Formal/Polite:
* പ്രേമി (preemi): This word is used for both male and female lovers and is a more formal and neutral way to refer to them.
* പ്രണയിനി (pranayini): This word is usually used for a female lover, specifically in the context of romantic love.
* പ്രണയം (pranayam): This word literally means "love" and can be used in a broader sense, including romantic love.
Informal/Intimate:
* പ്രിയം (priyam): This word means "dear" or "beloved" and is a more intimate and affectionate way to refer to a lover.
* പ്രണയം (pranayam) can also be used in a more informal and intimate way, depending on the context.
* ഹൃദയം (hṛdayam): This word means "heart" and can be used poetically to refer to a lover.
Other options:
* You can also use specific terms like കാമുകൻ (kaamukan) for a male lover and കാമുകി (kaamuki) for a female lover. However, these terms are considered more explicit and should be used cautiously.
* You can also use phrases like എന്റെ സ്നേഹം (ente sneham) meaning "my love," എന്റെ പ്രിയപ്പെട്ടവൻ/വൾ (ente priyapettavan/val) meaning "my beloved," etc.
Ultimately, the best word or phrase to use depends on the specific situation and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.