Signification
Asking about the progress of life or work.
Contexte culturel
The 'Tea Kadai' culture is where this phrase lives. Men gathering at tea stalls will almost always greet each other with this phrase while sipping ginger tea. In Chennai's fast-paced IT and cinema hubs, this phrase is often shortened to 'Eppadi poguthu?' to save time, reflecting the city's hustle. Among Tamil speakers in Singapore or Canada, this phrase acts as a linguistic 'handshake' to establish a casual, friendly connection across generations. In villages, the phrase might be used more specifically for agriculture or family events, often followed by a detailed (and sometimes long) explanation.
The 'Etho' Response
If you want to sound like a real local when someone asks you this, reply with 'Etho pōykkiṭṭu irukku' (It's going somehow). It's the ultimate humble-brag or modest shrug.
Don't be too formal
Avoid saying 'poykkondu irukkirathu' in a cafe. It sounds like you're reading from a 1950s textbook.
Signification
Asking about the progress of life or work.
The 'Etho' Response
If you want to sound like a real local when someone asks you this, reply with 'Etho pōykkiṭṭu irukku' (It's going somehow). It's the ultimate humble-brag or modest shrug.
Don't be too formal
Avoid saying 'poykkondu irukkirathu' in a cafe. It sounds like you're reading from a 1950s textbook.
The Head Shake
When asking this, a slight side-to-side head tilt (the famous Indian head bobble) adds a layer of friendliness and warmth.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct spoken form of 'going'.
உங்க புது பிசினஸ் எப்படிப் ______ இருக்கு?
'போய்க்கிட்டு' is the correct continuous form used in this idiom.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask a friend how their life is going?
Select the best option:
This is the most natural spoken form for a casual check-in.
Match the response to the question 'எப்படிப் போய்க்கிட்டு இருக்கு?'.
Question: 'ஆபீஸ் வேலை எப்படிப் போய்க்கிட்டு இருக்கு?'
This directly answers the 'how' of the progress.
Complete the dialogue.
A: மச்சி, ரொம்ப நாள் ஆச்சு! ______? B: ஏதோ போய்க்கிட்டு இருக்குடா.
The response 'ஏதோ போய்க்கிட்டு இருக்கு' (It's going somehow) is a classic answer to 'How's it going?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஉங்க புது பிசினஸ் எப்படிப் ______ இருக்கு?
'போய்க்கிட்டு' is the correct continuous form used in this idiom.
Select the best option:
This is the most natural spoken form for a casual check-in.
Question: 'ஆபீஸ் வேலை எப்படிப் போய்க்கிட்டு இருக்கு?'
This directly answers the 'how' of the progress.
A: மச்சி, ரொம்ப நாள் ஆச்சு! ______? B: ஏதோ போய்க்கிட்டு இருக்குடா.
The response 'ஏதோ போய்க்கிட்டு இருக்கு' (It's going somehow) is a classic answer to 'How's it going?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's very friendly. However, don't use it with your CEO unless you're on very good terms.
No, it's for situations, life, or work. If you want to ask how a machine is working, say 'Idhu eppadi vela seiyuthu?'.
They are regional variations. 'Poykkittu' is more standard spoken Tamil, while 'poyittu' is very common in Chennai.
You can say 'Konjam kashtamaa poykkittu irukku' (It's going a bit difficultly).
Yes, it's perfect for WhatsApp. You can even type it in English script: 'Eppadi poikittu irukku?'.
It's better to use 'Eppadi irukkinga?' or 'Saukkiyama?' for elders to show more respect.
No! That would be 'Enge poreenga?'. Don't mix up 'Eppadi' (How) and 'Enge' (Where).
It's the neuter singular form, referring to 'the situation' or 'life'.
Only if the interviewer asks you first and the vibe is casual. Otherwise, stay formal.
'Nallaa poykkittu irukku' (It's going well) is the most common and safe reply.
Expressions liées
எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?
similarHow are you?
என்ன விசேஷம்?
similarWhat's special? / What's the news?
எல்லாம் சௌக்கியமா?
formal alternativeIs everything fine?
என்ன நடக்குது?
similarWhat's happening?
