Signification
Used to agree with a statement.
Contexte culturel
In rural Tamil Nadu, 'Unmaithaan' is often accompanied by a slow side-to-side head nod (the famous Indian head bobble), which reinforces the agreement. Sri Lankan Tamils might use 'ஓம், அது மெய்தான்' (Om, athu meithaan) more frequently in formal settings, preserving the older 'Mei' root. In these regions, 'Unmaithaan' is often mixed with English or Malay. You might hear 'True-thaan' or 'Betul-thaan' in very casual 'Manglish/Tanglish' settings. Second-generation Tamils often use 'Unmaithaan' as one of the few phrases to show they are following a conversation in Tamil with their parents, even if they reply in English.
The 'Anal' Pivot
If you want to disagree politely, always start with 'Unmaithaan, anal...' (True, but...). It makes you sound very sophisticated and respectful.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'Unmaithaan' to every single sentence, you might sound like you're not really listening or just being a 'yes-man.' Mix it up with 'Appadiya?' or 'Sari' (Okay).
Signification
Used to agree with a statement.
The 'Anal' Pivot
If you want to disagree politely, always start with 'Unmaithaan, anal...' (True, but...). It makes you sound very sophisticated and respectful.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'Unmaithaan' to every single sentence, you might sound like you're not really listening or just being a 'yes-man.' Mix it up with 'Appadiya?' or 'Sari' (Okay).
The Head Bobble
Pairing this phrase with a slight diagonal head tilt is the ultimate way to signal genuine agreement in South India.
Teste-toi
Choose the best response to agree with the statement: 'இந்த காபி மிகவும் சூடாக இருக்கிறது.' (This coffee is very hot.)
Response:
Since the statement is an observation, 'Unmaithaan' is the natural way to agree.
Fill in the blank to complete the agreement.
அவர் சொன்னது ________. (What he said is true.)
The sentence structure requires a predicate like 'Unmaithaan' to confirm the truth of the subject.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: தமிழ் கற்க எளிதாக இருக்கிறது. B: ________, எனக்கும் பிடிச்சிருக்கு.
Friend B is agreeing that learning Tamil is easy.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are watching a sunset and your friend says it's beautiful.
You are agreeing with their aesthetic judgment.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesResponse:
Since the statement is an observation, 'Unmaithaan' is the natural way to agree.
அவர் சொன்னது ________. (What he said is true.)
The sentence structure requires a predicate like 'Unmaithaan' to confirm the truth of the subject.
A: தமிழ் கற்க எளிதாக இருக்கிறது. B: ________, எனக்கும் பிடிச்சிருக்கு.
Friend B is agreeing that learning Tamil is easy.
Situation: You are watching a sunset and your friend says it's beautiful.
You are agreeing with their aesthetic judgment.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your boss, or even a stranger on the street. It is always polite.
Yes! It is very common in WhatsApp and social media comments. You can even shorten it to 'Unmai' in very casual texts.
'Aamaam' just means 'Yes.' 'Unmaithaan' means 'That is true.' Use 'Unmaithaan' when you are agreeing with an opinion or a fact.
No. You should say 'Aamaam' (Yes) or 'Pasiya irukku' (I am hungry). 'Unmaithaan' would sound like you are agreeing with the concept of hunger, not your own state.
Yes, 'Adhethaan' (Exactly that) or 'Nijamthaan' (Truly) are more casual/slangy ways to say the same thing.
You say 'அது உண்மையில்லை' (Athu unmaiyillai).
Adding '-ey' at the end makes it a tag question, like 'It's true, isn't it?'
Yes, if the interviewer makes a point about the industry or the company, 'Unmaithaan' is a great way to show you agree and are knowledgeable.
Not at all. It is one of the most frequently used phrases in modern Tamil cinema and pop culture.
You can say 'மிகவும் உண்மைதான்' (Migavum unmaithaan) or 'முற்றிலும் உண்மைதான்' (Muttrilum unmaithaan).
Expressions liées
நிச்சயமாக
synonymCertainly / Definitely
ஆமாம்
similarYes
பொய்
contrastLie / False
அப்படியா?
builds onIs it so?
