எனக்கு கொடு
enakku kodu
The English phrase "give me" is expressed in Tamil as எனக்கு கொடு (enakku kodu).
This phrase is used as a verb to express a preference or a direct request to receive something.
Meaning: expression of preference (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of எனக்கு (enakku), meaning "to me" and கொடு (kodu), meaning "give".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form எனக்கு கொடு is informal and is used when speaking to friends, children or younger people. For polite or formal situations, use எனக்கு கொடுங்கள்.
How do you pronounce it?
enakku kodu
Did you know?
- In Tamil culture, it is common to use the phrase எனக்கு கொடு while gesturing with the right hand, as using the left hand to receive or give can be seen as impolite.
- While கொடு means 'give', adding a small change in sound can turn the word into கோடு, which refers to a 'bent' or 'hardship'.
- While எனக்கு கொடு is a standard request, using the informal கொடு (kodu) with a stranger or an elder in Tamil Nadu can be perceived as an intentional insult or a sign of extreme disrespect.
Example conversation
Priya and Karthik are sharing some snacks.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikஇந்த பிஸ்கட் சாப்பிடு, பிரியா.Indha biscuit saapidu, Priya.Eat this biscuit, Priya.
- பிரியா Priyaஎனக்கு கொடு.Enakku kodu.Give it to me.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikஇந்தா, எடுத்துக்கொள்.Indha, eduthukkol.Here, take it.
- பிரியா Priyaநன்றி, கார்த்திக்.Nandri, Karthik.Thank you, Karthik.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries எனக்கு, கொடு, CC BY-SA 4.0.
