Signification
Allowing someone an opportunity or physical room.
Contexte culturel
The 'Thinnai' (porch) culture is the physical ancestor of this phrase. Even today, in villages, giving 'Idam' to a passerby to rest is a point of pride. In the 'Share Auto' culture of Chennai, 'Idam kodu' is a constant negotiation. People are expected to squeeze in to make room for 'just one more'. In Jaffna, the phrase is often used with 'Irunghal' (stay/sit). 'Idam tharuvirgala?' (Will you give space?) is a common polite form. Second-generation Tamils use this phrase to talk about 'making space' for Tamil identity in multicultural societies.
Politeness counts
Always add '-ungal' (Idam kodungal) when speaking to strangers or elders.
Don't over-give
Remember the proverb! Giving too much 'idam' can lead to people taking advantage of you.
Signification
Allowing someone an opportunity or physical room.
Politeness counts
Always add '-ungal' (Idam kodungal) when speaking to strangers or elders.
Don't over-give
Remember the proverb! Giving too much 'idam' can lead to people taking advantage of you.
Abstract use
Use this in essays to sound more native when discussing 'opportunities' or 'possibilities'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Idam kodu'.
பேருந்தில் முதியவருக்கு ______ ______.
When asking to provide a seat for someone, 'Idam kodu' is the correct phrase.
Which sentence uses the phrase figuratively?
Choose the figurative usage:
Giving room to 'thoughts' (ennangal) is a metaphorical/figurative use.
Complete the dialogue.
A: இந்த வதந்தி உண்மையா? B: தெரியவில்லை, ஆனால் வதந்திகளுக்கு ______ ______.
The context suggests not encouraging rumors.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are in a crowded market and want to pass through.
To pass through, 'Vazhi vidu' (give way) is better than 'Idam kodu'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Idam Kodu vs. Vazhi Vidu
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesபேருந்தில் முதியவருக்கு ______ ______.
When asking to provide a seat for someone, 'Idam kodu' is the correct phrase.
Choose the figurative usage:
Giving room to 'thoughts' (ennangal) is a metaphorical/figurative use.
A: இந்த வதந்தி உண்மையா? B: தெரியவில்லை, ஆனால் வதந்திகளுக்கு ______ ______.
The context suggests not encouraging rumors.
Situation: You are in a crowded market and want to pass through.
To pass through, 'Vazhi vidu' (give way) is better than 'Idam kodu'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say 'Car nirutha idam kodu' (Give space to park the car).
Many young people say 'Space kodu' (using English), but 'Idam kodu' is the correct Tamil form.
No, it can mean time, opportunity, or even a person in grammar.
You can say 'அவனுக்கு ஒரு துளி கூட இடம் கொடுக்காதே' (Don't give even a drop of space).
'Idam kodukkathe' (Don't give space) or 'Idam pidi' (Take space).
Yes, 'En idhayathil idam kodu' (Give space in my heart) is a common song lyric.
Yes, but 'இடம் அளித்தல்' (Idam alithal) is slightly more formal.
Yes, it can be used that way, though 'Vazhi vidu' is more common.
'Kodu' is used for giving to others (3rd person), 'Tha' is for giving to me. So 'Enakku idam tha' but 'Avanukku idam kodu'.
Yes, for 'market share' or 'opportunity for growth'.
Expressions liées
இடம் பிடி
similarTo reserve or catch a seat.
வழி விடு
similarTo make way or clear a path.
வாய்ப்பு அளி
synonymTo provide an opportunity.
இடம் மாறு
builds onTo change places.
ஒதுங்கிப் போ
contrastTo move aside and go away.
