Signification
Used when you fail to grasp what someone said.
Contexte culturel
In Tamil Nadu, admitting you don't understand is often followed by a slight tilt of the head. It is considered very polite to use the formal version even if you are only slightly confused. Sri Lankan Tamil speakers often use 'vilangavillai' instead of 'puriyavillai'. Both are correct, but 'vilangu' sounds more natural in Jaffna or Batticaloa. In the Tamil diaspora, you might hear a mix of English and Tamil. Someone might say 'Sorry, enakku puriyala'. However, using the full Tamil phrase is highly respected in community events. In formal debates (Pattimandram), speakers use this phrase to challenge an opponent's logic politely.
The 'Sandhi' Secret
Always remember to add a small 'p' sound between 'enakku' and 'puriyavillai' when writing. It makes you look like a pro!
Don't say 'Naan'
Never say 'Naan puriyavillai'. It's the most common beginner mistake. Stick to 'Enakku'.
Signification
Used when you fail to grasp what someone said.
The 'Sandhi' Secret
Always remember to add a small 'p' sound between 'enakku' and 'puriyavillai' when writing. It makes you look like a pro!
Don't say 'Naan'
Never say 'Naan puriyavillai'. It's the most common beginner mistake. Stick to 'Enakku'.
Smile and Bow
A small smile and a slight nod while saying this phrase goes a long way in Tamil culture to show you are trying your best.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct way to say 'I don't understand' in a formal setting.
Which one is correct?
You must use the dative 'enakku' and the verb 'puriyavillai' for understanding.
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase polite.
__________, எனக்குப் புரியவில்லை.
Mannikkavum (Sorry/Excuse me) makes the statement polite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are talking to your boss and don't understand the task.
In a professional setting with a boss, the formal version is required.
Complete the dialogue.
A: இந்தப் புத்தகம் மிகவும் கடினம். B: ஆமாம், ____________________.
If the book is difficult (kadinam), the logical response is 'I don't understand'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhich one is correct?
You must use the dative 'enakku' and the verb 'puriyavillai' for understanding.
__________, எனக்குப் புரியவில்லை.
Mannikkavum (Sorry/Excuse me) makes the statement polite.
Situation: You are talking to your boss and don't understand the task.
In a professional setting with a boss, the formal version is required.
A: இந்தப் புத்தகம் மிகவும் கடினம். B: ஆமாம், ____________________.
If the book is difficult (kadinam), the logical response is 'I don't understand'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, 'Puriyala' is the spoken, colloquial version. 'Puriyavillai' is the formal, written version. Use 'Puriyavillai' with strangers and 'Puriyala' with friends.
In Tamil, feelings and mental states are things that happen 'to' you. You don't 'do' the understanding; the understanding 'comes' to you.
Yes, 'Mannikkavum' on its own means 'Excuse me' or 'Sorry'. It's a great way to get someone's attention before asking them to repeat something.
You would say 'நீங்கள் சொல்வது எனக்குப் புரியவில்லை' (Neengal solvathu enakku puriyavillai).
Expressions liées
மீண்டும் சொல்லுங்கள்
builds onPlease say it again.
மெதுவாகச் சொல்லுங்கள்
builds onPlease speak slowly.
இதன் பொருள் என்ன?
similarWhat is the meaning of this?
விளக்க முடியுமா?
builds onCan you explain?
