போய் வருகிறேன்
pōy varukiṟēṉ
போய் வருகிறேன் (pōy varukiṟēṉ) is the Tamil way to say bye.
In formal settings, you may also use the versatile greeting வணக்கம், which can function as both a hello and a goodbye.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase போய் வருகிறேன் literally translates to 'I go and come back'.
Which one should you use?
The form போகிறேன் is another formal way to express your intention to leave.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal or colloquial settings, especially among children or close friends, the English-derived term டாடா is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase போய் வருகிறேன் is in the first-person singular form, used by the person who is leaving. If you are addressing someone else to mean 'go and come back' (effectively saying goodbye to them), you use the polite or plural form போய் வாருங்கள்.
How do you pronounce it?
pōy varukiṟēṉ
Did you know?
- In Tamil culture, saying 'I go' without adding 'and come back' can be seen as an omen of bad luck or an expression of finality. This is why the phrase போய் வருகிறேன் always includes the promise of a return.
- Using the plural form போய் வாருங்கள் is not just for groups. It is a required mark of respect when saying goodbye to an elder or a superior, even if only one person is leaving.
- In modern urban Tamil, English words like 'Bye' have largely replaced போய் வருகிறேன் among Gen Z and Millennials, making the traditional phrase feel nostalgic or highly formal.
Examples in context
- சரி, போய் வருகிறேன்.sari, pōy varugirēn.Okay, bye.
- நான் இப்போது போய் வருகிறேன்.nān ippōtu pōy varugirēn.I am going now, bye.
- நாளை சந்திப்போம், போய் வருகிறேன்.nāḷai cantippōm, pōy varugirēn.See you tomorrow, bye.
Example conversation
Karthik is leaving Kavitha's house after a visit.
- கவிதா Kavithaஉங்களுடைய வருகை மகிழ்ச்சி அளித்தது, கார்த்திக்.Uṅkaḷuṭaiya varukai makiḻcci aḷittathu, Kārtik.It was a pleasure having you over, Karthik.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikநன்றி கவிதா, நான் போய் வருகிறேன்.Naṉṟi Kavithā, nāṉ pōy varukiṟēṉ.Thank you Kavitha, I'm off now.
- கவிதா Kavithaசரி, கவனமாக செல்லுங்கள்.Sari, kavaṉamāka celluṅkaḷ.Okay, travel safely.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikகண்டிப்பாக, மீண்டும் சந்திப்போம்.Kaṇṭippākka, mīṇṭum santippōm.Definitely, see you again.
