What does it mean word for word?
The phrase follows a Subject-Object-Verb word order. நான் (naan) means "I", தமிழ் (thamizh) means "Tamil" and கற்கிறேன் (karkiren) means "learn".
Which one should you use?
While நான் தமிழ் கற்கிறேன் is a standard way to express your current study, you can also use the form நான் தமிழ் கற்றுக் கொள்கிறேன் to express the process of learning or acquiring the language in a more formal or standard manner. Additionally, தமிழ் கற்கிறேன் (without the subject "I") can be used to mean "I am learning Tamil". If you want to specify that you are learning well, you would say நன்றாக தமிழ் கற்கிறேன்.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb கற்கிறேன் is conjugated specifically for the first-person singular to match the subject நான், indicating a present continuous or habitual action.
How do you pronounce it?
naan thamizh karkiren
Did you know?
- The word தமிழ் may have originally been linked to a verb meaning 'to fit properly', suggesting the language is 'the one that fits' or is 'appropriate'.
- The word தமிழ் is widely considered to be the name of one of the longest surviving classical languages in the world.
Examples in context
- தற்போது நான் தமிழ் கற்கிறேன்.taṟpōtu nāṉ tamiḻ kaṟkiṟēṉ.Currently, I am learning Tamil.
- ஆமாம், நான் தமிழ் கற்கிறேன்.āmām, nāṉ tamiḻ kaṟkiṟēṉ.Yes, I am learning Tamil.
Example conversation
Two friends meet and discuss their hobbies.
- திவ்யா Divyaநீங்கள் என்ன செய்கிறீர்கள்?Nīṅkaḷ eṉṉa ceykiṟīrkaḷ?What are you doing?
- அருண் Arunநான் தமிழ் கற்கிறேன்.Nāṉ tamiḻ kaṟkiṟēṉ.I am learning Tamil.
- திவ்யா Divyaமிகவும் சிறப்பு, அருண்!Mikavum ciṟappu, Aruṇ!That is very great, Arun!
- அருண் Arunநன்றி, திவ்யா.Naṉṟi, Divyā.Thank you, Divya.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries தமிழ், நான், CC BY-SA 4.0.
