Meaning
A significant error in judgment.
Cultural Background
In Tamil Nadu, admitting a 'periya thavaru' is often accompanied by a gesture of touching one's ears (kannathil pottukolludhal) as a sign of repentance. Sri Lankan Tamils might use the word 'பிழை' (Pizhai) more frequently in daily speech than Indian Tamils, but 'பெரிய தவறு' remains universally understood. Second-generation Tamils often use 'Periya Thavaru' as a code-switch phrase when they want to emphasize regret while speaking English. In Chennai's IT hubs, 'periya thavaru' is often used to describe 'production bugs' that affect clients, showing how the phrase adapts to modern industry.
Be Sincere
When admitting a 'periya thavaru', lower your head slightly to show genuine regret in Tamil culture.
Don't Overuse
If you call every small thing a 'periya thavaru', people will think you are being sarcastic or dramatic.
Meaning
A significant error in judgment.
Be Sincere
When admitting a 'periya thavaru', lower your head slightly to show genuine regret in Tamil culture.
Don't Overuse
If you call every small thing a 'periya thavaru', people will think you are being sarcastic or dramatic.
Verb Pairing
Always remember to use 'Seidhen' (I did) or 'Seidhu-vittaen' (I have done) for a natural sound.
Admitting Fault
In a Tamil household, saying 'En periya thavaru' (My big mistake) can quickly de-escalate an argument.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct Tamil word for 'big'.
இது ஒரு _______ தவறு. (This is a big mistake.)
'பெரிய' (Periya) means big, which fits the context of a significant mistake.
Which sentence correctly says 'I made a big mistake'?
Select the correct sentence:
'செய்தேன்' (seidhen) is the past tense of 'to do/make', which is the correct verb to pair with 'thavaru'.
Match the Tamil phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these common collocations.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Friend A: 'நான் சாவியை மறந்துவிட்டேன்.' (I forgot the key.) Friend B: 'ஐயோ! அது _______ _______!'
Forgetting a key is a 'big mistake' (பெரிய தவறு) in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Thavaru vs. Pizhai
Practice Bank
4 exercisesஇது ஒரு _______ தவறு. (This is a big mistake.)
'பெரிய' (Periya) means big, which fits the context of a significant mistake.
Select the correct sentence:
'செய்தேன்' (seidhen) is the past tense of 'to do/make', which is the correct verb to pair with 'thavaru'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these common collocations.
Friend A: 'நான் சாவியை மறந்துவிட்டேன்.' (I forgot the key.) Friend B: 'ஐயோ! அது _______ _______!'
Forgetting a key is a 'big mistake' (பெரிய தவறு) in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is a neutral and polite way to admit an error. It shows you recognize the gravity of the situation.
Usually no. For a typo, 'Ezhuthu pizhai' (writing error) is more specific.
The plural is 'பெரிய தவறுகள்' (Periya Thavarugal).
You say 'அது என் பெரிய தவறு' (Adhu en periya thavaru).
Yes, 'Periya thappu' or 'Periya sodhappal' are common in slang.
Yes, it is appropriate for explaining a significant oversight in a professional manner.
In this context, yes. It refers to the magnitude or consequence of the error.
'Thavaru' is a mistake, 'Kutram' is a crime or a serious moral sin.
It is a retroflex tap. Your tongue should briefly touch the roof of your mouth.
Constantly! It's a staple phrase in emotional scenes where characters realize their faults.
Yes, 'Romba' means 'very' and adds even more emphasis.
'Sariyaana mudivu' (Correct decision) is often used as the conceptual opposite.
Yes, it is standard across all Tamil-speaking regions.
No, you cannot call a person a 'periya thavaru'. You would say 'He made a big mistake'.
Related Phrases
மிகப் பெரிய தவறு
specialized formA very big mistake
சின்ன தவறு
contrastA small mistake
தவறான வழி
similarWrong way/path
பிழை திருத்தம்
builds onCorrection of errors
மன்னிக்க முடியாத தவறு
specialized formUnforgivable mistake
