Signification
A command to begin an action.
Contexte culturel
The 'Pillayar Suzhi' is a symbol drawn before starting any written work to ensure success. The word 'Thuvangu' is used more frequently in daily speech compared to Indian Tamil. New businesses often have a 'Thirappu Vizha' (Opening Ceremony), but the first sale is called 'Boni'. In software localization, 'Thodangu' is the universal translation for 'Start' or 'Launch'.
The 'Start' Button Rule
Whenever you see a 'Start' button on a computer or machine, think 'Thodangu'. It's the most natural translation.
Don't say 'Thodangu Sei'
Unlike English where we say 'Do the start', in Tamil, 'Thodangu' is a complete verb. Adding 'Sei' (do) is redundant.
Signification
A command to begin an action.
The 'Start' Button Rule
Whenever you see a 'Start' button on a computer or machine, think 'Thodangu'. It's the most natural translation.
Don't say 'Thodangu Sei'
Unlike English where we say 'Do the start', in Tamil, 'Thodangu' is a complete verb. Adding 'Sei' (do) is redundant.
Sri Lankan Usage
If you are in Jaffna or London's Tamil community, use 'Thuvangu' to sound more local.
Auspicious Starts
If you're starting something big, mention 'Nalla Neram' (Good time) to impress native speakers.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Thodangu'.
நான் வேலையைத் __________. (I started the work - Past Tense)
The sentence refers to a past action, so 'Thodanginen' is correct.
Which of these is a polite command to start?
Choose the formal version:
Adding '-ungal' makes the command formal and polite.
Match the Tamil phrase to the situation.
Situation: A race is about to begin.
'Panthayam' means race.
Complete the dialogue.
A: படம் எப்போது தொடங்கும்? B: படம் _________ தொடங்கியது.
'Thodangiyadhu' is past/immediate past, 'Ippodhu' (now) fits best in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Thodangu vs. Aarambi
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesநான் வேலையைத் __________. (I started the work - Past Tense)
The sentence refers to a past action, so 'Thodanginen' is correct.
Choose the formal version:
Adding '-ungal' makes the command formal and polite.
Situation: A race is about to begin.
'Panthayam' means race.
A: படம் எப்போது தொடங்கும்? B: படம் _________ தொடங்கியது.
'Thodangiyadhu' is past/immediate past, 'Ippodhu' (now) fits best in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your younger brother.
Thodangu is pure Tamil; Aarambi is from Sanskrit. Both are understood, but Thodangu is preferred in writing.
It's better to use 'Start sei' or 'Iyakkun' for engines, though 'Vandiyai thodangu' is occasionally heard.
You say 'Thodanguvom' (தொடங்குவோம்).
No, 'Thodakkam' is the noun (The Beginning), and 'Thodangu' is the verb (To Begin).
No, for fire, use 'Moottu' (Neruppu moottu).
It comes from the root for touch, but in modern Tamil, it only means 'to start'.
Karkath thodangugiren (கற்கத் தொடங்குகிறேன்).
Yes, very often in titles and dialogues about new beginnings.
Mudi (முடி) which means 'to end' or 'to finish'.
Expressions liées
ஆரம்பி
synonymTo start (common in speech)
துவங்கு
synonymTo commence
முடித்தல்
contrastTo finish
தொடக்கம்
specialized formThe beginning (noun)
தொடர்
builds onTo continue
