Signification
Natural combination for artistic drawing.
Contexte culturel
The tradition of 'Kolam' is a form of drawing on the floor using rice powder. While technically 'Kolam idu', it is the most common form of artistic line-drawing in the region. The Sittannavasal cave paintings (2nd century BC) show that 'drawing' was a highly developed professional skill in ancient Tamil society. Hand-painted movie posters were a staple of Chennai streets for decades. Artists who could 'padam varai' accurately were highly respected. In Tamil schools, 'Drawing' (Oviyam) is a mandatory subject in primary education, emphasizing the phrase 'padam varai' from a very young age.
Use with 'Theriyum'
To say 'I know how to draw,' use 'Enakku padam varaiya theriyum.' It's a very common way to state the skill.
Don't use for 'Write'
Even if you are 'drawing' letters beautifully (calligraphy), the verb is still 'ezhuthu,' not 'varai.'
Signification
Natural combination for artistic drawing.
Use with 'Theriyum'
To say 'I know how to draw,' use 'Enakku padam varaiya theriyum.' It's a very common way to state the skill.
Don't use for 'Write'
Even if you are 'drawing' letters beautifully (calligraphy), the verb is still 'ezhuthu,' not 'varai.'
The 'ai' ending
In colloquial Tamil, 'varai' often sounds like 'varaiye' or 'varaiyure' in the present tense. Listen for that 'y' sound!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'வரை' in the present tense.
நான் இப்போது ஒரு பூ படம் ______.
The word 'இப்போது' (now) indicates the present tense, so 'வரைகிறேன்' is correct.
Which sentence is correct for 'I like to draw'?
எனக்கு படம் ______ பிடிக்கும்.
'Varaiya' is the infinitive form 'to draw'. 'Ezhutha' means to write, 'padikka' means to study, and 'paarkka' means to see.
Complete the dialogue.
ஆசிரியர்: தம்பி, நீ என்ன செய்கிறாய்? மாணவன்: ஐயா, நான் ஒரு மரம் ______.
The student is answering what they are doing right now.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'வரைபடம் வரை'?
'Varaipadam' specifically refers to maps or diagrams.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Varai vs Ezhuthu
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesநான் இப்போது ஒரு பூ படம் ______.
The word 'இப்போது' (now) indicates the present tense, so 'வரைகிறேன்' is correct.
எனக்கு படம் ______ பிடிக்கும்.
'Varaiya' is the infinitive form 'to draw'. 'Ezhutha' means to write, 'padikka' means to study, and 'paarkka' means to see.
ஆசிரியர்: தம்பி, நீ என்ன செய்கிறாய்? மாணவன்: ஐயா, நான் ஒரு மரம் ______.
The student is answering what they are doing right now.
When would you say 'வரைபடம் வரை'?
'Varaipadam' specifically refers to maps or diagrams.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, for general painting it is fine. However, 'tīṭṭu' is more specific for the act of applying paint with a brush.
No, 'oviyam' (art) and 'cittiram' (illustration) are also used, but 'padam' is the most common and basic.
You can just say 'Naan varaikiren,' but it sounds more natural in Tamil to include the object: 'Naan padam varaikiren.'
The past tense is 'varainthen' (I drew). It follows the weak verb pattern.
Yes, 'padam' is the common word for movie. But you don't 'varai' a movie; you 'paarkka' (watch) or 'edu' (make) it.
It is neutral. It is used in textbooks and in casual conversation with friends.
You say 'varaiyathae' (informal) or 'varaiyathirgal' (formal).
Yes, 'varaipadam varai' is the standard phrase for drawing a map.
'Varai' is for images/lines; 'ezhuthu' is for text/letters.
Not exactly slang, but 'padam podu' (put a picture) is very casual and common among friends.
Expressions liées
ஓவியம் தீட்டு
specialized formTo paint a masterpiece
வரைபடம்
builds onA map or diagram
வண்ணம் தீட்டு
similarTo color
கற்பனை செய்
similarTo imagine
