Signification
Asking someone to repeat themselves
Contexte culturel
Respect for elders is paramount. Even if you are older than the speaker, using the formal '-uṅkaḷ' is seen as a sign of high 'Panbu' (culture). In Sri Lanka, the phrase is equally common, but you might hear 'Thirumbavum' (திரும்பவும்) used more frequently than 'Mīṇṭum' in colloquial speech. Tamil is an official language here. In professional settings, 'Mīṇṭum colluṅkaḷ' is the standard in government and media. On apps like WhatsApp, people often shorten it to 'Mīṇṭum colluṅga' or use the English 'Repeat please' in Tamil script.
The 'Excuse Me' Combo
Always start with 'Manniṅkaḷ' (Excuse me) to sound like a native speaker.
Don't just say 'Enna?'
Even if you are frustrated, 'Enna?' can sound aggressive. Stick to the full phrase.
Signification
Asking someone to repeat themselves
The 'Excuse Me' Combo
Always start with 'Manniṅkaḷ' (Excuse me) to sound like a native speaker.
Don't just say 'Enna?'
Even if you are frustrated, 'Enna?' can sound aggressive. Stick to the full phrase.
Body Language
A small polite nod while saying this phrase goes a long way in Tamil culture.
Teste-toi
Which is the most polite way to ask a teacher to repeat something?
ஆசிரியர் பேசுகிறார். நீங்கள் என்ன சொல்வீர்கள்?
The suffix '-uṅkaḷ' is necessary for showing respect to a teacher.
Fill in the blank with the word for 'again'.
தயவுசெய்து _______ சொல்லுங்கள்.
'Mīṇṭum' means 'again', which completes the phrase 'Please say it again'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are talking to your grandmother and didn't hear her.
You must use the formal form with elders like your grandmother.
Complete the dialogue.
A: என் பெயர் ரவி. B: மன்னிக்கவும், ________?
B is asking A to repeat their name.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஆசிரியர் பேசுகிறார். நீங்கள் என்ன சொல்வீர்கள்?
The suffix '-uṅkaḷ' is necessary for showing respect to a teacher.
தயவுசெய்து _______ சொல்லுங்கள்.
'Mīṇṭum' means 'again', which completes the phrase 'Please say it again'.
Situation: You are talking to your grandmother and didn't hear her.
You must use the formal form with elders like your grandmother.
A: என் பெயர் ரவி. B: மன்னிக்கவும், ________?
B is asking A to repeat their name.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Mīṇṭum' is more formal/literary. 'Marupaṭiyum' is more common in daily speech. Both are correct.
Yes, it is perfectly polite and professional for a workplace setting.
Say 'Medhuvāga colluṅkaḷ' (Please say it slowly).
No, in Tamil, it is also the 'honorific singular' used to show respect to one person.
In very casual settings, you can say 'Innoru vāṭṭi?' (One more time?).
Kēḷviyai mīṇṭum colluṅkaḷ (கேள்வியை மீண்டும் சொல்லுங்கள்).
In spoken Tamil, final consonants are often weakened or dropped. 'Colluṅga' is the standard spoken form.
Yes, it's very common in formal or semi-formal texts.
No, as long as you use the polite form and perhaps add 'Manniṅkaḷ' (Sorry).
'Col' is 'to say/tell' (content-focused). 'Pēsu' is 'to speak/talk' (action-focused).
Expressions liées
புரியவில்லை
similarI don't understand.
மெதுவாகச் சொல்லுங்கள்
builds onPlease say it slowly.
மன்னிக்கவும்
similarExcuse me / Sorry.
எழுதித் தாருங்கள்
specialized formPlease write it down.
