Learn Malayalam through a language you already know. Build useful vocabulary, follow personalized lessons, and practise everyday conversations with your AI tutor.
Get the appFree to start, on Android and iPhone.

- Speakers
- 34+ Million
- Speaking regions
- Kerala, India
- Writing system
- Malayalam
People, places & possibilities
Why learn Malayalam?
Malayalam is the official language of Kerala, a state known for its high literacy and unique social development.
- Connect with Kerala's cultural and literary heritage
- Explore Malayalam cinema and music
- Understand traditions like Kathakali and classical arts
- Explore the 'God's Own Country' with local fluency
- Learn a melodious Dravidian language with unique phonology
Your first steps
How to start learning Malayalam
Start where you are. Connect each new word to something you want to say.
Get to know the writing and sounds
Explore Malayalam writing and how Malayalam sounds. Take time with unfamiliar characters and pronunciation.
Start with words you will use
Learn useful Malayalam greetings and everyday vocabulary, with explanations in the language you choose.
Turn words into a conversation
Practise speaking Malayalam with your AI tutor. Ask a question, explain an idea, or talk about something you enjoy.
Make a little time for practice
Return to your lessons and try your new Malayalam words in different situations. Build towards fluent speaking at your own pace.
From knowing to speaking
Make Malayalam part of your day
Work towards more fluent conversations by putting your words into practice, not just memorising them.
Practise both sides of a conversation
Speak Malayalam with an AI tutor that responds. Try everyday situations or talk about your interests.
Understand it in your own language
Ask your AI tutor to explain a word or idea in a language you already know, then try using it yourself.
Follow a plan that starts with you
Your goals, interests and level help shape your next lesson. Keep building on what you have already learned.

Speaking practice in the Indilingo app.
What language is spoken in Kerala?
Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. It is also spoken in Lakshadweep and in Mahé, part of Puducherry, and by large Malayali communities in the Gulf countries.
Is Malayalam a classical language?
Yes. The Government of India declared Malayalam a classical language in 2013.
What script is Malayalam written in?
Malayalam has its own script, with rounded letters written from left to right. It developed mainly from the Grantha script, which was also used to write Sanskrit in South India.
Can I start learning Malayalam for free?
Yes. You can start with the core learning experience for free. AI chat and speaking have free-use limits, and Indilingo Pro gives you more. Check the app for your current plan's features and limits.
Can I learn Malayalam from a language I already speak?
Yes. Choose Malayalam as the language you want to learn and a supported language for your explanations. Your starting language can help you understand new words and ideas.
How can I practise speaking Malayalam?
Open the Speak tab in the app and choose an everyday situation or General Practice. Talk with your AI tutor, ask questions, and try using the Malayalam words you have learned.
Is Malayalam difficult to learn?
That depends on the languages you already know and what you want to do with Malayalam. Get familiar with its Malayalam writing system, start with useful words, and give yourself time to practise.
How long does it take to become fluent in Malayalam?
There is no single timeline. Your starting point, goals, regular practice and opportunities to use Malayalam all matter. Set a practical goal, such as introducing yourself or making plans, and build from there.
How many people speak Malayalam?
Our language guide lists 34+ Million speakers, with speaking communities across Kerala, India. Speaker estimates vary by source and by whether they include second-language speakers.
Where can I learn Malayalam with Indilingo?
Download Indilingo on Android from Google Play or on iPhone from the App Store. Personalized lessons, AI chat and speaking practice are available in the mobile app.
Learn Malayalam from the language you know
- From Hindiहिन्दी
- From Tamilதமிழ்
- From Teluguతెలుగు
- From Kannadaಕನ್ನಡ
- From Bengaliবাংলা
- From Marathiमराठी
- From Odiaଓଡ଼ିଆ
- From Gujaratiગુજરાતી
- From Assameseঅসমীয়া
- From GermanDeutsch
- From Punjabiਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- From Urduاردو
- From Arabicالعربية
- From FrenchFrançais
- From Chinese中文
- From IndonesianBahasa Indonesia
- From SpanishEspañol
- From DutchNederlands
- From Nepaliनेपाली
- From Japanese日本語
- From Thaiไทย
- From TurkishTürkçe
- From Bodoबोडो
- From Dogriडोगरी
- From ItalianItaliano
- From Kashmiriکٲشُر
- From Konkaniकोंकणी
- From Korean한국어
- From Maithiliमैथिली
- From Manipuriꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ
- From PolishPolski
- From PortuguesePortuguês
- From RussianРусский
- From Sanskritसंस्कृतम्
- From Santaliᱥᱟᱱᱛᱟᱲᱤ
- From Sindhiسنڌي
- From VietnameseTiếng Việt
Keep exploring
More ways into Malayalam
- Tamil vs Malayalam: Key Differences
- How to Learn a Language
- The Science of Speaking
- Why We Are Building Indilingo
Where would you like to go next?
Your next conversation could be in Malayalam
Take the next step towards fluent speaking. Start with a language you know and build from there.