It has several meanings depending on the context:
* Work, task, duty: This is the most common meaning. For example, "എനിക്ക് ചെയ്യാൻ കാര്യങ്ങൾ ഉണ്ട്" (enikku cheyyaan kaaryangal undu) means "I have things to do".
* Matter, affair, business: It can also refer to a subject or topic being discussed. For example, "അയാളുടെ കാര്യം വളരെ ഗുരുതരമാണ്" (ayaalude kaaryam valare gurutharamaanu) means "His matter is very serious".
* Importance, significance: This meaning is less common but can be used to emphasize the importance of something. For example, "ഇത് വളരെ കാര്യമാണ്" (ithu valare kaaryamaanu) means "This is very important".
The pronunciation of "kaaryam" is similar to its spelling, with the "a" sound being similar to the "a" in "father".