Signification
Instructing someone to remain silent or ignore.
Contexte culturel
Silence is often seen as a sign of patience (Porumai). Telling someone 'badhil sollādhe' is often a way to encourage them to be the 'bigger person'. In Sri Lankan Tamil dialects, you might hear 'மறுமொழி சொல்லாதே' (Marumozhi sollādhe) more frequently in formal contexts than in Indian Tamil. Younger Tamils often mix English: 'அவனுக்கு reply பண்ணாதே' (Don't reply to him). 'Badhil sollādhe' is now often reserved for more serious or traditional contexts. The 'silent hero' is a popular trope. Heroes often refuse to answer the villain's questions to show they aren't intimidated.
The Power of the Pause
Wait 2 seconds before saying 'Badhil sollādhe' to make it sound more authoritative and calm.
Respect the Elders
Never use this with your grandparents. Use 'Badhil sollādhīrgal' instead.
Signification
Instructing someone to remain silent or ignore.
The Power of the Pause
Wait 2 seconds before saying 'Badhil sollādhe' to make it sound more authoritative and calm.
Respect the Elders
Never use this with your grandparents. Use 'Badhil sollādhīrgal' instead.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head away from the person while saying this adds to the 'ignoring' effect.
Texting
In texts, you can just write 'Badhil sollādhe' to a friend who is overthinking a reply.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'don't answer' (informal).
அவன் உன்னைத் திட்டினால் நீ ____.
The sentence is informal ('nee'), so 'badhil sollādhe' is the correct negative imperative.
Which of these is the most respectful way to tell an elder not to answer?
பெரியவர்களிடம் சொல்லும்போது:
The suffix '-ādhīrgal' is used for respect and plurality.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A stranger asks for your bank details.
You should never give bank details to strangers; hence, 'don't answer'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: அவன் ஏன் கத்துகிறான்? B: அவன் குடித்திருக்கிறான், அவனுக்கு ____.
If someone is drunk and shouting, the best advice is to ignore them.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஅவன் உன்னைத் திட்டினால் நீ ____.
The sentence is informal ('nee'), so 'badhil sollādhe' is the correct negative imperative.
பெரியவர்களிடம் சொல்லும்போது:
The suffix '-ādhīrgal' is used for respect and plurality.
Situation: A stranger asks for your bank details.
You should never give bank details to strangers; hence, 'don't answer'.
A: அவன் ஏன் கத்துகிறான்? B: அவன் குடித்திருக்கிறான், அவனுக்கு ____.
If someone is drunk and shouting, the best advice is to ignore them.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt depends on the tone. It can be helpful advice between friends or a sharp command in an argument.
The pure Tamil word is 'Vidai' (விடை).
No, it's too informal. Use 'Badhil solla vēndām' (No need to answer) for a polite neutral tone.
'Badhil sollādhe' means don't reply to a specific thing; 'Pēsādhe' means don't talk at all.
You would say ' கதவைத் திறக்காதே' (Don't open the door). 'Badhil sollādhe' is only for verbal/written replies.
Yes, very often! It's a classic line for heroes and protective mothers.
You can say 'Phone-ai edukkaadhay' (Don't pick up) or 'Badhil sollādhe' if you mean don't talk to the caller.
Yes, 'Andha kelvikku badhil sollādhe' is correct if you are telling someone to skip a question.
The plural/formal form is 'Badhil sollādhīrgal'.
Yes, 'Kandukkādhe' (Ignore it) is the most common slang equivalent.
'Badhil' is much more common in spoken Tamil, while 'Vidai' is used in textbooks and exams.
No, 'sollādha' is an adjective form (e.g., 'the unsaid answer'). The command must be 'sollādhe'.
Expressions liées
பேசாதே
similarDon't speak
கண்டுக்காதே
similarIgnore it
வாயை மூடு
specialized formShut your mouth
மௌனமாக இரு
synonymBe silent
பதில் சொல்லு
contrastAnswer me
