கொடு
koṭu/koɖɯ/
The English verb "give" is translated into Tamil as கொடு (koṭu). Wiktionary also lists தா (tā).
Meaning: transfer the possession of something to someone else (verb)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| கொடு | koṭu | /koɖɯ/ |
| தா | tā | /t̪ɑː/ |
The verb means to transfer the possession of something to someone else.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form கொடு (koṭu) is the root and is used in the imperative mood to give a direct command. To express the future tense for a third person (he, she or they), the root கொடு is modified into forms such as கொடுப்பார் (koṭuppār).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is koṭu and the IPA is /koɖɯ/.
Did you know?
- In Tamil culture, the act of giving is often accompanied by using the right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered impure.
- While கொடு and தா both mean 'give', தா is used specifically when the object is being given to the speaker, similar to the English 'give me'.
- The root கொடு is related to words meaning 'steepness' or 'hardship' in other Dravidian languages, suggesting an ancient link between 'giving' and 'effort'.
Examples in context
- நெடுங்கடலும் தன்நீர்மை குன்றும் தடிந்தெழிலி தான்நல்கா தாகி விடின்Even the wealth of the wide sea will be diminished if the cloud that has drawn its waters up does not give them back again in rain.This sentence uses the form தா.Tatoeba #4271058 by Singaravelu, translation #4271056 by Singaravelu
- அவளிடம் கொடுGive it to her.This sentence uses the form கொடு.Tatoeba #4157456 by Singaravelu, translation #630617 by CK
- பேனா கொடு.Give me the pen.
- எனக்கு ஒரு பேனா கொடு.enakku oru pēnā koṭu.Give me a pen.
Example conversation
Priya is asking Santhosh for a book at home.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshபிரியா, என்ன வேண்டும்?Priyā, enna vēṇṭum?Priya, what do you want?
- பிரியா Priyaஅந்தப் புத்தகத்தை எனக்கு கொடு.antap puttakattai enakku koṭu.Give me that book.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஇதோ, இந்த புத்தகத்தை எடுத்துக்கொள்.itō, intap puttakattai eṭuttukkoḷ.Here, take this book.
- பிரியா Priyaமிக்க நன்றி, சந்தோஷ்.mikka naṉṟi, Santhōṣ.Thank you very much, Santhosh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “give” translations and entries கொடு, தா, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries கொடு, தா, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
