Signification
Instruction to be punctual.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is often flexible in social gatherings (weddings, parties), but very strict for religious rituals (Muhurtham). In IT hubs like Chennai, punctuality is strictly enforced and follows global standards. The word 'Pinti' is often used instead of 'Tāmatam' to mean late or behind. Due to the influence of efficient public transport, 'Tāmatamāka varātē' is taken very literally and seriously.
Use Tanglish
If you forget 'Tāmatamāka', just say 'Late-ā'. Everyone will understand you.
Respect the Elders
Never use 'varātē' with someone older than you; it's a major social faux pas.
Signification
Instruction to be punctual.
Use Tanglish
If you forget 'Tāmatamāka', just say 'Late-ā'. Everyone will understand you.
Respect the Elders
Never use 'varātē' with someone older than you; it's a major social faux pas.
The '-āka' Rule
Learn '-āka' once, and you can turn hundreds of Tamil nouns into adverbs.
IST is real
Even if you say this, expect your friends to be 10 minutes late. It's part of the charm!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing adverbial suffix.
தாமத___ வராதே.
The suffix '-āka' is required to turn the noun 'tāmatam' into an adverb.
Which form is appropriate for your boss?
Boss, ________.
The '-ātīrkaḷ' ending is the respectful/formal version.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are telling your younger brother not to be late for dinner.
Informal is correct for a younger sibling.
Complete the dialogue.
A: நாளை 6 மணிக்கு மீட்டிங். B: சரி, நான் ________ வராதே.
The context implies a warning about being late.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesதாமத___ வராதே.
The suffix '-āka' is required to turn the noun 'tāmatam' into an adverb.
Boss, ________.
The '-ātīrkaḷ' ending is the respectful/formal version.
Situation: You are telling your younger brother not to be late for dinner.
Informal is correct for a younger sibling.
A: நாளை 6 மணிக்கு மீட்டிங். B: சரி, நான் ________ வராதே.
The context implies a warning about being late.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's neutral. For very close friends, 'Late-ā varātē' is more common in cities.
Use the plural: 'Tāmatamāka varātīrkaḷ'.
'Tāmatam' means delay/late. 'Nēram' means time.
Only if the email is to a close friend. For work, use 'Nērattil varavum'.
Say 'Nāṉ tāmatamāka vantēṉ' (I came late).
Yes, 'Tāmatikkātē' (Don't delay).
It's a grammatical rule where the long vowel shortens in the negative imperative.
Yes, but 'Pinti varātē' is more common there.
Add 'marupaṭiyum' (again): 'Marupaṭiyum tāmatamāka varātē'.
It depends on your tone. It can be a friendly reminder or a stern warning.
Expressions liées
நேரத்திற்கு வா
similarCome on time
தாமதிக்காதே
synonymDon't delay
சீக்கிரம் வா
similarCome quickly
நேரம் ஆகிவிட்டது
builds onIt's already late
