Significado
Stating that the time has passed or it is late.
Contexto cultural
Punctuality is highly valued in formal settings like schools and exams, where this phrase is used strictly. However, in social weddings, 'Nēram ākiviṭṭatu' is often said but rarely followed immediately. In Sri Lanka, the phrase is used similarly, but the accent and some auxiliary verb choices might vary slightly in the northern vs. eastern dialects. Due to the fast-paced life in Singapore, this phrase is used very frequently in work contexts, often mixed with English: 'Meeting-க்கு நேரம் ஆகிவிட்டது'. Second-generation Tamils often use the shortened 'Nēram āchu' as one of the few phrases they retain for daily use with parents.
Use the contraction
If you want to sound like a local, always say 'Nēram āchu' in casual conversation.
Watch the dative
Remember to add '-ku' to the place you are late for (e.g., Office-ku).
Significado
Stating that the time has passed or it is late.
Use the contraction
If you want to sound like a local, always say 'Nēram āchu' in casual conversation.
Watch the dative
Remember to add '-ku' to the place you are late for (e.g., Office-ku).
Polite exit
Use this phrase as a reason to leave a social gathering without offending the host.
Negative form
To say 'It's not time yet', use 'Innum nēram aagavillai'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank to say 'It is time to sleep'.
_______ நேரம் ஆகிவிட்டது.
'Thūṅka' means 'to sleep'.
How do you say 'I am late for school'?
Choose the correct sentence:
The dative '-ku' is used for the destination you are late for.
Match the Tamil phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching the informal contraction with its meaning.
Complete the dialogue.
A: மணி எட்டு ஆகிறது. B: ஆமாம், சமையல் செய்ய _______.
If it's 8 o'clock, it's time to cook.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios_______ நேரம் ஆகிவிட்டது.
'Thūṅka' means 'to sleep'.
Choose the correct sentence:
The dative '-ku' is used for the destination you are late for.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Matching the informal contraction with its meaning.
A: மணி எட்டு ஆகிறது. B: ஆமாம், சமையல் செய்ய _______.
If it's 8 o'clock, it's time to cook.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes, it is a neutral and polite way to state a fact about time.
Yes, 'Kelamba nēram ākiviṭṭatu' is the standard way to say that.
'āchu' is the spoken, informal version. 'ākiviṭṭatu' is the formal, written version.
Yes, but you must say 'Enakku nēram ākiviṭṭatu' (To me, time has become late).
Yes, it can be used when a timer ends.
You can say 'Nēram aagikkondirukkiradhu'.
Constantly! It's a staple in every drama and thriller.
Yes: 'Lunch-ku nēram ākiviṭṭatu'.
No, 'Kaalam' and 'Samayam' are also used, but 'Nēram' is best for the clock.
Say 'Unakku nēram ākiviṭṭatu'.
Yes, usually in the formal form 'நேரம் கடந்துவிட்டது'.
Yes, in a figurative sense: 'Mannippu ketka nēram ākiviṭṭatu'.
Frases relacionadas
நேரம் கடந்துவிட்டது
similarTime has passed/elapsed
நேரம் முடிந்தது
specialized formTime is finished
காலம் பொன் போன்றது
builds onTime is like gold
நேரம் இருக்கிறது
contrastThere is time
நல்ல நேரம்
specialized formAuspicious time
