பெரிய
periya/pɛɾɪjɐ/
The English word "big" is translated into Tamil as பெரிய (periya). Wiktionary also lists பெரு (peru).
Meaning: of a great size (adj)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| பெரிய | periya | /pɛɾɪjɐ/ |
| பெரு | peru | /pɛɾɯ/ |
பெரிய is used to describe something of a great size, similar to the English word "large". Beyond physical dimensions, it is also used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is great or important in terms of status or influence.
Which one should you use?
While பெரிய is the standard form, the form பெரு is also a variation of the word.
How does it change in a sentence?
In its standard form, பெரிய is an adjective used to modify nouns to indicate size. If you wish to use the word as a noun to refer to a person, it changes based on gender. To refer to a "big man" or an elder, use the masculine form பெரியவன். To refer to a "big woman" or an elder, use the feminine form பெரியவள்.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is periya. The IPA is /pɛɾɪjɐ/.
Did you know?
- The root பெரு is a cognate with the Telugu word పెరుగు, which refers to 'curd' or 'yogurt' in modern usage.
- In some contexts, the sound of the word பெரு can be a homophone for the name of the country 'Peru', though they have entirely different origins.
Examples in context
- பெரிய மரம்Big tree
- பெரிய பயணம்Big journey
- எனக்கு ஒரு பெரிய கப் coffee வேண்டும்.enakku oru periya cup coffee vendum.I want a big cup of coffee.
- அந்தப் பூனை மிகவும் பெரியது.andhap poonai migavum periyadhu.That cat is very big.
Example conversation
Anita and Vijay are looking at a new house.
- அனிதா Anitaஇந்த வீடு மிகவும் பெரியது, இல்லையா?indha veedu migavum periyadhu, illaiya?This house is very big, isn't it?
- விஜய் Vijayஆமாம், இது ஒரு பெரிய வீடு.aamaam, idhu oru periya veedu.Yes, it is a big house.
- அனிதா Anitaவிஜய், இதில் பெரிய அறைகள் உள்ளன.Vijay, idhil periya araigal ullana.Vijay, it has big rooms.
- விஜய் Vijayநிச்சயமாக, அனிதா.nichayamaga, Anita.Certainly, Anita.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “big” translations and entries பெரிய, பெரு, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries பெரிய, பெரு, CC BY-SA 4.0.
