இட்லி
iṭli/ɪʈliː/
இட்லி (iṭli) is the Tamil word for idli.
The word refers to a savory steamed cake made from a fermented batter of rice and black gram.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is iṭli. The IPA is /ɪʈliː/.
Did you know?
- In Tamil culinary discussions, the fermentation of இட்லி is treated with the same level of artisanal respect and technical scrutiny as a baker might treat 'sourdough' in English.
- Despite being a breakfast staple, இட்லி is often sold by street vendors in Tamil Nadu throughout the entire night and early morning hours.
- Although the word இட்லி is considered Tamil, it is a linguistic cognate shared almost identically across multiple South Indian languages like Kannada and Telugu.
Examples in context
- இட்லி மிகவும் சுவையாக இருக்கிறது.iṭli mikavum cuvaiyāka irukkiratu.The idli is very tasty.
- எனக்கு இட்லி பிடிக்கும்.eṉakku iṭli piṭikkum.I like idli.
- காலை உணவிற்கு இட்லி சாப்பிடுவோம்.kālai uṇavirkku iṭli cāppiṭuvōm.Let's eat idli for breakfast.
Example conversation
Santhosh and Divya are deciding what to eat for breakfast.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshதிவ்யா, காலை உணவிற்கு என்ன சாப்பிடலாம்?Divyā, kālai uṇavirkku eṉṉa cāppiṭalām?Divya, what shall we eat for breakfast?
- திவ்யா Divyaஎனக்கு இட்லி சாப்பிட ஆசையாக உள்ளது.eṉakku iṭli cāppiṭa ācayāka uḷḷatu.I feel like eating idli.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshசரி, இட்லி மற்றும் சட்னி சாப்பிடலாம்.cari, iṭli maṟṟum caṭṭaṉi cāppiṭalām.Okay, let's eat idli and chutney.
- திவ்யா Divyaசந்தோஷ், அது ஒரு நல்ல யோசனை.Santhōṣ, atu oru nalla yōcaṉai.Santhosh, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idli” translations and entries இட்லி, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries இட்லி, CC BY-SA 4.0.
