Signification
Requesting a writing instrument.
Contexte culturel
Stationery is often treated with respect. Students may touch a pen to their eyes if it accidentally falls on the ground as a sign of apology to the goddess of knowledge. In Sri Lanka, 'Ezhuthukol' is used very frequently in schools, perhaps even more than the loanword 'Pena' compared to India. Tamil is an official language here. You will see 'Ezhuthukol' on official school supply lists in Singaporean Tamil curriculum. Parents in the diaspora often insist on children using the pure word 'Ezhuthukol' to maintain linguistic purity away from home.
Use 'Pena' for street cred
If you want to sound like a local in Chennai, say 'Pena kodu' instead of 'Ezhuthukol kodu'.
The 'Ungal' Rule
Never forget to add '-ungal' when talking to someone older. It's the most common way learners accidentally offend people.
Signification
Requesting a writing instrument.
Use 'Pena' for street cred
If you want to sound like a local in Chennai, say 'Pena kodu' instead of 'Ezhuthukol kodu'.
The 'Ungal' Rule
Never forget to add '-ungal' when talking to someone older. It's the most common way learners accidentally offend people.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct informal verb.
நண்பா, ஒரு எழுதுகோல் _______.
'Kodu' is the informal imperative suitable for a friend (Nanba).
Which sentence is appropriate for asking your teacher for a pen?
ஆசிரியரிடம் பேனா கேட்பது எப்படி?
The '-ungal' suffix is necessary for respect toward a teacher.
Match the Tamil phrase with its English meaning.
பொருத்துக:
These are the standard translations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: எனக்கு எழுத வேண்டும். B: இந்தா, ஒரு _______ கொடு.
If you need to write (ezhutha vendum), you need a pen (ezhuthukol).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesநண்பா, ஒரு எழுதுகோல் _______.
'Kodu' is the informal imperative suitable for a friend (Nanba).
ஆசிரியரிடம் பேனா கேட்பது எப்படி?
The '-ungal' suffix is necessary for respect toward a teacher.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the standard translations.
A: எனக்கு எழுத வேண்டும். B: இந்தா, ஒரு _______ கொடு.
If you need to write (ezhutha vendum), you need a pen (ezhuthukol).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically it means any writing instrument, including pencils, but in modern usage, it usually refers to a pen.
Yes, but it's better to say 'Ezhuthukol kodungal' to the shopkeeper for politeness.
'Kodu' is general giving, 'Tha' is specifically 'give to me'. Both are used for pens.
It is written as one word: எழுதுகோல்.
'Pena' is a loanword from English/Portuguese and is much easier to say in casual conversation.
Add the color before the noun: 'Sivappu (Red) ezhuthukol kodu'.
Yes, it is the standard term used in all formal Tamil literature and news.
Yes, that is a more polite, regional way (especially in Sri Lanka) to ask 'Will you give a pen?'.
Say 'Irandu (two) ezhuthukol kodu'.
Usually, yes, if you have a close relationship, but 'kodungal' is safer if he is much older.
Expressions liées
பேனா கொடு
synonymGive a pen (using loanword)
எழுதுகோல் கொடுங்கள்
specialized formGive a pen (formal)
பென்சில் கொடு
similarGive a pencil
தாள் கொடு
similarGive a paper
