Signification
Plural term for young kids.
Contexte culturel
Children are often called by nicknames like 'Kanna' or 'Chellam' (dear/gold) rather than their formal names at home. The word 'Kuzhandhaigal' is used when talking *about* them to others. In Sri Lankan dialects, 'Pillaigal' is used much more frequently than 'Kuzhandhaigal' even in semi-formal settings. 'Kuzhandhaigal' remains the written standard. The term 'Tamil Kuzhandhaigal' is a common phrase used in community centers to foster a sense of identity among the youth living abroad. In poetry, children are compared to 'Malar' (flowers). The phrase 'Kuzhandhai Selvam' (Child-wealth) reflects the idea that children are the greatest asset a person can possess.
Master the 'Zh'
If you can't do the 'zh' sound yet, a soft 'l' is a better substitute than a hard 'r'. Native speakers will understand you better.
Plural Agreement
Always remember to use plural verb endings (like -argal) when 'Kuzhandhaigal' is the subject, or you will sound like a beginner.
Signification
Plural term for young kids.
Master the 'Zh'
If you can't do the 'zh' sound yet, a soft 'l' is a better substitute than a hard 'r'. Native speakers will understand you better.
Plural Agreement
Always remember to use plural verb endings (like -argal) when 'Kuzhandhaigal' is the subject, or you will sound like a beginner.
Respectful Inquiry
When asking about someone's children, adding 'Nalam' (well-being) makes it very polite: 'Kuzhandhaigal nalam-a?'
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'children' with the dative case (to/for).
நான் _________ மிட்டாய் கொடுத்தேன்.
The sentence means 'I gave sweets TO the children,' so the dative suffix '-ukku' is required.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Pick the correct plural agreement.
Plural subjects require the '-argal' verb ending in formal/neutral Tamil.
Match the Tamil word to its English register.
Registers of 'Children'
Understanding register is key to sounding natural in Tamil.
Complete the dialogue.
A: உங்கள் வீட்டில் எத்தனை _________? B: எனக்கு இரண்டு மகன்கள்.
When asking 'how many,' you use the plural nominative form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Registers of 'Children'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesநான் _________ மிட்டாய் கொடுத்தேன்.
The sentence means 'I gave sweets TO the children,' so the dative suffix '-ukku' is required.
Pick the correct plural agreement.
Plural subjects require the '-argal' verb ending in formal/neutral Tamil.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Understanding register is key to sounding natural in Tamil.
A: உங்கள் வீட்டில் எத்தனை _________? B: எனக்கு இரண்டு மகன்கள்.
When asking 'how many,' you use the plural nominative form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it refers to both boys and girls collectively.
Yes, it can refer to infants, though 'Pachai Kuzhandhai' (green/fresh child) is more specific for newborns.
'Kuzhandhaigal' is the general term; 'Siruvar' is more formal and often implies slightly older children (school-age).
Add the suffix '-in' to get 'Kuzhandhaigalin'.
It's not rude, but it's very casual. Use it with friends, not in a job interview.
It's a native Tamil sound that has been part of the word for thousands of years.
Yes, 'En kuzhandhaigal' (my children) is perfectly natural.
Yes, it can, though 'Pillaigal' is more common for adult offspring.
The standard transliteration is 'Kuzhandhaigal'.
Constantly! Many songs and movie titles feature this word.
Expressions liées
சிறுவர் சிறுமியர்
specialized formBoys and girls
பெற்றோர்
contrastParents
மழலை
similarInfant speech/innocence
வாரிசு
specialized formHeir/Successor
மாணவர்கள்
similarStudents
