Signification
Moving or acting with low speed
Contexte culturel
In Tamil culture, eating slowly is considered a sign of good upbringing and health. Rushing through a meal is often frowned upon by elders. Many romantic songs use 'மெதுவாக' or 'மெல்ல' to describe the slow blossoming of love or the gentle touch of a lover. In Tamil spiritual traditions, 'மெதுவான சுவாசம்' (slow breathing) is taught as a way to calm the mind and achieve 'shanti' (peace). While modern business is fast-paced, in traditional Tamil business circles, taking things 'மெதுவாக' (deliberately) to build trust is still valued over quick, impulsive deals.
The 'Spoken' Shortcut
Always drop the 'ka' in casual conversation. Say 'Methuvā' to sound like a local.
Don't be Rude
When asking someone to speak slowly, always add 'Thayavuseythu' (Please) or use the polite verb ending '-ungal' to avoid sounding bossy.
Signification
Moving or acting with low speed
The 'Spoken' Shortcut
Always drop the 'ka' in casual conversation. Say 'Methuvā' to sound like a local.
Don't be Rude
When asking someone to speak slowly, always add 'Thayavuseythu' (Please) or use the polite verb ending '-ungal' to avoid sounding bossy.
Volume Control
If someone says 'Methuvā pēsu' in a library, they mean 'Speak quietly', not necessarily 'Speak at a slow tempo'.
Reduplication
Use 'Methu-methuvāka' when you want to emphasize that something is happening very gradually, step-by-step.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form (Adjective or Adverb).
ஆமை _________ நடக்கிறது. (The turtle walks slowly.)
We need an adverb to modify the verb 'நடக்கிறது' (walks).
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a driver to slow down?
How do you say 'Go slowly' to a driver?
'மெதுவாக' means slowly and 'போங்கள்' is the polite form of 'go'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: எனக்குத் தமிழ் புரியவில்லை. B: சரி, நான் _________ பேசுகிறேன்.
If someone doesn't understand, you should speak slowly (மெதுவாக).
Match the Tamil word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are standard adverbial pairs.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Speed Spectrum
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஆமை _________ நடக்கிறது. (The turtle walks slowly.)
We need an adverb to modify the verb 'நடக்கிறது' (walks).
How do you say 'Go slowly' to a driver?
'மெதுவாக' means slowly and 'போங்கள்' is the polite form of 'go'.
A: எனக்குத் தமிழ் புரியவில்லை. B: சரி, நான் _________ பேசுகிறேன்.
If someone doesn't understand, you should speak slowly (மெதுவாக).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are standard adverbial pairs.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any context, though the shortened 'Methuvā' is informal.
Yes, in the context of speaking or making noise, it often means 'softly' or 'quietly'.
The opposite is 'Vēkamāka' (வேகமாக), which means 'fast' or 'quickly'.
You can say 'miga methuvāka' (மிக மெதுவாக) or 'methu-methuvāka' (மெதுமெதுவாக).
The 'th' is dental (tongue to teeth), so 'Methuvāka' is the standard transliteration.
Yes, you can say 'Padam methuvāka nakarkirathu' (The movie moves slowly).
No, adverbs in Tamil do not change for number or gender.
'-āka' is the suffix that turns an adjective into an adverb in Tamil.
No, that would be 'manthamāna' or 'arivu thāmathamāna'.
'Mella' is a synonym often used in literature and poetry; it's slightly more 'gentle' than 'methuvāka'.
Use it to ask for clarification: 'Thayavuseythu methuvāka vilakkungāl' (Please explain slowly).
Yes, it is used across all major Tamil dialects.
Expressions liées
மெல்ல மெல்ல
similarGradually / Little by little
நிதானமாக
specialized formDeliberately / Steadily
பொறுமையாக
similarPatiently
வேகமாக
contrastFast / Quickly
மெதுவான
builds onSlow (Adjective)
