Signification
Lifting or moving luggage.
Contexte culturel
Porters (Coolies) are an integral part of the railway experience. They have a fixed tariff but often negotiate. They are known for their incredible ability to balance multiple 'petti' on their heads. When a guest arrives, the host or their children will immediately try to 'petti thookku'. Refusing this help too many times can sometimes be seen as not allowing the host to serve you. In Tamil movies, a hero 'lifting a box' and leaving his village for the city is a classic scene representing ambition and struggle. There are strong unions for 'Sumai thookkuvor' (Load lifters) in Tamil Nadu, reflecting the political importance of manual labor.
Use the suffix -nga
When asking a porter, always say 'Thookkungga' (plural/polite) to show respect, even if they are younger.
Watch the 'th'
If you pronounce 'thookku' with a hard 'T' (like 'tank'), it might be misunderstood. Keep it soft/dental.
Signification
Lifting or moving luggage.
Use the suffix -nga
When asking a porter, always say 'Thookkungga' (plural/polite) to show respect, even if they are younger.
Watch the 'th'
If you pronounce 'thookku' with a hard 'T' (like 'tank'), it might be misunderstood. Keep it soft/dental.
The 'Tip' culture
When someone lifts your 'petti', a small tip (10-50 rupees) is expected unless it's a family member.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'thookku'.
நேற்று நான் கனமான பெட்டியைத் _______. (Yesterday I lifted the heavy box.)
'நேற்று' (Yesterday) requires the past tense 'தூக்கினேன்'.
Which sentence is the most natural for asking a porter for help?
Choose the best option:
'Thookka mudiyuma?' (Can you lift?) is the standard polite request.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at the airport and your bag is on the conveyor belt.
You need to lift (thookku) the bag off the belt.
Complete the dialogue.
A: இந்தப் பெட்டி ரொம்ப கனம். B: கவலைப்படாதே, நான் _______.
B is offering to lift it now (Present tense).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Thookku'
Travel
- • Suitcases
- • Trunks
- • Backpacks
Home
- • Moving boxes
- • Furniture
- • Groceries
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesநேற்று நான் கனமான பெட்டியைத் _______. (Yesterday I lifted the heavy box.)
'நேற்று' (Yesterday) requires the past tense 'தூக்கினேன்'.
Choose the best option:
'Thookka mudiyuma?' (Can you lift?) is the standard polite request.
Situation: You are at the airport and your bag is on the conveyor belt.
You need to lift (thookku) the bag off the belt.
A: இந்தப் பெட்டி ரொம்ப கனம். B: கவலைப்படாதே, நான் _______.
B is offering to lift it now (Present tense).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but 'maattu' (to hang/wear) is more common for backpacks. 'Thookku' is for when you pick it up from the floor.
No, it can mean any box, but in a travel context, it always implies luggage.
The formal word is 'பயணப்பொதி' (Payanappodhi).
தூக்காதே (Thookkaadhe - Informal) or தூக்காதீர்கள் (Thookkaadheergall - Formal).
In many English-speaking cultures, yes. In Tamil Nadu, 'Coolie' is still used as a standard term for a porter, but 'Sumai thookkuvor' is more respectful.
No, for weights we use 'எடை தூக்குதல்' (Edai thookkudhal).
Use 'edu' (take) instead of 'thookku'.
Yes, 'thookku' can also mean 'to hang' (like a criminal or a picture), but the context of 'petti' makes it clear it means 'lift'.
என்னால் இதைத் தூக்க முடியாது (Ennaal idhaith thookka mudiyaadhu).
Yes, it is widely understood in Sri Lankan Tamil as well.
Yes, you can say 'beero-va thookku' (lift the cupboard).
கீழே வை (Keezhe vai - Put it down).
Expressions liées
சுமை தூக்கு
similarTo lift a load
பெட்டிப் படுக்கை
builds onBaggage and bedding
பெட்டி எடு
similarPick up the box
தூக்கி எறி
contrastThrow away
கைப்பெட்டி
specialized formHandbag/Small suitcase
