Signification
Asking for someone's name
Contexte culturel
Most people use initials before their name. These initials usually represent the father's name. When someone gives their name, they might say 'S. Ramesh'. The dialect might sound slightly more formal or 'classical'. They might use 'Thangal' more often in formal writing than Indian Tamils. Due to multiculturalism, people might give a Western name alongside a Tamil name. On apps like WhatsApp, people often shorten 'Peyar' to 'Peru' or even just ask 'Name?' in English, but 'Ungal peyar enna?' remains the gold standard for politeness.
The 'Unga' Shortcut
In casual speech, drop the 'l' in 'Ungal' and say 'Unga'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't say 'Yaar'
Never ask 'Peyar yaar?'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating literally from another language.
Signification
Asking for someone's name
The 'Unga' Shortcut
In casual speech, drop the 'l' in 'Ungal' and say 'Unga'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't say 'Yaar'
Never ask 'Peyar yaar?'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating literally from another language.
Initials Matter
If someone gives you a name with initials, don't ask what the initials stand for immediately; it's sometimes considered too personal.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase formal.
______ பெயர் என்ன?
'Ungal' is the formal word for 'Your'.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a stranger's name?
Select the correct option:
'Ungal' provides the necessary formality for a stranger.
Complete the dialogue.
A: வணக்கம்! B: வணக்கம்! A: ________? B: என் பெயர் ரவி.
The response 'En peyar Ravi' indicates the question was about their name.
Match the phrase to the person.
To whom would you say 'Un peyar enna?'
'Un' is informal and appropriate for children.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercices______ பெயர் என்ன?
'Ungal' is the formal word for 'Your'.
Select the correct option:
'Ungal' provides the necessary formality for a stranger.
A: வணக்கம்! B: வணக்கம்! A: ________? B: என் பெயர் ரவி.
The response 'En peyar Ravi' indicates the question was about their name.
To whom would you say 'Un peyar enna?'
'Un' is informal and appropriate for children.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTamil is a 'zero-copula' language for simple identity statements. The relationship between 'Your name' and 'What' is implied by their position.
Yes, it's common in very brief interactions, like a clerk at a desk, but adding 'Ungal' makes it much more polite.
Say 'En peyar [Your Name]'. For example, 'En peyar John'.
Grammatically yes, but socially it is used as a respectful singular 'You'.
Most people will understand you are a learner and won't be offended, but they might gently correct you.
Yes, 'Peru' is the colloquial/spoken version of the formal 'Peyar'.
You can add 'Ayya' (Sir) or 'Amma' (Madam) at the end for extra respect: 'Ungal peyar enna, Ayya?'
No, for objects you would ask 'Idhu enna?' (What is this?) or 'Idhan peyar enna?' (What is its name?).
Mostly no. 'Ungal peyar enna?' is the standard. Changing it might make it sound like poetry.
It is the long form of 'Ungal'. It's correct but sounds a bit too formal for spoken conversation.
Expressions liées
என் பெயர்...
builds onMy name is...
உங்களை சந்தித்ததில் மகிழ்ச்சி
similarNice to meet you
யார் நீங்கள்?
contrastWho are you?
உங்க ஊர் எது?
similarWhich is your hometown?
