எனக்கு தமிழ் தெரியும்
enakku thamizh theriyum
I know Tamil in Tamil is எனக்கு தமிழ் தெரியும் (enakku thamizh theriyum).
This phrase is used to express that a person has the ability to speak or understand the Tamil language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to To me, Tamil is known.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the negative, such as 'I don't know Tamil', change the verb theriyum to the negative form theriyadhu. To turn the statement into a question, such as 'Do I know Tamil?', add the interrogative suffix '-a' to the verb to get theriyuma?
How do you pronounce it?
enakku thamizh theriyum
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb ariyen (to know a fact) to translate 'I know'. However, when referring to languages or skills, you must use the construction enakku … theriyum (to me … is known).
Did you know?
- While the phrase is simple, the specific letter ழ in தமிழ் represents a unique retroflex sound that is famously difficult for non-native speakers to master.
- The word தமிழ் is so ancient that it is recorded in the even older Pali language as 'damiḷa', showing its long historical presence in the region.
- The word தமிழ் for the language is so central to identity that it is often used as a name for people, places and even deities in Tamil culture.
Examples in context
- உங்களுக்கு தமிழ் தெரியுமா? எனக்கு தமிழ் தெரியும்.uṅkaḷukku tamiḻ teriyumā? enakku tamiḻ teriyum.Do you know Tamil? I know Tamil.
Example conversation
A student is checking if their classmate can speak Tamil.
- அருண் Arunதிவ்யா, உங்களுக்கு தமிழ் தெரியுமா?divyā, uṅkaḷukku tamiḻ teriyumā?Divya, do you know Tamil?
- திவ்யா Divyaஆம், எனக்கு தமிழ் தெரியும்.ām, enakku tamiḻ teriyum.Yes, I know Tamil.
- அருண் Arunரொம்ப மகிழ்ச்சி!rompa makiḻci!Very happy to hear that!
- திவ்யா Divyaநன்றி, அருண்.naṉṟi, aruṇ.Thank you, Arun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries எனக்கு, தமிழ், CC BY-SA 4.0.
