Signification
A standard way to ask about someone's well-being.
Contexte culturel
Asking 'How are you?' is often followed by 'Have you eaten?' (Saapteengala?). Food is the ultimate currency of care. The pronunciation is slightly more formal and 'crisp'. You might hear 'Irukkireengal' more often in semi-formal speech than in India. The phrase is often mixed with English. 'How are you, eppadi irukkeenga?' is a common redundant greeting in the diaspora. In tech hubs like Chennai, this phrase is used as a 'softener' before switching to English for technical discussions.
The 'Politeness Dial'
If you want to be even more polite, add 'Neenga' (You) at the beginning: 'Neenga eppadi irukkeenga?'
Don't just say 'Good'
In Tamil, just saying 'Nalla' (Good) is too short. Always say 'Nalla irukken' (I am being well).
Signification
A standard way to ask about someone's well-being.
The 'Politeness Dial'
If you want to be even more polite, add 'Neenga' (You) at the beginning: 'Neenga eppadi irukkeenga?'
Don't just say 'Good'
In Tamil, just saying 'Nalla' (Good) is too short. Always say 'Nalla irukken' (I am being well).
The Head Shake
A slight side-to-side head nod while saying this phrase adds a layer of cultural authenticity that words alone can't provide.
Teste-toi
You are meeting your boss for the first time. Which greeting is most appropriate?
வணக்கம் சார், _______?
The suffix '-eenga' provides the necessary respect for a professional setting.
Complete the sentence to ask 'How are you all?' to a group of friends' parents.
எல்லாரும் எப்படி _______?
'Irukkeenga' is the plural/honorific form required for 'everyone' (ellarum).
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. எப்படி இருக்க? | 2. எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?
Informal for family/younger people, formal for professionals.
Complete the dialogue.
A: எப்படி இருக்கீங்க? B: ________. நீங்க எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?
'Nalla irukken' (I am well) is the standard response to 'How are you?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesவணக்கம் சார், _______?
The suffix '-eenga' provides the necessary respect for a professional setting.
எல்லாரும் எப்படி _______?
'Irukkeenga' is the plural/honorific form required for 'everyone' (ellarum).
1. எப்படி இருக்க? | 2. எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?
Informal for family/younger people, formal for professionals.
A: எப்படி இருக்கீங்க? B: ________. நீங்க எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?
'Nalla irukken' (I am well) is the standard response to 'How are you?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is completely gender-neutral. You can use it for men, women, or any gender identity.
Yes, but in formal emails, it's better to use the written form: 'எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்?'.
The most common reply is 'Nalla irukken, neenga eppadi irukkeenga?' (I am fine, how are you?).
Absolutely. It is the standard respectful way to greet a superior in a Tamil-speaking workplace.
In Tamil culture, asking if someone has eaten is a deeper sign of care. Often, 'Eppadi irukkeenga' is the formal start, and 'Saapteengala' is the real check-in.
Yes, friends often just say 'Eppadi irukka?' or even just 'Enna?' (What's up?).
It covers both. The verb 'iru' (to be/stay) is broad enough to cover your current state and your general life situation.
Yes, '-eenga' is the plural suffix, so it naturally means 'How are you all?' as well.
Constantly! It's the most common way characters greet each other in Kollywood (Tamil cinema).
Most people will understand you are a learner, but it might sound a bit 'jarring' to an elder. Just apologize and use the '-eenga' form next time!
Expressions liées
நல்லா இருக்கீங்களா?
similarAre you doing well?
சௌக்கியமா?
synonymAre you healthy/fine?
நலமா?
synonymAre you well?
என்ன விசேஷம்?
specialized formWhat's the news?
