Signification
Used to apologize or get attention.
Contexte culturel
Apologizing is often accompanied by a slight bow or a touch to the chest. It's a sign of sincerity. In modern offices, 'Sorry' is used 80% of the time, but 'Mannikkavum' is used in formal presentations or when addressing senior management to show extra respect. Sri Lankan Tamil speakers might use 'Kshamikkanum' or 'Porukkavum' more frequently in formal contexts compared to Indian Tamil speakers. In the UK or Canada, second-generation Tamils often use 'Mannikkavum' specifically when speaking to grandparents to maintain the honorific code.
The 'Excuse Me' Hook
Always use 'Mannikkavum' before asking a stranger for help. It increases your chances of a friendly response by 200%!
Don't Over-apologize
In Tamil culture, saying it too many times for a single small mistake can make you seem insincere or overly anxious.
Signification
Used to apologize or get attention.
The 'Excuse Me' Hook
Always use 'Mannikkavum' before asking a stranger for help. It increases your chances of a friendly response by 200%!
Don't Over-apologize
In Tamil culture, saying it too many times for a single small mistake can make you seem insincere or overly anxious.
The Response
If someone says 'Mannikkavum' to you, the most polite response is 'Paravaillai' (It's okay) or a simple nod.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to politely ask for the time.
__________, மணி என்ன?
மன்னிக்கவும் is used as 'Excuse me' to get someone's attention.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal email apology?
I am sorry for the mistake.
This is the formal, grammatically correct way to apologize for a mistake in writing.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You accidentally step on someone's foot in the bus.
An apology is required for a physical accident.
Complete the dialogue.
A: மன்னிக்கவும், இது உங்கள் குடையா? B: இல்லை, _________.
The response should answer the question 'Is this your umbrella?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say Mannikkavum
Mistakes
- • Spilling water
- • Being late
- • Wrong number
Attention
- • Asking time
- • Asking way
- • Calling waiter
Interruption
- • In a meeting
- • During a call
- • Joining a group
Banque d exercices
4 exercices__________, மணி என்ன?
மன்னிக்கவும் is used as 'Excuse me' to get someone's attention.
I am sorry for the mistake.
This is the formal, grammatically correct way to apologize for a mistake in writing.
You accidentally step on someone's foot in the bus.
An apology is required for a physical accident.
A: மன்னிக்கவும், இது உங்கள் குடையா? B: இல்லை, _________.
The response should answer the question 'Is this your umbrella?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! 'Sorry' is widely understood and used, especially in cities. However, 'Mannikkavum' shows you have put effort into learning the language.
Yes, it is the perfect phrase for that. You can also say 'Vazhi vidunga' (Give way), but 'Mannikkavum' is more polite.
'Mannikkavum' is the formal/written form. 'Mannichukonga' is the more natural spoken form used in daily conversation.
You can add 'Romba' (Very). 'Romba mannikkavum' or 'Naan romba varundhukiren'.
No, it's usually implied. 'Ennai mannikkavum' is more formal and emphatic.
Yes, it is the most appropriate word for a student to use with a teacher.
Yes, if you didn't hear someone, you can say 'Mannikkavum?' with a rising intonation.
In very casual settings, people just say 'Manni' or 'Sorry'.
Better to use 'Mannichuko' (informal) unless it's a first date and you want to be very formal!
Constantly! It's a staple in emotional scenes and formal dialogues.
Expressions liées
மன்னிப்பு
builds onForgiveness (Noun)
வருந்துகிறேன்
similarI regret / I am sad
பரவாயில்லை
contrastIt's okay / No problem
பிழை
specialized formError / Sin
என்னை மன்னி
synonymForgive me
