முத்தம்
muttam/mʊt̪ːɐm/
The English word "kiss" is translated into Tamil as முத்தம் (muttam).
முத்தம் refers to a touch with the lips. While it can function as a noun, it is also used to express the verb "to kiss". Rather than using a single direct verb for the action, speakers commonly use the phrase முத்தம் கொடு (give a kiss) to express the act of kissing.
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of முத்தம் is முத்தங்கள். To express the action of having completed a kiss, you can use the verbal participle form முத்தம் தந்து (having given a kiss).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is muttam and the IPA is /mʊt̪ːɐm/.
When do people say it?
To express the specific action of "giving a kiss", speakers use the phrase Muththam Podu.
Did you know?
- The word முத்தம் is closely related to முத்து, which also means 'pearl' in Tamil.
- In many Dravidian cultures, including Tamil-speaking communities, public displays of affection like the one described by முத்தம் are traditionally much more discreet than in Western cultures.
- The Tamil word முத்தம் shares the same linguistic root as the words for 'kiss' in Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu and Tulu.
Examples in context
- முத்தம் தா.Kiss me.This sentence is useful for learning how to use the noun முத்தம் in a request.Tatoeba #11036753 by DriedGrapes31, translation #565931 by Fish
- குழந்தை முத்தம் கேட்டது.kuḻantai muttam kēṭṭatu.The baby asked for a kiss.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Priya and Karthik are saying goodbye.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikபோய் வருகிறேன், ஒரு முத்தம் கொடு.Poi varugiren, oru mutham kodu.I am leaving, give me a kiss.
- பிரியா Priyaசரி, இதோ உனக்கான முத்தம்.Sari, idho unakkaana mutham.Okay, here is a kiss for you.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikநன்றி, பிரியா.Nandri, Priya.Thank you, Priya.
- பிரியா Priyaஉடனே கிளம்பு, கார்த்திக்.Udane kilambu, Karthik.Leave now, Karthik.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries முத்தம், CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries முத்தம், CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
