காகிதப்பூ
kakithappoo
The English word bougainvillea is காகிதப்பூ (kakithappoo) in Tamil.
Meaning: flower (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This word is a compound of kakitham, meaning paper and poo, meaning flower.
How do you pronounce it?
kakithappoo
Did you know?
- The word காகிதம் ('kakitham'), used in காகிதப்பூ, is derived from the Sanskrit word kagada, which traveled through various languages before becoming the standard Tamil word for 'paper'.
- The Tamil name காகிதப்பூ translates to 'paper flower' because the colorful bracts of the bougainvillea are thin and papery, while the actual flowers are tiny white blossoms hidden inside.
- Even though the plant is named after a French explorer, the Tamil name ignores all European etymology and focuses entirely on the plant's physical sensation.
Examples in context
- அந்த காகிதப்பூ மிகவும் அழகாக இருக்கிறது.antha kāgithappū mikavum alāgā irukirathu.That bougainvillea is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Divya and Arun are looking at the garden.
- திவ்யா Divyaஅருண், அந்த காகிதப்பூவைப் பார்!Arun, antha kāgithappūvaip pār!Arun, look at that bougainvillea!
- அருண் Arunஆமாம் திவ்யா, அது மிக அழகாக இருக்கிறது.Āmām Divyā, athu mika alāgā irukirathu.Yes Divya, it is very beautiful.
- திவ்யா Divyaஇந்த காகிதப்பூவின் நிறம் மிகவும் பிரகாசமானது.Intha kāgithappūvin niram mikavum pirakāsamānathu.The color of this bougainvillea is very bright.
- அருண் Arunஉண்மைதான், அது பார்ப்பதற்கு நன்றாக இருக்கிறது.Unmaithān, athu pārppatharku nanrāga irukirathu.That's true, it looks good to see.
