Signification
Asking for someone's opinion or preference.
Contexte culturel
When asked 'Ungalukku pidiththirukkiratha?' about food, it is culturally polite to say 'Romba nalla irukku' (It is very good) even if you only moderately like it. Direct criticism of food is often seen as a slight to the host's effort. In Sri Lanka, the word 'Viruppam' is often used alongside 'Pidi'. You might hear 'Ungalukku viruppama?' which is a slightly more formal way of asking if you desire or like something. In the diaspora, the spoken form 'Pidichirukka?' is dominant. Younger generations may use it more like the English 'Do you like?', sometimes forgetting the dative case, though the dative remains the marker of a fluent speaker. In a Tamil business setting, asking 'Ungalukku pidiththirukkiratha?' is a way to build 'Rapport'. It shows that the service provider values the client's personal satisfaction over just the transaction.
The 'To-Me' Rule
Always remember that in Tamil, you don't 'do' the liking. It happens 'to' you. Use the -ukku ending for the person!
Avoid 'Neenga'
Never start this sentence with 'Neenga'. It's the most common beginner mistake and sounds very jarring to native speakers.
Signification
Asking for someone's opinion or preference.
The 'To-Me' Rule
Always remember that in Tamil, you don't 'do' the liking. It happens 'to' you. Use the -ukku ending for the person!
Avoid 'Neenga'
Never start this sentence with 'Neenga'. It's the most common beginner mistake and sounds very jarring to native speakers.
Spoken vs Written
Use 'Pidichirukka?' when talking to friends, but keep 'Pidiththirukkiratha?' for your Tamil exams or formal emails.
The Polite 'Yes'
If someone asks you this, even if you only like it a little, start with 'Nalla irukku' (It is good) to be polite.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of 'You' to complete the sentence.
[____] இந்த காபி பிடித்திருக்கிறதா?
The verb 'pidi' always requires the person to be in the dative case (-ukku).
Fill in the missing part of the verb for a formal question.
இந்த புத்தகம் உங்களுக்குப் பிடித்திருக்கி____?
The suffix '-aa' is needed to turn the statement into a question.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'Unakku pidichirukka?'
'Unakku' is the informal form, appropriate for children or close friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: இந்த உணவு எப்படி இருக்கிறது? B: எனக்கு இது மிகவும் [____].
The speaker is describing their current state of liking the food they are eating.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
General vs. Specific Liking
Common Objects of 'Pidi'
Food
- • Sappaadu
- • Kaapi
- • Inippu
Places
- • Ooru
- • Veedu
- • Koil
Banque d exercices
4 exercices[____] இந்த காபி பிடித்திருக்கிறதா?
The verb 'pidi' always requires the person to be in the dative case (-ukku).
இந்த புத்தகம் உங்களுக்குப் பிடித்திருக்கி____?
The suffix '-aa' is needed to turn the statement into a question.
When would you say 'Unakku pidichirukka?'
'Unakku' is the informal form, appropriate for children or close friends.
A: இந்த உணவு எப்படி இருக்கிறது? B: எனக்கு இது மிகவும் [____].
The speaker is describing their current state of liking the food they are eating.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Pidikkum' is for general habits (I like coffee), while 'pidiththirukkirathu' is for the current state (I like *this* coffee I am drinking now).
Yes, but use the accusative case for the person being liked: 'Ennai ungalukku pidiththirukkiratha?' (Do you like me?).
You say 'Enakku pidikkavillai' or informally 'Enakku pidikkale'.
In context, you can drop it and just ask 'Pidiththirukkiratha?', but including it is more polite.
The 'iru' (to be) creates the continuous/perfective aspect, indicating the state of liking is ongoing right now.
Yes, constantly! It's a staple in romantic scenes and family dramas.
You still use 'Ungalukku', as it is both singular formal and plural.
Yes, if you are showing your portfolio, you can ask 'Intha velai ungalukku pidiththirukkiratha?'
The past tense would be 'Ungalukku pidiththirunthatha?' (Did you like it?).
No, that would be considered rude. Always use 'Ungalukku' for service staff.
Expressions liées
உங்களுக்குப் பிடிக்குமா?
similarDo you like (generally)?
உங்களுக்குப் பிடிக்கவில்லையா?
contrastDon't you like it?
உங்களுக்கு எது பிடிக்கும்?
builds onWhich one do you like?
உங்களுக்குத் திருப்தியா?
specialized formAre you satisfied?
உங்களுக்கு விருப்பமா?
synonymIs it your wish/preference?
