Signification
Securing a window shut.
Contexte culturel
Closing windows at 6 PM is a near-universal habit in Tamil Nadu to prevent mosquitoes. It's often accompanied by lighting an incense stick (agarbatti). In non-AC buses, passengers have a silent agreement about windows. If you want to close one, it's polite to check if the person behind you wants the breeze. Old 'Chettinad' houses have massive windows. Closing them is a heavy task and usually signifies the end of the day's social activity. Windows are often used as a metaphor for a character's heart. Closing a window in a movie often symbolizes heartbreak or shutting someone out of one's life.
The '-ai' Secret
If you want to sound like a native, drop the '-ai' in 'jannalai' and just say 'jannal mūṭu'.
Politeness Matters
Never say 'mūṭu' to your boss or father-in-law. Use 'mūṭuṅkaḷ'.
Signification
Securing a window shut.
The '-ai' Secret
If you want to sound like a native, drop the '-ai' in 'jannalai' and just say 'jannal mūṭu'.
Politeness Matters
Never say 'mūṭu' to your boss or father-in-law. Use 'mūṭuṅkaḷ'.
Chennai Slang
In Chennai, use 'sāttu' instead of 'mūṭu' to sound more local.
Mosquito Alert
If someone says 'நேரம் ஆச்சு' (It's time) in the evening, they usually mean 'close the windows' because of mosquitoes.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct verb to say 'Close the window'.
மழை வருகிறது, ஜன்னலை ______.
'Mūṭu' is the verb for closing/shutting.
Which is the most polite way to ask a stranger to close a window?
Choose the correct form:
The suffix '-uṅkaḷ' makes the command a polite request.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: It is 6 PM and mosquitoes are entering.
Closing windows at dusk is the standard way to keep mosquitoes out.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ஏசி ஆன் பண்ணட்டுமா? B: சரி, ஆனா முதல்ல ______.
You must close windows before turning on the air conditioning.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Politeness Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesமழை வருகிறது, ஜன்னலை ______.
'Mūṭu' is the verb for closing/shutting.
Choose the correct form:
The suffix '-uṅkaḷ' makes the command a polite request.
Situation: It is 6 PM and mosquitoes are entering.
Closing windows at dusk is the standard way to keep mosquitoes out.
A: ஏசி ஆன் பண்ணட்டுமா? B: சரி, ஆனா முதல்ல ______.
You must close windows before turning on the air conditioning.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'katavai mūṭu' is perfectly correct and very common.
'Mūṭu' is neutral and standard. 'Sāttu' is more colloquial and implies a firm shut.
No, it's a loanword from Portuguese 'janela'.
You say 'ஜன்னலை மூடி வை' (Jannalai mūṭi vai).
It is 'jannal' with a dental 'n'.
Yes, younger people use it for closing browser or app windows.
Use 'ஜன்னலை நல்லா மூடு' (Jannalai nallā mūṭu).
Yes, 'காலணி' (kālaṇi) or 'சளசரம்' (saḷasaram), but they are rarely used in speech.
To prevent rain spray (saral) from entering the house.
Say 'ஜன்னலை மூடாதே' (Jannalai mūṭātē).
Expressions liées
கதவை மூடு
similarClose the door
ஜன்னலைத் திற
contrastOpen the window
ஜன்னல் சாத்து
synonymShut the window
ஜன்னல் ஓரம்
builds onBy the window / Window seat
திரையை இழு
relatedPull the curtain
