Signification
Asking about departure time
Contexte culturel
Asking 'When are you leaving?' is often followed by 'Have you eaten?' (Sapteengala?). Hospitality dictates that no one should leave on an empty stomach. In Sri Lankan Tamil, the verb 'வெளிக்கிடு' (veḷikkiṭu) is often used instead of 'கிளம்பு' (kiḷampu) for leaving. In Chennai offices, this phrase is used to check if someone is available for a late-evening meeting or if they are 'logging off'. People often wait for 'Rahu Kaalam' (inauspicious time) to pass before answering this question with a specific time.
Use 'Eppa' for speed
In 99% of spoken situations, use 'Eppa' instead of 'Eppōtu'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't forget the 'L'
The 'L' in 'Kilampu' is retroflex (tongue back). If you say it with a flat 'L', it might sound like a different word.
Signification
Asking about departure time
Use 'Eppa' for speed
In 99% of spoken situations, use 'Eppa' instead of 'Eppōtu'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't forget the 'L'
The 'L' in 'Kilampu' is retroflex (tongue back). If you say it with a flat 'L', it might sound like a different word.
The 'Polite Nudge'
If you are a host, asking this too early might seem like you want the guest to leave. Wait for them to mention leaving first.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'கிளம்பு'.
ஐயா, நீங்கள் எப்போது ___________?
Since the subject is 'நீங்கள்' (formal you), the verb must end in '-ஈர்கள்'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a stranger when they are leaving?
Select the best option:
This uses the formal 'எப்போது' and the honorific '-ஈர்கள்' suffix.
Complete the dialogue.
A: நாளை காலை 6 மணிக்கு விமானம். B: அப்படியானால், நீங்கள் வீட்டிலிருந்து ___________?
The context of a flight (விமானம்) makes 'When are you leaving (from home)?' the logical question.
Match the phrase to the person you would say it to.
1. எப்போது கிளம்புகிறீர்கள்? 2. எப்ப கிளம்புற?
Formal endings are for superiors/elders; informal for friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஐயா, நீங்கள் எப்போது ___________?
Since the subject is 'நீங்கள்' (formal you), the verb must end in '-ஈர்கள்'.
Select the best option:
This uses the formal 'எப்போது' and the honorific '-ஈர்கள்' suffix.
A: நாளை காலை 6 மணிக்கு விமானம். B: அப்படியானால், நீங்கள் வீட்டிலிருந்து ___________?
The context of a flight (விமானம்) makes 'When are you leaving (from home)?' the logical question.
1. எப்போது கிளம்புகிறீர்கள்? 2. எப்ப கிளம்புற?
Formal endings are for superiors/elders; informal for friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but change the ending to '-கிறது' (it leaves). e.g., 'Bus eppōtu kiḷampukiṟatu?'
Yes, 'Eppa' is much better for friends.
'Kilampu' is everyday speech. 'Purappadu' is formal, like 'Depart' in English.
Say 'Naam eppōtu kiḷampukiṟōm?'
It depends on the tone. If asked with concern for their travel, it's polite. If asked abruptly, it's rude.
Yes, it can refer to your last day at a company.
'Eppōtu kiḷampinīrkaḷ?' (When did you leave?)
Absolutely. Usually written as 'Eppa kelambureenga?' in Tanglish.
That is the spoken version of '-kaḷ', the plural/honorific marker.
State the time + 'manikku' + 'kiḷampukiṟēn'. e.g., 'Aaru manikku kiḷampukiṟēn' (I leave at 6).
Expressions liées
புறப்படு
synonymTo depart
போயிட்டு வருகிறேன்
builds onI will go and come back
தயார் ஆகிவிட்டீர்களா?
similarAre you ready?
சீக்கிரம் வாருங்கள்
contrastCome quickly
