Signification
Indicating that a limit has been reached.
Contexte culturel
In traditional feasts (Sappaadu), saying 'Adhu pōdhum' is often met with 'Innum konjam' (a little more). You must say it firmly but with a smile. In Sri Lankan Tamil, the word 'Kaanum' is frequently used interchangeably with 'pōdhum' in casual speech. Tamil speakers here might mix it with English or Malay, but 'Adhu pōdhum' remains the standard for formal and family settings. Second-generation learners often use 'Adhu pōdhum' as one of their few 'heritage phrases' to communicate with grandparents during meals.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Adhu pōdhum' at a meal, place your hand slightly over your plate. This visual cue is as important as the words.
Tone Matters
A rising tone makes it a question (Is it enough?), while a falling tone makes it a statement (It is enough).
Signification
Indicating that a limit has been reached.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Adhu pōdhum' at a meal, place your hand slightly over your plate. This visual cue is as important as the words.
Tone Matters
A rising tone makes it a question (Is it enough?), while a falling tone makes it a statement (It is enough).
The Polite Refusal
In Tamil culture, it's polite to refuse at least once before accepting more. 'Adhu pōdhum' is your first line of defense.
Negative Form
Always remember 'Pōdhādhu' for 'not enough'. It's just as common as the positive form.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'This coffee is enough for me.'
எனக்கு இந்த காபி ________.
'Pōdhum' is the correct word for enough. 'Pōgum' means 'will go'.
Which phrase is most appropriate when an elder is serving you food?
An elder is giving you more rice, but you are full.
Adding '-nga' makes it respectful for elders.
Choose the negative form of 'pōdhum'.
If the water is NOT enough, you say:
'Pōdhādhu' is the standard negative form of 'pōdhum'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: இன்னும் கொஞ்சம் இனிப்பு வேண்டுமா? (Want some more sweets?) B: இல்லை, ________.
'Adhu pōdhum' is the natural way to decline more food.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Adhu pōdhum'
Food
- • Rice
- • Coffee
- • Sweets
Social
- • Arguments
- • Explanations
- • Small talk
Money
- • Change
- • Salary
- • Prices
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஎனக்கு இந்த காபி ________.
'Pōdhum' is the correct word for enough. 'Pōgum' means 'will go'.
An elder is giving you more rice, but you are full.
Adding '-nga' makes it respectful for elders.
If the water is NOT enough, you say:
'Pōdhādhu' is the standard negative form of 'pōdhum'.
A: இன்னும் கொஞ்சம் இனிப்பு வேண்டுமா? (Want some more sweets?) B: இல்லை, ________.
'Adhu pōdhum' is the natural way to decline more food.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, but it's very rude. 'பேசியது போதும்' (Enough talking) is the common way to do this.
No. Since it's a defective verb, it remains 'pōdhum' regardless of whether you are talking about one thing or many.
Just add '-aa' to the end: 'Adhu pōdhum-aa?'
Yes, you can say 'Pōdhumāna nēram' (Sufficient time).
'Vēndām' means 'I don't want it' (rejection). 'Pōdhum' means 'I have had enough' (sufficiency).
Usually, the more formal 'pōdhumānadhu' is used in writing.
Yes, in casual conversation, 'Pōdhum' alone is very common.
No, you would say 'pōdhum-aaga irundhadhu' (it was enough).
The '-pa' is a casual suffix (like 'man' or 'friend') that softens the statement.
Yes, though 'Kaanum' is a popular local alternative.
Yes, 'Indha kaasu pōdhum' (This money is enough).
'Adhu pōdhādhu' (That is not enough).
No, use 'Nirutthu' or 'Nillu' for physical stopping.
Yes, but add '-nga': 'Adhu pōdhum-nga'.
Expressions liées
போதும் போதும்
specialized formVery much enough / Stop already
வேண்டாம்
similarDon't want
நிறுத்து
similarStop
முடிந்தது
builds onIt is finished
போதுமான அளவு
specialized formSufficient amount
