Signification
Asking someone to take their time
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Nidhanam' (steadiness) is highly valued in South Indian classical music (Carnatic). A student is always told to practice 'Metuvākac cey' in the first speed before moving to faster tempos. In Sri Lankan Tamil dialects, 'Mella' is often preferred over 'Metuvāka' in casual conversation, but 'Metuvākac cey' remains the standard for formal instructions. In fast-paced environments like Singapore, this phrase is often used as a reminder to maintain work-life balance or to ensure safety in high-tech industries. Kanchipuram silk weavers use this phrase constantly when training apprentices, as one wrong move in the slow weaving process can ruin the entire saree.
The 'G' Sound
In 'Metuvāka', the 'k' is pronounced like a 'g' because it's between two vowels. Don't say 'ka' like 'kite'.
The Sandhi 'C'
When writing, don't forget the extra 'ச்' (ch) between the words. It's a sign of good grammar!
Signification
Asking someone to take their time
The 'G' Sound
In 'Metuvāka', the 'k' is pronounced like a 'g' because it's between two vowels. Don't say 'ka' like 'kite'.
The Sandhi 'C'
When writing, don't forget the extra 'ச்' (ch) between the words. It's a sign of good grammar!
Use 'Metuvā'
If you want to sound like a local in Chennai, drop the 'ka' and just say 'Metuvā cey'.
Patience is Key
Saying this with a smile makes it encouraging; saying it with a frown makes it a criticism of someone's speed.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct adverbial form of 'Metu'.
சாப்பாட்டை ______ சாப்பிடு. (Eat the food slowly.)
We need the adverbial form '-āka' to modify the verb 'eat'.
Which of these is the most polite way to tell a teacher to go slowly?
ஆசிரியர் அவர்களே, ______.
The '-uṅkaḷ' suffix is required for formal/polite address.
Match the Tamil phrase with its English context.
Match the following:
Each verb (cey, pēsu, naṭa, ōṭṭu) changes the context of the adverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: எனக்கு இந்த கணக்கு புரியவில்லை, ரொம்ப கஷ்டமா இருக்கு! B: கவலைப்படாதே, ______.
When someone finds a task difficult, 'do it slowly' is the most encouraging response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are helping an elderly person cross the road.
Polite and appropriate for the physical pace of an elderly person.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Slow vs Fast
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesசாப்பாட்டை ______ சாப்பிடு. (Eat the food slowly.)
We need the adverbial form '-āka' to modify the verb 'eat'.
ஆசிரியர் அவர்களே, ______.
The '-uṅkaḷ' suffix is required for formal/polite address.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Each verb (cey, pēsu, naṭa, ōṭṭu) changes the context of the adverb.
A: எனக்கு இந்த கணக்கு புரியவில்லை, ரொம்ப கஷ்டமா இருக்கு! B: கவலைப்படாதே, ______.
When someone finds a task difficult, 'do it slowly' is the most encouraging response.
Situation: You are helping an elderly person cross the road.
Polite and appropriate for the physical pace of an elderly person.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say 'Metuvākaப் பேசு' (Metuvāka pēsu), but 'Metuvākac cey' specifically refers to an action or task.
No, it's just the colloquial spoken form. It's perfectly fine to use with friends and family.
'Metuvāka' is more common for physical speed of tasks, while 'Mella' is often used for volume (quietly) or gentle movements.
Add 'ā' at the end: 'Metuvākac செய்கிறாயா?' (Are you doing it slowly?)
It can be. It's better to say 'Nitāṉamākac கொண்டு வாருங்கள்' (Bring it steadily/at your convenience).
Yes, 'Metuvākac cey' can imply 'drive slowly' if you are already talking about driving, but 'Metuvāka ஓட்டு' (Metuvāka ōṭṭu) is more precise.
The opposite is 'Vēkamākac cey' (Do it quickly).
Yes, 'Metu' originally means soft. A 'Metu Vadai' is a soft vadai!
Not really, but 'Metuvā!' can be shouted as an instruction to slow down.
You might say 'நான் வேலையை மெதுவாகவும் கவனமாகவும் செய்வேன்' (I will do the work slowly and carefully) to emphasize quality.
Expressions liées
நிதானமாகச் செய்
synonymDo it with composure
பொறுமையாகச் செய்
similarDo it with patience
வேகமாகச் செய்
contrastDo it quickly
கவனமாகச் செய்
builds onDo it carefully
அவசரப்படாதே
similarDon't hurry
