Signification
Commenting on positive news.
Contexte culturel
In Tamil culture, it is common to avoid 'negative' words. Even when something is 'not good,' people might say 'it could be better' to maintain a positive vibration. 'Nalla vishayam' is a staple of this positive-first communication style. Sri Lankan Tamil speakers might use 'Nallam' or 'Nallathu' more frequently in formal settings, but 'Nalla vishayam' remains a universally understood colloquialism across the diaspora. In Singapore and Malaysia, 'Nalla vishayam' is often mixed with English: 'That is a nalla vishayam, lah!' showing the phrase's adaptability in multilingual environments. On platforms like WhatsApp, the phrase is often abbreviated or accompanied by the 'clapping hands' or 'thumbs up' emoji. It is the standard 'like' in verbal form.
The 'Romba' Boost
Always add 'Romba' (very) if the news is actually impressive. Just 'Nalla vishayam' can sometimes sound a bit polite but bored.
Not for Food
If you like the Biryani, don't say 'Nalla vishayam'. Say 'Biryani super' or 'Biryani nalla irukku'.
Signification
Commenting on positive news.
The 'Romba' Boost
Always add 'Romba' (very) if the news is actually impressive. Just 'Nalla vishayam' can sometimes sound a bit polite but bored.
Not for Food
If you like the Biryani, don't say 'Nalla vishayam'. Say 'Biryani super' or 'Biryani nalla irukku'.
The Head Nod
In Tamil culture, pair this phrase with a slight side-to-side head nod (the famous Indian head bobble) to show genuine engagement.
Social Glue
Use this phrase even if you don't fully understand the details of the news. It shows you are listening and supportive.
Teste-toi
How would you react if a friend says they passed their driving test?
நண்பர்: 'நான் ஓட்டுநர் தேர்வில் வெற்றி பெற்றேன்!' (Friend: 'I passed the driving test!')
This is the most appropriate positive reaction to good news.
Complete the sentence to say 'That is a very good thing.'
அது _____ நல்ல விஷயம்.
'Romba' is the colloquial word for 'very' used for emphasis.
Match the situation to the best use of 'Nalla vishayam'.
Situation: Your doctor says your health has improved.
Improving health is a positive 'matter' or 'news'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: நாம் நாளை கடற்கரைக்குச் செல்லலாமா? (Shall we go to the beach tomorrow?) B: ________, போகலாம். (______, let's go.)
Using 'Nalla vishayam' shows agreement with a good suggestion.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Vishayam vs. Porul
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesநண்பர்: 'நான் ஓட்டுநர் தேர்வில் வெற்றி பெற்றேன்!' (Friend: 'I passed the driving test!')
This is the most appropriate positive reaction to good news.
அது _____ நல்ல விஷயம்.
'Romba' is the colloquial word for 'very' used for emphasis.
Situation: Your doctor says your health has improved.
Improving health is a positive 'matter' or 'news'.
A: நாம் நாளை கடற்கரைக்குச் செல்லலாமா? (Shall we go to the beach tomorrow?) B: ________, போகலாம். (______, let's go.)
Using 'Nalla vishayam' shows agreement with a good suggestion.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or a shopkeeper.
No. To say someone is a good person, say 'Nalla manushar' or 'Nalla var'.
'Nallathu' is just 'Good'. 'Nalla vishayam' is 'That's a good thing/matter'. The latter sounds more like you are reacting to news.
Yes, but be careful. If someone says 'I lost my wallet,' and you say 'Nalla vishayam,' it is very rude.
It is a loanword from Sanskrit that has been used in Tamil for centuries and is now considered part of the standard vocabulary.
Say 'Idhu nalla vishayam illai'.
You can use it to react to the *news* of a movie release, but not to describe the movie itself (use 'Nalla padam' for that).
Yes, it is widely understood and used by Tamil speakers globally.
நல்ல விஷயங்கள் (Nalla vishayangal).
Absolutely not. That would be extremely offensive. Use 'Aiyo' or 'Miga varuthamaana vishayam' (Very sad thing).
Expressions liées
நல்ல செய்தி
similarGood news
நல்லது
similarGood / Fine
கெட்ட விஷயம்
contrastBad thing
முக்கியமான விஷயம்
builds onImportant thing
சந்தோஷமான செய்தி
similarHappy news
