செய்
cey/tʃɛj/
The English verb 'do' is translated into Tamil as செய் (cey). Wiktionary also lists பண்ணு (paṇṇu).
Meaning: perform tasks (verb)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| செய் | cey | /tʃɛj/ |
| பண்ணு | paṇṇu | /pɐɳːɯ/ |
The verb is used to describe the act of performing tasks. In musical contexts, the noun ச refers to the tonic of the C major scale.
Which one should you use?
While both செய் and பண்ணு mean 'do', பண்ணு is more common in spoken, colloquial Tamil, whereas செய் is the standard form used in formal writing and literature.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The base form செய் functions as a casual imperative command meaning 'do' or 'do it'. To indicate the third person singular masculine future tense ('he will do'), the form changes to செய்வான். For the third person plural ('they will do'), the verb takes the form செய்வார்கள்.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is cey. The IPA is /tʃɛj/.
Did you know?
- The Tamil verb for 'do' is related to the word kanning in Brahui, a language spoken primarily in Pakistan.
Examples in context
- அவர்களில்லாமல் நான் என்ன செய்வேன்?What would I do without them?This sentence shows how to use செய் when expressing dependency.Tatoeba #7156600 by Singaravelu, translation #5853682 by raggione
- நான் என்ன செய்ய வேண்டும் என்று சொல்Tell me what to do.This sentence uses செய் to ask for instructions.Tatoeba #4157557 by Singaravelu, translation #24758 by CK
- என்ன செய்வது என்பது எனக்குத் தெரியும்I know what to do.This sentence uses செய் to express knowledge of an action.Tatoeba #4157493 by Singaravelu, translation #256407 by CK
- வேலையை நான் செய்கிறேன்I am doing the work.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anita asks Santhosh to help her with some work.
- அனிதா Anitaசந்தோஷ், எனக்கு கொஞ்சம் உதவி செய்.Santhosh, enakku konjam udhavi sei.Santhosh, do me a small favor.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshநிச்சயமாக, நான் என்ன செய்ய வேண்டும்?Nichayamaga, naan enna seyya vendum?Sure, what should I do?
- அனிதா Anitaஇந்தக் கடிதத்தை மட்டும் செய்.Indha kadithathai mattum sei.Just do this letter.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshசரி, நான் இப்போதே செய்கிறேன்.Sari, naan ippodhe seigiren.Okay, I will do it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “do” translations and entries செய், பண்ணு, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries செய், பண்ணு, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
