Signification
To inquire about something.
Contexte culturel
In traditional Tamil schools, 'kēḷvi' was considered a form of wealth. The more you 'heard' and 'asked', the wealthier you were in knowledge. In Chennai's IT hubs, 'கேள்வி கேள்' is used during 'Town Halls' to encourage transparency, reflecting a shift from traditional hierarchy to modern corporate culture. The 'Patti Mandram' (debate) culture has made the act of questioning a form of public entertainment and intellectual exercise. The phrase is a slogan for rationalist movements in Tamil Nadu, encouraging people to question superstitious beliefs.
The 'Doubt' Culture
In Tamil Nadu, students rarely say 'I have a question'. They say 'I have a doubt' (Enakku oru doubt). Use 'Cantēkam' to sound like a local student.
The Retroflex ḷ
If you pronounce 'Kel' with a normal 'l', it might sound like 'Kēl' (which isn't a word) or be misunderstood. Always curl the tongue!
Signification
To inquire about something.
The 'Doubt' Culture
In Tamil Nadu, students rarely say 'I have a question'. They say 'I have a doubt' (Enakku oru doubt). Use 'Cantēkam' to sound like a local student.
The Retroflex ḷ
If you pronounce 'Kel' with a normal 'l', it might sound like 'Kēl' (which isn't a word) or be misunderstood. Always curl the tongue!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'kēḷ'.
மாணவன் ஆசிரியரிடம் ஒரு கேள்வி _______. (Past Tense)
The sentence refers to a completed action (Past Tense), so 'கேட்டான்' (kēṭṭāṉ) is correct.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a question to an elder?
Choose the correct phrase:
'கேளுங்கள்' is the polite/plural imperative form used for respect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: எனக்கு ஒரு சந்தேகம். B: ________________.
When someone has a doubt (cantēkam), the natural response is to invite them to ask a question.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesமாணவன் ஆசிரியரிடம் ஒரு கேள்வி _______. (Past Tense)
The sentence refers to a completed action (Past Tense), so 'கேட்டான்' (kēṭṭāṉ) is correct.
Choose the correct phrase:
'கேளுங்கள்' is the polite/plural imperative form used for respect.
A: எனக்கு ஒரு சந்தேகம். B: ________________.
When someone has a doubt (cantēkam), the natural response is to invite them to ask a question.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNo, 'kelvi pannu' is grammatically incorrect in Tamil. Always use 'kel'.
'Kelvi' is common and used in daily life. 'Vina' is formal and used in exams or literature.
You say 'Naan ketten' (நான் கேட்டேன்). Note the 'ḷ' changes to 'ṭ'.
Expressions liées
பதில் சொல்
contrastTo give an answer.
சந்தேகம் கேள்
similarTo ask a doubt.
விசாரி
specialized formTo inquire/investigate.
வினா எழுப்பு
formalTo raise a question.
