அழைப்பு
aḻaippu/ɐɻɐɪ̯pːɯ/
The English verb 'call' (to contact by telephone) is translated into Tamil as அழைப்பு (aḻaippu).
அழைப்பு is used to refer to a telephone call. However, it is important to note that this word can also signify a formal invitation or a summons.
Meaning: to contact by telephone (verb)
Which one should you use?
While அழைப்பு can refer to a telephone call, it is also used to mean a formal invitation or a summons.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present tense of the verb, meaning 'I am calling', is அழைக்கிறேன்.
How do you pronounce it?
aḻaippu
Did you know?
- In spoken Tamil, people rarely use the formal அழைப்பு for a phone call and instead use the English word 'call' integrated into Tamil grammar as கால் பண்.
- In Tamil culture, a formal அழைப்பு for a wedding is often delivered in person by a family member rather than sent as a simple letter or call.
- The root verb அழை (aḻai) can also mean 'to shout' or 'to cry out' to get someone's attention from a distance, not just a polite summons.
Example conversation
Kavitha is talking to Vijay about a business meeting.
- கவிதா Kavithaவிஜய், எனக்கு ஒரு அழைப்பு கொடுங்கள்.Vijay, enakku oru azhaippu kodungal.Vijay, give me a call.
- விஜய் Vijayநிச்சயமாக, நான் எப்போது அழைக்க வேண்டும்?Nichayamaga, naan eppodu azhaikka vendum?Sure, when should I call?
- கவிதா Kavithaமதியம் நான்கு மணிக்கு அழைப்பு விடுங்கள்.Madhiyam naangu manikku azhaippu vidungal.Make the call at four in the afternoon.
- விஜய் Vijayசரி கவிதா, நான் அழைக்கிறேன்.Sari Kavitha, naan azhaikkiren.Okay Kavitha, I will call.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry அழைப்பு, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
