இரவு உணவு
iravu unavu/ɪɾɐʋɯ ʊɳɐʋɯ/word by word
The English word "dinner" is translated into Tamil as இரவு உணவு (iravu unavu).
The term refers to the evening meal.
Meaning: evening meal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
இரவு உணவு is composed of 'iravu' (night) and 'unavu' (food).
Which one should you use?
While இரவு உணவு is a standard way to say dinner, you may also encounter மாலை உணவு, which literally translates to "evening meal". In everyday spoken Tamil, people more commonly use இரவு சாப்பாடு instead of இரவு உணவு.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
இரவு உணவு is a formal or standard way to refer to the evening meal. In casual, everyday spoken Tamil, the colloquial term இரவு சாப்பாடு is more common. The word சாப்பாடு is a more common, conversational term for a meal than the formal unavu.
How do you pronounce it?
iravu unavu
Did you know?
- In traditional Tamil culture, the largest meal of the day is usually eaten at midday rather than at இரவு உணவு.
- In many Tamil households, இரவு உணவு is traditionally served on a banana leaf, which is considered more hygienic and auspicious than plastic or ceramic plates.
- The word இரவு is a homonym in Tamil. Depending on the context, it can mean 'night' or it can be a verbal noun meaning 'to beg'.
Examples in context
- நான் இரவு உணவு சாப்பிட்டேன்.Naan iravu unavu saappitten.I ate dinner.
- உங்களுக்கு இரவு உணவு வேண்டுமா?Ungalukku iravu unavu venduma?Do you want dinner?
Example conversation
Arun and Priya are talking about their plans for the evening.
- பிரியா Priyaஅருண், இரவு உணவு தயார்.Arun, iravu unavu tayār.Arun, dinner is ready.
- அருண் Arunநன்றி பிரியா, நான் இதோ வருகிறேன்.Naṉṟi Priya, nāṉ itō varukiṟēṉ.Thanks Priya, I am coming now.
- பிரியா Priyaஇன்று என்ன உணவு?Iṉṟu eṉṉa uṇavu?What is the food today?
- அருண் Arunஇன்று இரவு உணவு தோசை.Iṉṟu iravu unavu dōsai.Tonight's dinner is dosa.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (இரவு, உணவு) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries இரவு, உணவு, CC BY-SA 4.0.
