Signification
Warning someone not to visit a place
Contexte culturel
Warnings are often given with kinship terms like 'Thambi' (younger brother) or 'Kanna' (dear), even to strangers, to soften the command. In many Tamil temples, certain areas are 'Agama' restricted. You will see signs saying 'Angē sellāthīrgal' to protect the sanctity of the inner sanctum. Villagers may warn you about 'Munis' (spirits) or 'Kaval Deivangal' (guardian deities) in certain groves at night using this phrase. In cities like Chennai, this phrase is common in traffic and metro safety announcements, usually in its formal form.
Use 'Pōgāthē' for friends
While 'Sellāthē' is correct, using 'Pōgāthē' in casual conversation makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Watch the Honorifics
Using 'Sellāthē' with your Tamil teacher or a boss will be seen as a sign of disrespect. Always use 'Sellāthīrgal' for them.
Signification
Warning someone not to visit a place
Use 'Pōgāthē' for friends
While 'Sellāthē' is correct, using 'Pōgāthē' in casual conversation makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Watch the Honorifics
Using 'Sellāthē' with your Tamil teacher or a boss will be seen as a sign of disrespect. Always use 'Sellāthīrgal' for them.
Body Language
When saying this, a slight shake of the head or a raised index finger often accompanies the verbal warning in Tamil culture.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to warn a friend not to go to a dangerous place.
உன் நண்பனிடம் (to your friend): _______
'Sellāthē' is the informal negative imperative suitable for a friend.
Fill in the blank with the correct formal form of the verb.
ஐயா, அந்த அறைக்கு _______ (Don't go).
When addressing an elder ('Aiyā'), the formal '-īrgal' ending is required.
Match the situation to the most appropriate Tamil warning.
Situation: A wet floor in a mall with a sign.
Public signs use formal language ('sellāthīrgal') and often include the reason ('tarai īramāga uḷḷatu').
Complete the dialogue.
A: நான் அந்தப் பழைய காட்டிற்குப் போகிறேன். B: ________, அங்கே பாம்புகள் இருக்கும்.
The context of snakes ('pāmbugaḷ') requires a warning.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஉன் நண்பனிடம் (to your friend): _______
'Sellāthē' is the informal negative imperative suitable for a friend.
ஐயா, அந்த அறைக்கு _______ (Don't go).
When addressing an elder ('Aiyā'), the formal '-īrgal' ending is required.
Situation: A wet floor in a mall with a sign.
Public signs use formal language ('sellāthīrgal') and often include the reason ('tarai īramāga uḷḷatu').
A: நான் அந்தப் பழைய காட்டிற்குப் போகிறேன். B: ________, அங்கே பாம்புகள் இருக்கும்.
The context of snakes ('pāmbugaḷ') requires a warning.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt depends on who you are talking to. With friends and younger people, it's perfectly normal. With elders, it is rude.
'Angē' is more common in speech and emphasizes the location. 'Angu' is more literary.
Yes, it is often used metaphorically to warn someone against a risky decision or a bad argument.
Add 'Orupōthum' (ஒருபோதும்) at the beginning: 'Orupōthum angē sellāthē'.
Expressions liées
அங்கே போகாதே
synonymDon't go there (informal/common)
இங்கே வராதே
contrastDon't come here
அங்கே நில்
similarStand there / Stop there
உள்ளே வராதே
specialized formDon't come inside
