ஆமாம்
āmām/ɑːmɑːm/
The English phrase "avunu" is translated into Tamil as ஆமாம் (āmām).
A word used to give an affirmative answer or to agree with a statement.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is romanized as āmām. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, it is pronounced /ɑːmɑːm/.
Did you know?
- Rather than relying on ஆமாம், many Tamil speakers confirm an action by repeating the specific verb used in the question. For example, if asked 'Did you eat?', one might respond by saying 'Ate' instead of just 'Yes'.
- While ஆமாம் means 'yes', the word for 'turtle' is ஆமை (āmai), which sounds remarkably similar to the affirmative phrase.
- In certain social contexts, using ஆமாம் to a superior or elder can feel too direct. Speakers often add the polite suffix -ங்க (-ṅga) to related phrases to show respect, as Tamil has strict honorific levels.
Examples in context
- ஆமாம், நான் வருகிறேன்.ā mām, nāṉ varukiṟēṉ.Yes, I am coming.
- ஆமாம், அது உண்மை.ā mām, atu uṇmai.Yes, that is true.
- ஆமாம், எனக்குத் தெரியும்.ā mām, eṉakku teryium.Yes, I know.
Example conversation
Divya and Arun are talking about a movie.
- திவ்யா Divyaஇந்த படம் நன்றாக இருந்ததா?Indha padam nandraaga irundhadhaa?Was this movie good?
- அருண் Arunஆமாம், படம் மிகவும் அருமை.Aamam, padam migavum arumai.Yes, the movie was wonderful.
- திவ்யா Divyaஉனக்கு இசை பிடித்திருந்ததா?Unakku isai pidithirundhadhaa?Did you like the music?
- அருண் Arunஆமாம், இசை சிறப்பாக இருந்தது.Aamam, isai sirappaaga irundhadhu.Yes, the music was excellent.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ஆமாம், CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
