Signification
A warning to stay safe or alert.
Contexte culturel
In Tamil households, repeating 'Kavanam' is a sign of 'Paasam' (affection). It is common for mothers to say it multiple times as a child leaves. In Sri Lanka, you might hear 'Emandhu pogaadhai' (Don't be fooled/careless) alongside 'Kavanam', emphasizing alertness against deception. In these regions, 'Kavanam' is often used in public safety posters in MRT stations and workplaces, maintaining high formality. The phrase acts as a linguistic 'safety net' for second-generation learners, often being one of the few formal phrases they retain perfectly.
The 'Respect' Rule
Always use the '-ungal' version with anyone older than you, even by a few years.
Don't over-shorten
Shortening it to just 'Kavanam!' can sound like a barked command. Keep the 'iru' for politeness.
Signification
A warning to stay safe or alert.
The 'Respect' Rule
Always use the '-ungal' version with anyone older than you, even by a few years.
Don't over-shorten
Shortening it to just 'Kavanam!' can sound like a barked command. Keep the 'iru' for politeness.
The 'Paarthu' Combo
Combine it: 'Paarthu, கவனமாக இருங்கள்' for extra emphasis on immediate hazards.
The Motherly Echo
If someone says this to you, respond with 'Sari' (Okay) or 'Kandippa' (Certainly) to show you've heard their concern.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the warning.
சாலையில் நடக்கும்போது ________ இருங்கள்.
'Kavanamaga' is the correct adverb for 'carefully'.
Which form is most appropriate when speaking to your boss?
Sir, please be careful with the documents.
The '-ungal' suffix provides the necessary respect for a formal relationship.
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
1. 'Kavanama iru' | 2. 'Kavanamaga irungal' | 3. 'Paarthu po'
Informal for family, formal for work, and 'Paarthu po' is specific to departures.
Complete the dialogue.
A: மழை பெய்கிறது, தரை வழுக்கும். B: சரி, நான் ________.
'I will be careful' (Kavanamaga iruppen) is the logical response to a warning about a slippery floor.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesசாலையில் நடக்கும்போது ________ இருங்கள்.
'Kavanamaga' is the correct adverb for 'carefully'.
Sir, please be careful with the documents.
The '-ungal' suffix provides the necessary respect for a formal relationship.
1. 'Kavanama iru' | 2. 'Kavanamaga irungal' | 3. 'Paarthu po'
Informal for family, formal for work, and 'Paarthu po' is specific to departures.
A: மழை பெய்கிறது, தரை வழுக்கும். B: சரி, நான் ________.
'I will be careful' (Kavanamaga iruppen) is the logical response to a warning about a slippery floor.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, with close friends, use 'Kavanama iru'.
'Kavanam' is attention/focus; 'Jaakkirathai' is caution/vigilance. They are often interchangeable.
Yes, but 'Udambai paarthu kollungal' (Take care of your health) is more common for 'Take care'.
Add 'miga' or 'romba': 'Miga gavanamaaga irungal'.
Yes, it is widely understood and used across all Tamil dialects.
No, for that use 'Kavaninkal' (Listen/Observe).
There isn't a single phrase, but 'Kavanam illamal' (without attention) describes the opposite state.
No, unless said in a very aggressive tone. Usually, it sounds protective.
It turns the noun 'attention' into the adverb 'attentively'.
Yes, use 'Kavanama iru, chellam' (Be careful, dear).
Expressions liées
பார்த்து போங்கள்
similarLook and go
ஜாக்கிரதையாக இருங்கள்
synonymBe cautious
பத்திரமாக இருங்கள்
similarBe safe
எச்சரிக்கையாக இருங்கள்
specialized formBe alert/warned
நிதானமாக இருங்கள்
builds onBe patient/steady
