Signification
Expressing a negative preference.
Contexte culturel
In traditional households, saying 'pidikkavillai' about food served by a host is rare. People usually use 'pothum' (enough) to stop more being served. Sri Lankan Tamils might use 'viruppamillai' slightly more often in semi-formal contexts compared to Indian Tamils. Younger Tamils often mix English: 'Enakku intha vibe pidikkala' (I don't like this vibe). In a Tamil office, if you don't like a proposal, you might say 'Enakku ithil udanpaadu illai' (I don't have agreement with this) to be more professional than 'pidikkavillai'.
The 'Enakku' Rule
If you remember nothing else, remember that 'I' becomes 'Enakku'. Using 'Naan' is the most obvious sign of a beginner.
Don't be too blunt
If a friend's mother cooks for you, avoid 'pidikkavillai'. Use 'vendaam' or just eat a little bit to be polite.
Signification
Expressing a negative preference.
The 'Enakku' Rule
If you remember nothing else, remember that 'I' becomes 'Enakku'. Using 'Naan' is the most obvious sign of a beginner.
Don't be too blunt
If a friend's mother cooks for you, avoid 'pidikkavillai'. Use 'vendaam' or just eat a little bit to be polite.
Spoken vs Written
Use 'pidikkala' with friends. Use 'pidikkavillai' in emails or formal letters.
Body Language
A slight side-to-side head shake often accompanies this phrase in Tamil culture.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct way to say 'I don't like coffee'.
___ காபி பிடிக்கவில்லை.
The verb 'pidi' always requires the dative case 'Enakku' (to me).
Fill in the blank with the spoken form of 'don't like'.
எனக்கு இந்த படம் ____. (pidikkala)
'Pidikkala' is the common spoken variation of 'pidikkavillai'.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone offers you a very spicy curry that you cannot eat.
This means 'I don't like spicy food', which is the appropriate refusal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: உங்களுக்கு இந்த பாட்டு பிடிச்சிருக்கா? B: இல்லை, எனக்கு ___.
The question asks 'Do you like this song?', so the negative answer is 'I don't like it'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices___ காபி பிடிக்கவில்லை.
The verb 'pidi' always requires the dative case 'Enakku' (to me).
எனக்கு இந்த படம் ____. (pidikkala)
'Pidikkala' is the common spoken variation of 'pidikkavillai'.
Someone offers you a very spicy curry that you cannot eat.
This means 'I don't like spicy food', which is the appropriate refusal.
A: உங்களுக்கு இந்த பாட்டு பிடிச்சிருக்கா? B: இல்லை, எனக்கு ___.
The question asks 'Do you like this song?', so the negative answer is 'I don't like it'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'Enakku avanai pidikkavillai' means 'I don't like him'. It's quite direct.
'Pidikkala' is the spoken version; 'pidikkavillai' is the formal written version.
In Tamil, emotions are seen as things that happen to you, not things you actively do.
No, it's neutral. But adding 'mannikkavum' (sorry) makes it more polite.
Add 'romba' (very): 'Enakku ithu romba pidikkavillai'.
Yes, 'pidikkavillai' works for both 'I don't like' and 'I didn't like'.
Use the infinitive: 'Enakku neenthava (to swim) pidikkavillai'.
Yes, 'set aagala' (it didn't set) is very common slang for 'I don't like it/it doesn't suit me'.
Usually it's Subject-Object-Verb, but you can say 'Ithu enakku pidikkavillai' for emphasis on 'this'.
Enakku yaraiyum pidikkavillai.
Expressions liées
எனக்கு பிடிக்கும்
contrastI like it
எனக்கு பிடிக்காது
similarI don't like (habitually)
எனக்கு வேண்டாம்
similarI don't want it
எனக்கு வெறுப்பாக இருக்கிறது
specialized formI feel disgusted/hateful
எனக்கு விருப்பமில்லை
synonymI have no interest/desire
