Signification
Advising against lending money.
Contexte culturel
In many small shops, you will see a sign that says 'Kadan anbu murikkum' (Debt breaks love). This is a cultural justification for refusing credit to customers. The term 'Kai-māthu' is very common for small loans. Even for small amounts, elders advise 'Kadan kodukkāthē' to maintain family peace. In the diaspora, lending money often involves legal risks. The phrase is used to warn against informal 'chit funds' or 'kandhu vatti' (usury). With the rise of UPI (GPay/PhonePe), lending has become instant. The phrase is now a common warning against 'scams' where people ask for small amounts via text.
The 'No' Strategy
In Tamil culture, it's often more polite to say 'I don't have it right now' than a flat 'No'. Use 'Ippo kaiyil kāsu illai' instead of just 'Kadan kodukkāthē' if you are the one being asked.
Formal vs Informal
Never say 'Kodukkāthē' to someone older than you. It sounds like you are ordering them around. Use 'Kodukkāthīrgal'.
Signification
Advising against lending money.
The 'No' Strategy
In Tamil culture, it's often more polite to say 'I don't have it right now' than a flat 'No'. Use 'Ippo kaiyil kāsu illai' instead of just 'Kadan kodukkāthē' if you are the one being asked.
Formal vs Informal
Never say 'Kodukkāthē' to someone older than you. It sounds like you are ordering them around. Use 'Kodukkāthīrgal'.
The 'Anbu' Connection
If you want to sound like a native, use the full proverb: 'Kadan anbu murikkum, athanāl kadan kodukkāthē'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'loan'.
அவனுக்குக் ____ கொடுக்காதே.
'Kadan' specifically means loan/debt in this context.
Which of these is the formal version of the phrase?
Select the formal version:
The suffix '-īrgal' makes the imperative formal and respectful.
Match the reason to the advice 'Kadan kodukkāthē'.
Reason: 'He never pays back.'
The most common reason not to lend is that the person won't return it.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'அவன் 2000 ரூபாய் கேட்கிறான்.' B: 'வேண்டாம், ____.'
B is advising A not to give the money.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஅவனுக்குக் ____ கொடுக்காதே.
'Kadan' specifically means loan/debt in this context.
Select the formal version:
The suffix '-īrgal' makes the imperative formal and respectful.
Reason: 'He never pays back.'
The most common reason not to lend is that the person won't return it.
A: 'அவன் 2000 ரூபாய் கேட்கிறான்.' B: 'வேண்டாம், ____.'
B is advising A not to give the money.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsUsually yes, but it can also refer to 'favors' or 'obligations' in a metaphorical sense.
Technically yes, but 'Kadan' usually implies financial debt. For a book, you'd just say 'Puthagathai kodukkāthē'.
The opposite is 'Kadan kodu' (Give a loan), but it's rarely used as advice!
You would say 'Enakku kadan kodukkāthē'.
Expressions liées
கடன் அன்பு முறிக்கும்
builds onDebt breaks love.
கைமாத்து
specialized formA small hand-loan.
வட்டி
similarInterest.
கடன் வாங்காதே
contrastDon't borrow.
