வா
vā/ʋɑː/
The Tamil word for 'come' is வா (vā).
This verb is used to express the act of arriving or appearing.
Meaning: to arrive, to appear (verb)
Which one should you use?
The imperative form வா is used when addressing friends, children or people younger than you. In contrast, the form வாருங்கள் is used when addressing elders, strangers or in more formal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
வா is an informal and common form used in everyday conversation. For a polite or formal way to say 'come' when addressing a single person or a group, use வாருங்கள்.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on tense and person. The infinitive or verbal noun meaning 'to come' is வரு. To say 'I am coming' in the first-person singular present tense, use வருகிறேன். For the third-person masculine singular past tense meaning 'he came', use வந்தான்.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is vā.
Did you know?
- Tamil speakers sometimes use வா in a way that translates to 'come' but actually means 'let us go' when the speaker is already moving toward the destination.
- In Tamil culture, inviting someone to வா 'come' inside your home is often accompanied by offering a glass of water or a snack, as hospitality is deeply tied to the act of arriving.
- The root வா is one of the most stable words in the language, having been inherited from the prehistoric Proto-Dravidian root *waHr.
Examples in context
- வா எங்களுக்கு உதவி செய்Come and help us.This is useful for requesting help.Tatoeba #4240324 by Singaravelu, translation #325000 by CK
- ஆறு மணிக்கு முன்பு வீட் டிற்கு வாCome home before six.This is useful for giving directions regarding when to arrive home.Tatoeba #4268044 by Singaravelu, translation #72433 by CK
- அவன் வருவான் என எதிர் பார்க்கிறேன்I expect him to come.This is useful for expressing an expectation of someone's arrival.Tatoeba #4157833 by Singaravelu, translation #282984 by CK
- இருக்கிறேன், வா!I'm here, come on!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Priya is calling Santhosh to join her for lunch.
- பிரியா Priyaசந்தோஷ், சீக்கிரம் இங்கே வா.Santhosh, seekiram inge vaa.Santhosh, come here quickly.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshநான் இதோ வந்துவிட்டேன்.Naan idho vandhuvittean.I am coming right now.
- பிரியா Priyaஉணவு தயாராக இருக்கிறது.Unavu thayaraaga irukkiradhu.The food is ready.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshசரி, நான் உடனே வருகிறேன்.Sari, naan udane varugirean.Okay, I am coming immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “come” translations and entries வா, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries வா, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
