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Contexte culturel
In traditional Tamil households, children are expected to answer immediately when called by their name. Silence is often interpreted as disobedience. Sri Lankan Tamil speakers might use 'மறுமொழி' (Marumozhi) slightly more often in formal speech than Indian Tamil speakers. On social media, 'பதில் சொல்' is often replaced by the English loanword 'Reply பண்ணு' (Reply pannu). In Chennai's IT hubs, 'பதில் சொல்' is used for 'reverting' to an email, a common Indianism in English that translates back to Tamil logic.
The 'Sollu' Shortcut
In casual conversation, always use 'பதில் சொல்லு' (Pathil sollu). It sounds much more natural than the dictionary form 'sol'.
Watch the Tone
Saying 'Pathil sol!' abruptly can sound like an order. Add '-nga' (Pathil sollunga) to stay friendly.
Signification
To reply to a question.
The 'Sollu' Shortcut
In casual conversation, always use 'பதில் சொல்லு' (Pathil sollu). It sounds much more natural than the dictionary form 'sol'.
Watch the Tone
Saying 'Pathil sol!' abruptly can sound like an order. Add '-nga' (Pathil sollunga) to stay friendly.
Silence is an Answer
In Tamil culture, if someone doesn't 'pathil sol', they might be politely saying 'no' without being direct.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'பதில் சொல்'.
அவன் என் கேள்விக்கு ______ (answered - past tense).
The context implies a completed action in the past.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a teacher to answer?
ஐயா, தயவுசெய்து ______.
The '-ungal' suffix is the standard way to show respect to elders or professionals.
Complete the WhatsApp dialogue.
A: ஏன் இன்னும் மெசேஜுக்கு ______? B: சாரி, நான் பிஸியா இருந்தேன்.
'பதில் சொல்லல' is the colloquial short form of 'பதில் சொல்லவில்லை' (did not answer).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are arguing with your younger brother and want him to stop talking back.
'Pathil pesathe' specifically means 'don't talk back' in an argumentative context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஅவன் என் கேள்விக்கு ______ (answered - past tense).
The context implies a completed action in the past.
ஐயா, தயவுசெய்து ______.
The '-ungal' suffix is the standard way to show respect to elders or professionals.
A: ஏன் இன்னும் மெசேஜுக்கு ______? B: சாரி, நான் பிஸியா இருந்தேன்.
'பதில் சொல்லல' is the colloquial short form of 'பதில் சொல்லவில்லை' (did not answer).
Situation: You are arguing with your younger brother and want him to stop talking back.
'Pathil pesathe' specifically means 'don't talk back' in an argumentative context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it's very common. 'E-mail-ku pathil sol' is perfectly fine.
Yes, though some argue it has Persian roots via Urdu, it has been fully integrated into Tamil for centuries.
You say 'பதில் சொல்லாதே' (Pathil sollathe).
'Vidai' is more formal/academic (like 'solution'), while 'Pathil' is for any general reply.
Yes, 'Phone-ukku pathil sol' is common, though 'Phone-ai edu' (pick up the phone) is also used.
Expressions liées
பதிலளி
specialized formTo provide a response (formal).
விடையளி
specialized formTo answer a question/riddle.
பதில் பேசு
similarTo talk back/argue.
மறுமொழி கூறு
synonymTo give a reply.
திரும்பிச் சொல்
contrastTo repeat something.
