Signification
Asking for additional information or items
Contexte culturel
The phrase is central to 'Virundhombal' (hospitality). A host will never ask just once; they will ask 'Vēṟeṉṉa?' multiple times to ensure the guest is fully satisfied. In movies, 'Vēṟeṉṉa?' is often used as a romantic filler when characters have nothing left to say but don't want to hang up the phone. In Sri Lanka, the formal 'Vēṟu yāthu?' (What else?) is sometimes heard in media, though 'Vēṟeṉṉa' remains common in speech. In modern offices in Chennai, 'Vēṟeṉṉa' is used to transition between agenda points in a meeting, often mixed with English.
The 'Appaṟam' Trick
If you forget 'Vēṟeṉṉa' in a casual chat, just say 'Appaṟam?' (And then?). It works 90% of the time.
Tone Matters
Saying 'Vēṟeṉṉa?' with a falling intonation can sound bored. Use a rising intonation to sound interested.
Signification
Asking for additional information or items
The 'Appaṟam' Trick
If you forget 'Vēṟeṉṉa' in a casual chat, just say 'Appaṟam?' (And then?). It works 90% of the time.
Tone Matters
Saying 'Vēṟeṉṉa?' with a falling intonation can sound bored. Use a rising intonation to sound interested.
Hospitality Rule
Always ask 'Vēṟeṉṉa?' at least twice when serving guests. It's the polite thing to do.
Writing vs Speaking
Always write 'வேறு என்ன' in formal letters, but always say 'வேறென்ன' to sound natural.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to ask 'What else do you want?' in a neutral way.
உங்களுக்கு ______ என்ன வேண்டும்?
'Vēṟu' is the correct word to pair with 'eṉṉa' for 'What else?'.
Which of these is the most natural spoken form of 'Vēṟu eṉṉa'?
Choose the natural contraction:
'Vēṟeṉṉa?' is the standard spoken contraction.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a friend's house and they just finished telling you about their new job. You want to hear more.
'Vēṟeṉṉa viśēṣam?' is the standard way to ask 'What else is new/special?'.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a customer.
Waiter: சார், காபி கொண்டு வரவா? Customer: சரி, ______ சாப்பிட என்ன இருக்கு?
'Vēṟa' is the colloquial form of 'Vēṟu', perfectly suited for a restaurant setting.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use Vēṟeṉṉa?
Shopping
- • Asking for more items
- • Checking colors
- • Asking for price
Social
- • Asking for news
- • Keeping talk going
- • Gossip
Dining
- • Ordering more food
- • Asking for water
- • Checking menu
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஉங்களுக்கு ______ என்ன வேண்டும்?
'Vēṟu' is the correct word to pair with 'eṉṉa' for 'What else?'.
Choose the natural contraction:
'Vēṟeṉṉa?' is the standard spoken contraction.
Situation: You are at a friend's house and they just finished telling you about their new job. You want to hear more.
'Vēṟeṉṉa viśēṣam?' is the standard way to ask 'What else is new/special?'.
Waiter: சார், காபி கொண்டு வரவா? Customer: சரி, ______ சாப்பிட என்ன இருக்கு?
'Vēṟa' is the colloquial form of 'Vēṟu', perfectly suited for a restaurant setting.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNot inherently, but it can be if snapped quickly. In a service context, it's very standard.
No, for people you should use 'Vēṟu yār?' (Who else?).
'Vēṟeṉṉa' is 'What else?', while 'Vēṟu ēthāvathu' is 'Anything else?'. The latter is slightly more polite.
You say 'Vēṟeṉṉa panna irukku?' or 'Vēṟeṉṉa செய்ய வேண்டும்?'.
Yes, but they might use 'Vēṟu eṉṉai' or 'Vēṟu yāthu' in formal contexts.
Yes, many Tamil speakers use 'Vēṟeṉṉa...' while thinking of what to say next.
Yes, 'Vēṟeṉṉeṉṉa' (வேறு என்னென்ன) is used when you expect a list of multiple different things.
If you want nothing else, say 'Avvalavuthan' (That's all) or 'Onnum illai' (Nothing).
Yes, but use the full form 'வேறு என்ன தகவல்கள் தேவை?' (What other information is needed?).
It means 'What else is there to say?', usually expressing that a situation is obvious or hopeless.
Yes, but add 'Sir' or 'Madam' and use the 'Uṅgaḷukku' pronoun.
It's a common conversational habit to double up on 'What else' and 'And then' to keep the flow.
Expressions liées
அப்புறம் என்ன?
synonymAnd then what?
இன்னும் என்ன?
similarWhat more?
வேறு ஏதேனும்?
specialized formAnything else?
வேறொன்றும் இல்லை
contrastNothing else.
வேறென்ன சொல்ல
builds onWhat else is there to say?
