நல்லது
nallatu/nɐllɐd̪ɯ/
The English word 'good' can be expressed in Tamil as நல்லது (nallatu).
In Tamil, 'good' can be used to mean pleasant or enjoyable. The term Nalladhu is a phrase used to describe something as 'good' or 'right'. When expressing that there is a good match or compatibility between people, the word Porutham is used.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Which one should you use?
The form நல்லது (nallatu) functions as a substantive, meaning it can stand alone to mean 'It is good' or 'That is a good thing'. In contrast, when modifying a noun directly, the adjective form நல்ல (nalla) is typically used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form நல்லது (nallatu) is a neuter singular noun or a standalone adjective, but when modifying a noun directly, the adjective form நல்ல (nalla) is typically used.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is nallatu. The IPA is /nɐllɐd̪ɯ/.
Did you know?
- In Tamil, the word for 'good' is often used as a verbal blessing in conversation, similar to saying 'may it be well' or 'amen' to affirm a positive outcome.
- The root of the phrase, நல்ல (nalla), is frequently found in Tamil names to signify that the person possesses innate virtue or excellence.
- The word நல்லது is a cognate of the Malayalam word നല്ലത്, meaning they share a common ancestral root in the Dravidian language family.
Examples in context
- நல்லது.Good.This sentence is useful for saying 'Good' using the form நல்லது.Tatoeba #11036694 by DriedGrapes31, translation #1148281 by cntrational
- இந்தத் தங்குமிடம் மிகவும் நல்லது.Indhat thangumidam migavum nalladhu.This accommodation is very good.
Example conversation
Arun and Kavitha are talking about a movie they watched.
- கவிதா Kavithaபடம் எப்படி இருந்தது?Padam eppadi irundhadhu?How was the movie?
- அருண் Arunபடம் மிகவும் நல்லது.Padam migavum nalladhu.The movie was very good.
- கவிதா Kavithaஎனக்கும் அப்படித்தான் தோன்றியது.Enakkum appadithān thōṉṟiyadhu.I felt the same way.
- அருண் Arunநாம் மீண்டும் பார்க்கலாம்.Nām mīṇḍum pārkkalām.We can watch it again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry நல்லது, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries நல்லது, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
