Signification
Directing gaze upwards.
Contexte culturel
Looking up at temple Gopurams is a significant cultural act. People often fold their hands in prayer (Vanakkam) while looking up at the deities carved on the tower. Farmers traditionally look up at the 'Karumegam' (dark clouds) to predict the arrival of the monsoon, which is celebrated in festivals like Thai Pongal. While 'looking up' is a physical command, making direct eye contact (looking up into someone's eyes) can sometimes be seen as bold or defiant if done by a younger person to an elder. Many hero introduction scenes in Tamil movies involve the camera looking up at the hero, or the hero looking up at the sky before a big fight or song.
Pointing helps
In Tamil culture, gestures are common. Pointing while saying 'Mēlē pār' makes you sound more natural.
The 'R' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'r' in 'pār' clearly but softly. Don't roll it too hard like in Spanish.
Signification
Directing gaze upwards.
Pointing helps
In Tamil culture, gestures are common. Pointing while saying 'Mēlē pār' makes you sound more natural.
The 'R' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'r' in 'pār' clearly but softly. Don't roll it too hard like in Spanish.
Spoken vs Written
In movies, you will hear 'Mēla pāru'. Don't be confused; it's just the colloquial version of 'Mēlē pār'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct formal version of 'Look up'.
How do you say 'Look up' to your teacher?
The ending '-uṅkaḷ' is used for respect and formal situations.
Fill in the blank with the word for 'up/above'.
வானத்தைப் பார்க்க ______ பார். (Look ___ to see the sky.)
'Mēlē' means up, which is where the sky is.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a casual conversation with a friend?
'Pār' is the informal singular imperative suitable for friends.
Complete the dialogue.
அம்மா: 'தம்பி, அந்தப் பறவையைப் பார்!' தம்பி: 'எங்கே அம்மா?' அம்மா: 'மரத்தின் ______ பார்.'
Birds are usually 'above' or 'on top of' trees.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to Look Up
Nature
- • Clouds
- • Birds
- • Stars
City
- • Planes
- • Buildings
- • Kites
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHow do you say 'Look up' to your teacher?
The ending '-uṅkaḷ' is used for respect and formal situations.
வானத்தைப் பார்க்க ______ பார். (Look ___ to see the sky.)
'Mēlē' means up, which is where the sky is.
Which phrase fits a casual conversation with a friend?
'Pār' is the informal singular imperative suitable for friends.
அம்மா: 'தம்பி, அந்தப் பறவையைப் பார்!' தம்பி: 'எங்கே அம்மா?' அம்மா: 'மரத்தின் ______ பார்.'
Birds are usually 'above' or 'on top of' trees.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is informal. Use 'Mēlē pāruṅkaḷ' to be polite.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for digital contexts.
'Mēl' is the root meaning 'top'. 'Mēlē' is the adverb meaning 'up' or 'above'.
Say 'Mēlē pārkkātē' (informal) or 'Mēlē pārkkātīrkaḷ' (formal).
Not really, but 'Aṇṇāntu' implies looking up.
No, that requires the verb 'kavaṉi'.
It can also mean 'more' or 'further' in some contexts, like 'mēlē pēsu' (speak further).
Yes, very frequently in romantic or inspirational songs.
'Kīḻē pār' (Look down).
Yes, 'nōkku' is a more formal/literary word for 'look'.
Expressions liées
கீழே பார்
contrastLook down
அண்ணாந்து பார்
specialized formLook up (by tilting head)
உள்ளே பார்
similarLook inside
வெளியே பார்
similarLook outside
திரும்பிப் பார்
similarLook back / Turn and look
