இற
iṟa/ɪrɐ/
To say 'to die' in Tamil, you can use the verb இற (iṟa) or சா.
Meaning: to stop living (verb)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| இற | iṟa | /ɪrɐ/ |
| சா | cā | /tʃɑː/ |
Both words are verbs used to describe the act of stopping living.
Which one should you use?
The form இற is used in formal, literary or poetic contexts, whereas சா is more common in everyday speech. Additionally, the noun for 'death' is சாவு, which is derived from the verb root சா.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of இற is /ɪrɐ/.
Did you know?
- In Tamil culture, using the word சா (to die) when referring to a respected elder can be seen as blunt or insensitive. Speakers often use euphemisms like காலமானார், which literally means 'time has become'.
- The formal root இற is closely related to the word இறை, which can mean 'god' or 'lord' in many spiritual contexts.
- Tamil has a distinct linguistic tradition of using 'soft' verbs for death depending on the status of the deceased. A king's death would never be described with சா, as that word is reserved for commoners or animals.
Examples in context
- சாவு!Die!This example shows the use of the form சா in an imperative way.Tatoeba #11036626 by DriedGrapes31, translation #364954 by fcbond
- முயல்கள் விரைவில் இறந்துவிடும்.muyalkal viraivil iranthuvidum.Rabbits die quickly.
Example conversation
Divya and Santhosh are talking about a pet fish.
- திவ்யா Divyaஎன் மீன் இறந்துவிட்டது.En meen iranthuvittathu.My fish died.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஎன்ன? அது மிகவும் வருத்தமாக இருக்கிறது.Enna? Athu migavum varuthamaaga irukkirathu.What? That is very sad.
- திவ்யா Divyaஆமாம், அது நேற்று இரவு இறந்தது.Aamaam, athu netru iravu iranthathu.Yes, it died last night.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஉனக்கு ஆறுதல் சொல்கிறேன், திவ்யா.Unakku aaruthal solgirane, Divya.I offer you my condolences, Divya.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “die” translations and entries இற, சா, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
