Signification
Asking for time.
Contexte culturel
In Tamil culture, asking 'When is the wedding?' (Eppōtu kalyāṇam?) is a standard way for elders to show interest in a young person's life, though it can feel like pressure. Sri Lankan dialects often use 'எப்பொழுது' (Eppozhutu) more frequently in speech than Indian Tamil, which prefers 'எப்போ' (Eppō). The word is a favorite in song titles to express longing or eternal love, often paired with 'Engeyum' (Everywhere). On Tamil Twitter and Instagram, 'Eppō' is used in memes to ask when a highly anticipated movie trailer or update will drop.
The Spoken Shortcut
If you want to sound like a native immediately, just say 'Eppō'. It's accepted everywhere except in formal writing.
Don't over-enunciate
Avoid saying 'Ep-PO-Tu' with hard stops. Let it flow as one word: 'Eppōdu'.
Signification
Asking for time.
The Spoken Shortcut
If you want to sound like a native immediately, just say 'Eppō'. It's accepted everywhere except in formal writing.
Don't over-enunciate
Avoid saying 'Ep-PO-Tu' with hard stops. Let it flow as one word: 'Eppōdu'.
Polite Inquiries
When asking an elder 'When?', add 'ungaḷukku' (for you) to make it more respectful: 'Ungaḷukku eppōtu vasati?' (When is it convenient for you?)
The 'E' Rule
Remember that almost all Tamil question words start with 'E'. If you hear an 'E' at the start of a word, someone is likely asking you a question!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'When'.
பஸ் ___ வரும்?
The sentence asks when the bus will come. 'Eppōtu' is the correct word for 'When'.
Which of these means 'Always'?
Choose the correct form:
Adding the '-um' suffix to 'Eppōtu' changes it from 'When' to 'Always'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: நீ ___ வருவாய்? B: நான் நாளை வருவேன்.
Since the answer is 'tomorrow' (time), the question must be 'When' (Eppōtu).
Match the Tamil phrase to the situation.
Situation: You want to know since when a friend has been waiting.
'-iruntu' means 'from', so 'Eppōtiruntu' means 'From when' or 'Since when'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels of 'When'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesபஸ் ___ வரும்?
The sentence asks when the bus will come. 'Eppōtu' is the correct word for 'When'.
Choose the correct form:
Adding the '-um' suffix to 'Eppōtu' changes it from 'When' to 'Always'.
A: நீ ___ வருவாய்? B: நான் நாளை வருவேன்.
Since the answer is 'tomorrow' (time), the question must be 'When' (Eppōtu).
Situation: You want to know since when a friend has been waiting.
'-iruntu' means 'from', so 'Eppōtiruntu' means 'From when' or 'Since when'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsEppozhutu is the classical/formal form. Eppōtu is the standard form. In daily life, use Eppōtu or the even shorter Eppō.
Yes, but usually you add '-um' (eppōtum) or use it in a relative clause structure like 'Nī eppōtu varugirāyō...' (When you come...).
Add 'varai' to get 'Eppōtu varai?'.
It can be blunt. It's better to say 'Eppōtu varuvīrkaḷ?' (When will you come?) to be more polite.
No, 'Eppōtu' is an adverb and remains the same regardless of who you are talking to.
Use 'Ettanai maṇikku?' (At how many hours?).
It means 'sometime' or 'at some point'.
That is a regional dialect variation, very common in Chennai.
Yes. 'Eppōtu nadanthathu?' means 'When did it happen?'.
In formal letters, 'எப்பொழுது' (Eppozhutu) is more appropriate.
Expressions liées
எப்போதும்
builds onAlways
எப்போதாவது
builds onSometime / Rarely
அப்போது
contrastThen / At that time
இப்போது
contrastNow / At this time
எப்போதிலிருந்து
specialized formSince when
