Signification
Asking someone to move towards the rear.
Contexte culturel
Walking behind elders is a traditional sign of respect. In rural areas, you might see women walking slightly behind their husbands, though this is changing in urban centers. In Sri Lanka, 'Pinnukku' (பின்னுக்கு) is often used instead of 'Pinnāl'. The verb 'Vā' remains the same. In these regions, Tamil is often mixed with English. You might hear 'Follow paṇṇu' (Follow me) more often than 'Pinnāl vā' in casual settings. The phrase 'Pinnadi suthurathu' is a cultural trope for a guy following a girl he likes. It's featured in hundreds of song lyrics.
Use the '-ē' for emphasis
If someone is lagging, say 'Pinnālē vā!' (Come *right* behind!) to tell them to close the gap.
The 'Vā' Trap
Never say 'Vā' to a stranger in Tamil Nadu; it can be perceived as aggressive or uneducated. Stick to 'Vāṅga'.
Signification
Asking someone to move towards the rear.
Use the '-ē' for emphasis
If someone is lagging, say 'Pinnālē vā!' (Come *right* behind!) to tell them to close the gap.
The 'Vā' Trap
Never say 'Vā' to a stranger in Tamil Nadu; it can be perceived as aggressive or uneducated. Stick to 'Vāṅga'.
Body Language
When saying 'Pinnāl vā', it's common to gesture with a backward wave of the hand over your shoulder.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'behind'.
என் ______ வா. (Come behind me.)
'Pinnāl' means behind. 'Munnāl' means in front.
Which form should you use with your teacher?
ஆசிரியரே, என் ______.
'Vāruṅkaḷ' is the respectful form used for teachers and elders.
Complete the dialogue in a crowded market.
Me: 'இங்கே கூட்டம் அதிகம்.' Friend: 'ஆமாம், நான் எங்கே வருவது?' Me: '______.'
In a crowd, you ask someone to follow you for safety.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A bus conductor asking a passenger to move to the back.
Conductors use this to clear the entrance of the bus.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels of 'Come'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஎன் ______ வா. (Come behind me.)
'Pinnāl' means behind. 'Munnāl' means in front.
ஆசிரியரே, என் ______.
'Vāruṅkaḷ' is the respectful form used for teachers and elders.
Me: 'இங்கே கூட்டம் அதிகம்.' Friend: 'ஆமாம், நான் எங்கே வருவது?' Me: '______.'
In a crowd, you ask someone to follow you for safety.
Situation: A bus conductor asking a passenger to move to the back.
Conductors use this to clear the entrance of the bus.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt depends on who you say it to. To a friend, it's helpful. To an elder, it's very rude.
'Pinnāl' is formal/written. 'Pinnadi' is informal/spoken. Both mean the same thing.
No, use 'Thodaru' (தொடரு) for digital following.
Say 'Pinnāl vāruṅkaḷ' (பின்னால் வாருங்கள்) or 'Pinnādi vāṅga' (பின்னடி வாங்க).
Yes, it can mean 'later' in time, but 'Appuram' is more common for that.
Yes, it's a perfect command for a pet!
'Munnāl pō' (Go in front).
Yes, 'Pinnādi vāyēn' is a very casual, friendly way to say it.
They say it to clear the footboard and move people to the empty space at the back.
Yes, if you want a friend's car to follow yours, you can say 'En pinnāl vā'.
It is one word: பின் (back) + ஆல் (locative suffix).
Say 'En pinnāl varāthē' (என் பின்னால் வராதே).
It usually takes the dative case (-ku).
Yes, but they might say 'Pinnukku vā'.
Expressions liées
முன்னால் போ
contrastGo in front
தொடர்ந்து வா
similarKeep following
கூட வா
similarCome with me
பின்னாலே
specialized formRight behind
பின்தொடரு
formalFollow (literary)
