Signification
Asking for the cost of an item.
Contexte culturel
In local markets, the first price quoted is rarely the final price. Asking 'Vilai enna?' is the start of a social interaction. The word 'Vilai' is used similarly, but the accent and some surrounding vocabulary might differ (e.g., using 'Kasu' more frequently). In these regions, 'Vilai enna?' is often mixed with English or Malay terms in casual speech (Manglish/Tanglish). The concept of 'Vilai' is found in the 'Pattinappalai', a poem describing the port city of Poompuhar and its honest traders.
Point and Ask
If you forget the noun, just point and say 'Idhu vilai enna?' (What is the price of this?).
The 'Vela' Trap
Be careful not to say 'Vela enna' (What is the work) when you mean 'Vilai enna'.
Signification
Asking for the cost of an item.
Point and Ask
If you forget the noun, just point and say 'Idhu vilai enna?' (What is the price of this?).
The 'Vela' Trap
Be careful not to say 'Vela enna' (What is the work) when you mean 'Vilai enna'.
Bargaining Starter
After hearing the price, say 'Vilai konjam adhigam' (Price is a bit high) to start bargaining.
Politeness
Adding 'Ayya' (Sir) or 'Amma' (Madam) before the phrase makes you sound very respectful.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the question: 'இந்த ஆப்பிள் ____ என்ன?'
இந்த ஆப்பிள் ____ என்ன?
'Vilai' means price. 'Vela' means work, 'Malai' means mountain, and 'Kaalai' means morning.
Complete the dialogue between a buyer and a seller.
Buyer: இந்த சட்டை ____? Seller: ஐந்நூறு ரூபாய்.
The seller responds with a price, so the question must be 'What is the price?'.
Match the Tamil phrase to its English meaning.
1. Vilai enna? 2. Idhu evvalavu? 3. Kattanam enna?
Vilai = Price, Evvalavu = How much, Kattanam = Fee.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a doctor's office?
You want to know how much to pay the doctor.
'Kattanam' is used for professional services/fees.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Vilai vs Kattanam
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஇந்த ஆப்பிள் ____ என்ன?
'Vilai' means price. 'Vela' means work, 'Malai' means mountain, and 'Kaalai' means morning.
Buyer: இந்த சட்டை ____? Seller: ஐந்நூறு ரூபாய்.
The seller responds with a price, so the question must be 'What is the price?'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Vilai = Price, Evvalavu = How much, Kattanam = Fee.
You want to know how much to pay the doctor.
'Kattanam' is used for professional services/fees.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is a standard, neutral way to ask. However, adding 'Idhu' (this) makes it smoother.
Absolutely not. It is highly offensive to use 'Vilai' for people.
Vilai is for goods (objects); Kattanam is for services (fees).
You can ask 'Sariyaana vilai enna?' or 'Kuraithu sollungal' (Tell me a lower price).
Yes, it is the standard phrase in Sri Lankan Tamil as well.
Yes, flipping the words is common and means the same thing.
No, Tamil grammar allows you to omit the verb 'to be' in this context.
You can say 'Ivattrin vilai enna?' (What is the price of these?).
Yes, 'Pangu vilai' refers to share prices.
You can still ask to confirm or to see if there is a discount.
Expressions liées
விலை அதிகம்
similarPrice is high
விலை குறைவு
contrastPrice is low
விலையில்லா
builds onPriceless
சந்தை விலை
specialized formMarket price
விலைப்பட்டியல்
similarPrice list
