நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்
nalvazhthukkal
The Tamil way to say cheers is நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் (nalvazhthukkal).
While this term can be used as a toast when drinking, it is more commonly used in general Tamil conversation to mean 'congratulations' or 'best wishes'.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of nal (good) and vazhthukkal (wishes).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் is a formal way to express well-wishes and is suitable for toasts in polite or ceremonial contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
nalvazhthukkal
Did you know?
- The root vazh in நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் is related to the verb 'to live' or 'to prosper'. A toast in Tamil is literally wishing for the other person's long and prosperous life.
- In traditional Tamil culture, the concept of a 'toast' is less common than in the West, as social drinking was historically rare or performed in private circles.
- Tamil has a rich tradition of 'vazhthukkal' in classical poetry, where poets would wish for the eternal reign of kings using similar phrasing to this toast.
Example conversation
Arun and Kavitha are celebrating a promotion at a restaurant.
- கவிதா Kavithaஉன் பதவி உயர்விற்கு வாழ்த்துகள், அருண்!Un patavi uyarviṟku vāḻttukaḷ, Arun!Congratulations on your promotion, Arun!
- அருண் Arunமிக்க நன்றி, கவிதா!Mikka naṉṟi, Kavitha!Thank you very much, Kavitha!
- அருண் Arunசரி, நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!Sari, nalvāḻttukkaḷ!Okay, cheers!
- கவிதா Kavithaநல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!Nalvāḻttukkaḷ!Cheers!
