Meaning
Asking someone to be honest.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Vaimai' (Truth) is one of the most important virtues in the Thirukkural, a classic Tamil text. It emphasizes that truth is only 'truth' if it doesn't harm others. In Sri Lankan Tamil, you might hear 'Unmaiyai sol' (உண்மையைச் சொல்) more frequently, which is slightly more formal/grammatical than the Indian Tamil 'Unmai sollu'. Interrogation scenes in Tamil movies often use 'Unmai sollu' repeatedly to build tension. It's a key phrase for both heroes and police characters. In the diaspora, 'Unmai sollu' is often mixed with English: 'Unmai sollu, did you do it?' This code-switching is very common among young speakers.
The 'Ai' Trick
In formal writing, it's 'Unmaiyai', but in speaking, everyone just says 'Unmai'. Drop the 'ai' to sound more like a native.
Respect Matters
Never say 'sollu' to someone older than you. It's a quick way to seem rude!
Meaning
Asking someone to be honest.
The 'Ai' Trick
In formal writing, it's 'Unmaiyai', but in speaking, everyone just says 'Unmai'. Drop the 'ai' to sound more like a native.
Respect Matters
Never say 'sollu' to someone older than you. It's a quick way to seem rude!
Nijam vs Unmai
Use 'Nijam' if you're in Chennai; it sounds more 'local' and cool.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'truth'.
நீ ______ சொல்லு.
'Unmai' means truth. 'Poi' means lie.
Which form should you use with your teacher?
ஆசிரியரிடம் எப்படிச் சொல்ல வேண்டும்?
'Sollungal' is the respectful/formal form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: நான் வரவில்லை. B: பொய் சொல்லாதே, ______ ______!
B is telling A not to lie and to tell the truth.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Asking a friend if they like your new song.
Informal 'sollu' is appropriate for a friend.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesநீ ______ சொல்லு.
'Unmai' means truth. 'Poi' means lie.
ஆசிரியரிடம் எப்படிச் சொல்ல வேண்டும்?
'Sollungal' is the respectful/formal form.
A: நான் வரவில்லை. B: பொய் சொல்லாதே, ______ ______!
B is telling A not to lie and to tell the truth.
Asking a friend if they like your new song.
Informal 'sollu' is appropriate for a friend.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsOnly if used with elders or superiors. With friends, it's perfectly normal.
It's grammatically okay but sounds like 'Speak truth' (very poetic/formal). 'Unmai sollu' is what people actually say.
Unmai is pure Tamil; Nijam is from Sanskrit. Nijam is more common in casual city slang.
Add 'Enkitta' (to me): 'Enkitta unmai sollu.'
You can just say 'Unmaiya?' (Truthfully?) as a question.
Related Phrases
பொய் சொல்லாதே
contrastDon't tell a lie
சத்தியம் பண்ணு
similarMake a promise/swear
நிஜமா?
similarReally?
உண்மையைச் சொன்னால்
builds onTo tell the truth...
