Signification
Respectful term for older people.
Contexte culturel
Respecting 'Periyavargal' is the cornerstone of 'Panpaadu' (culture). It is common to see people stand up when an elder enters a room. The term 'Periyakkal' is sometimes used in specific dialects, but 'Periyavargal' remains the standard for formal respect. In the diaspora, 'Periyavargal' often refers to the first generation of immigrants who established the community temples and schools. Even in Western countries, Tamil youth are taught to address any older Tamil person as 'Uncle' or 'Auntie', but refer to them collectively as 'Periyavargal' in formal settings.
The 'Nga' Trick
If you find 'vargal' hard to pronounce, use 'vanga' (Periyavanga). It sounds more natural in conversation anyway!
Avoid 'Old'
Never translate 'Old people' literally as 'Pazhaya aatkal'. It sounds like you are calling them 'expired goods'.
Signification
Respectful term for older people.
The 'Nga' Trick
If you find 'vargal' hard to pronounce, use 'vanga' (Periyavanga). It sounds more natural in conversation anyway!
Avoid 'Old'
Never translate 'Old people' literally as 'Pazhaya aatkal'. It sounds like you are calling them 'expired goods'.
Body Language
When talking about 'Periyavargal', a slight nod of the head shows you truly understand the respect the word carries.
Singular vs Plural
Even if you are talking about one person, using the plural 'Periyavargal' is a 'Pro' move that shows high fluency and respect.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Periyavargal'.
வீட்டில் _________ ஆசி பெற வேண்டும்.
We need the plural/honorific form to refer to elders in a family context.
Which sentence is the most respectful?
How do you say 'The elders are speaking'?
This uses the formal noun and the correct honorific verb ending 'aargal'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a wedding and want to refer to the senior family members.
Periyavargal is the appropriate term for senior family members at a formal event.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Choosing the Right Word
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesவீட்டில் _________ ஆசி பெற வேண்டும்.
We need the plural/honorific form to refer to elders in a family context.
How do you say 'The elders are speaking'?
This uses the formal noun and the correct honorific verb ending 'aargal'.
Situation: You are at a wedding and want to refer to the senior family members.
Periyavargal is the appropriate term for senior family members at a formal event.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, if they are significantly older than you, it is a very respectful way to refer to them in the third person.
Usually, no. It might make them feel too old! Stick to 'Anna' (Brother) or 'Sir'. Use it for people 60+.
Periyorgal is more formal and literary. You'll see it in books; you'll say Periyavargal in person.
No, it can also mean 'important people' or 'ancestors' depending on the context.
பெரியவர்களை மதிக்க வேண்டும் (Periyavargalai madhikka vendum).
It's not slang, just the standard spoken form. It's perfectly fine for daily use.
Yes, it is gender-neutral (epicene plural).
You can say 'Periyavar' (honorific) or 'Vayadhana penn' (aged woman), but 'Periyavargal' covers everyone.
Constantly! It's a key word in family dramas.
In Tamil, greatness (size) and greatness (character/age) are linguistically linked.
Yes, especially when talking to others about them: 'Enga veettu periyavanga' (The elders of our house).
In very casual settings, people just say 'Periyavanga'.
Expressions liées
மூத்த குடிமக்கள்
specialized formSenior citizens
சான்றோர்கள்
similarThe learned/virtuous ones
முதியவர்கள்
similarAged people
பெரிய மனுஷன்
builds onA mature/big man
