Signification
Having a positive reason for doing something.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Aram' (righteousness) dictates that the intention behind a gift is more important than the gift's value. In Sri Lankan Tamil dialects, 'Nokkam' is often used in community building and 'Sramadana' (voluntary work) contexts. In these multicultural settings, 'Nalla Nokkam' is frequently used in inter-ethnic dialogues to ensure harmony. Second-generation learners use this phrase to connect with traditional values of sincerity and 'Manasaatchi' (conscience).
The '-udan' trick
Add '-udan' to 'Nokkam' to say 'with intention'. It makes you sound much more fluent.
Avoid Sarcasm
As a learner, avoid using this phrase sarcastically, as it can be easily misunderstood as a genuine compliment.
Signification
Having a positive reason for doing something.
The '-udan' trick
Add '-udan' to 'Nokkam' to say 'with intention'. It makes you sound much more fluent.
Avoid Sarcasm
As a learner, avoid using this phrase sarcastically, as it can be easily misunderstood as a genuine compliment.
Character Description
Use 'Nalla nokkam konda manidhar' to describe someone you deeply trust; it's a high compliment in Tamil culture.
The 'Result' vs 'Intent'
In Tamil culture, if you can prove your 'Nalla Nokkam', people are very likely to forgive your mistakes.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
அவர் ___________ தான் இந்த உதவியைச் செய்தார்.
The sentence requires an adverbial form 'with good intention' to describe how the help was done.
Which sentence is the most natural way to defend someone's mistake?
Someone accidentally broke a plate while cleaning.
This sentence highlights that the intention (cleaning) was good, despite the accident.
Match the Tamil phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Understanding these variations helps in precise communication.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ஏன் என் ரகசியத்தை அவனிடம் சொன்னாய்? B: மன்னித்துவிடு, உனக்கு உதவி செய்ய வேண்டும் என்ற _________ தான் சொன்னேன்.
B is trying to justify their action as helpful, so 'good intention' is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Nokkam vs. Thittam
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஅவர் ___________ தான் இந்த உதவியைச் செய்தார்.
The sentence requires an adverbial form 'with good intention' to describe how the help was done.
Someone accidentally broke a plate while cleaning.
This sentence highlights that the intention (cleaning) was good, despite the accident.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Understanding these variations helps in precise communication.
A: ஏன் என் ரகசியத்தை அவனிடம் சொன்னாய்? B: மன்னித்துவிடு, உனக்கு உதவி செய்ய வேண்டும் என்ற _________ தான் சொன்னேன்.
B is trying to justify their action as helpful, so 'good intention' is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsWhile it has roots in ethical texts like the Thirukkural, it is used in a completely secular way today.
No, that would be 'Ketta Nokkam'. 'Nalla' specifically means good.
'Ennam' is a thought; 'Nokkam' is a directed intention or aim. They are often interchangeable.
You can say 'Adhu en nokkam illai' (That was not my intention).
It is neutral. You can use it in a movie theater or a boardroom.
Usually no, as it implies a conscious moral choice.
It means 'inside intention' or an ulterior motive. It's the opposite of a transparent 'Nalla Nokkam'.
It's a 'geminate' consonant. Hold the 'k' sound for a split second longer.
Yes, very frequently in emotional scenes where a character explains their actions.
It's better to say 'Nalla Thittam' for the plan itself, but 'Nalla Nokkam' for the reason you started the business.
Yes, 'Nalla Nokkangal', but the singular is more common when referring to a person's general character.
No, it specifically focuses on the attempt, regardless of whether it succeeded.
Expressions liées
நல் எண்ணம்
synonymGood thought
உள்நோக்கம்
contrastUlterior motive
குறிக்கோள்
similarGoal/Objective
சேவை மனப்பான்மை
builds onService mindset
மனத்தூய்மை
specialized formPurity of mind
