இங்கே
iṅkē/ɪŋɡeː/
The Tamil word for "here" is இங்கே (iṅkē).
The adverb இங்கே is used to indicate being in, on or at this place. It can also be used as a noun to mean "this place".
Meaning: in, on, or at this place (adv)
Which one should you use?
The form இங்கு (ingu) is a more formal or literary version of இங்கே (inkē).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is iṅkē (/ɪŋɡeː/).
When do people say it?
When handing an object to someone, you can use the interjection இந்தா to assertively offer it, similar to saying "Here you go!" in English.
Did you know?
- The word இங்கே is derived from the Proto-Dravidian root *ī, which served as the foundational base for indicating proximity across many ancient South Indian languages.
- Tamil uses a three-way system of proximity: இங்கே for 'here', அங்கே for 'there', and எங்கே for 'where', creating a rhythmic symmetry in the language's spatial pointers.
- The formal version இங்கு (ingu) is commonly used in classical literature and formal speeches, but using it in a casual street conversation might make you sound like a character from an ancient poem.
Examples in context
- இங்கே அமருங்கள்,தயவு செயது காத்திருங்கள்Please sit here and wait.This sentence shows how to use இங்கே when giving an instruction to sit and wait.Tatoeba #4240357 by Singaravelu, translation #890210 by Scott
- இங்கே வராதே! ஓடு!Don't come here! Run!This sentence demonstrates the use of இங்கே in a command to stay away.Tatoeba #10720892 by DriedGrapes31, translation #10720893 by DriedGrapes31
- பயிற்சி இங்கே நடக்கும்.payirchi inge nadakkum.The practice will happen here.
Example conversation
Divya and Arun are meeting at a park.
- திவ்யா Divyaஅருண், நீ இங்கே தான் இருக்காயா?Arun, nee inge thaan irukkaya?Arun, are you right here?
- அருண் Arunஆமாம் திவ்யா, நான் இங்கே தான் இருக்கிறேன்.Aamaam Divya, naan inge thaan irukkiren.Yes Divya, I am right here.
- திவ்யா Divyaநீ இங்கே ஏன் இவ்வளவு நேரம்?Nee inge yen ivvalavu neram?Why have you been here for so long?
- அருண் Arunஉன் வருகைக்காக இங்கே காத்திருந்தேன்.Un varugaikkaaga inge kaaththirundhen.I was waiting here for your arrival.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “here” translations and entries இங்கே, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries இங்கே, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
