Signification
Asking about the source of someone's knowledge
Contexte culturel
Privacy is viewed differently in close-knit Tamil communities. Asking 'How do you know?' is a standard way to trace the 'social map' of information flow. In Tamil offices, using the formal 'Ungalukku' is non-negotiable. Even if you are friendly with a colleague, using the informal 'Unakku' in front of others can be seen as unprofessional. This phrase is a staple in thriller and drama movies. It often marks the 'turning point' where a character realizes they are being watched or betrayed. With the rise of WhatsApp and Instagram in Tamil Nadu, this phrase is now commonly used to question how someone saw a 'status' or 'story' without leaving a 'seen' receipt.
The 'Th' Bridge
Notice the small 'த்' between 'Eppadi' and 'Theriyum'. This is a grammar rule (sandhi) that makes the transition smoother. Try to pronounce it!
The 'You' Trap
Never say 'Nee eppadi theriyum'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'Unakku'.
Signification
Asking about the source of someone's knowledge
The 'Th' Bridge
Notice the small 'த்' between 'Eppadi' and 'Theriyum'. This is a grammar rule (sandhi) that makes the transition smoother. Try to pronounce it!
The 'You' Trap
Never say 'Nee eppadi theriyum'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'Unakku'.
Body Language
When asking this in a friendly way, a slight head tilt or 'side-to-side' head shake (the famous Indian head bobble) adds a layer of 'Wow, I'm impressed!'
Past Tense
If the surprise is over, use 'Therindhadhu'. It sounds much more natural when talking about something that happened yesterday.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct formal version of the phrase to use with your boss.
To your boss: 'How do you know about the meeting?'
'Ungalukku' is the formal/plural form of 'you', essential for showing respect in a professional setting.
Fill in the missing word to complete the question: 'How do you know my secret?'
என் ரகசியம் உனக்கு ______ தெரியும்?
'Eppadi' means 'how', which is the standard interrogative for this phrase.
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
Situation: You are asking how someone found out a secret YESTERDAY.
'Therindhadhu' is the past tense, used for something that was discovered in the past.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'நாளை மழை பெய்யும்.' (It will rain tomorrow.) B: '_______?'
When someone makes a prediction or shares news, asking 'How do you know?' is the most natural follow-up.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTo your boss: 'How do you know about the meeting?'
'Ungalukku' is the formal/plural form of 'you', essential for showing respect in a professional setting.
என் ரகசியம் உனக்கு ______ தெரியும்?
'Eppadi' means 'how', which is the standard interrogative for this phrase.
Situation: You are asking how someone found out a secret YESTERDAY.
'Therindhadhu' is the past tense, used for something that was discovered in the past.
A: 'நாளை மழை பெய்யும்.' (It will rain tomorrow.) B: '_______?'
When someone makes a prediction or shares news, asking 'How do you know?' is the most natural follow-up.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, in casual conversation, if it's clear you are talking to the person in front of you, you can drop 'Unakku'.
It is a stative verb. While it looks present, it often covers the general state of knowing. For a specific past moment, use 'therindhadhu'.
Replace 'Unakku' with 'Avargalukku' (அவர்களுக்கு).
'Theriyum' is to know a fact. 'Puriyum' is to understand a concept or a language.
No, for skills, it's better to ask 'How did you learn?' (Eppadi katrukkondai?).
In Chennai, people might say 'Unakku eppadi theriyum-nu?' or just 'Yaaru sonna?' (Who told you?).
Tamil uses the dative case for 'experiencer' subjects. You don't 'do' the knowing; the knowledge 'is' to you.
Add 'Ada!' or 'Appadiya!' at the beginning. 'Ada! Unakku eppadi theriyum?'
Yes, constantly! It's a key phrase for dramatic reveals in Tamil cinema.
Only if you use 'Ungalukku'. Using 'Unakku' with a stranger is considered rude.
Ennai unakku eppadi theriyum? (என்னை உனக்கு எப்படித் தெரியும்?)
Indha idathai patri unakku eppadi theriyum? (இந்த இடத்தைப் பற்றி உனக்கு எப்படித் தெரியும்?)
Yes, but you need the accusative case for the person. 'Avarai (him) unakku theriyuma?'
Yes, it's a sandhi rule. If the next word starts with 'th', you add a 'th' to the previous word if it ends in certain vowels.
Expressions liées
உனக்குத் தெரியுமா?
similarDo you know?
யாரு சொன்னா?
synonymWho told you?
எப்படி கண்டுபிடித்தாய்?
builds onHow did you find out?
எனக்குத் தெரியாது
contrastI don't know.
உங்களுக்குத் தெரிந்திருக்கும்
specialized formYou might have known.
