சிறிய
ciṟiya/tʃɪrɪjɐ/
The English word 'little' translates to Tamil as சிறிய (ciṟiya).
சிறிய is used to describe physical size or scale, such as a small object or a small amount.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Which one should you use?
The opposite of சிறிய is பெரிய, which means 'big'.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the suffix -ஆக to சிறிய, you create the adverbial form சிறியதாக, which means 'in a small manner' or 'smallly'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is romanized as ciṟiya. The IPA is /tʃɪrɪjɐ/.
Did you know?
- The root of this word, Proto-South Dravidian *kil, suggests a historical connection to the concept of 'low' or 'below' in ancient Dravidian-speaking-speaking-cultures.
- In Tamil culture, using சிறிய to describe a child can sometimes be a way to show affection or endearment, rather than just noting their physical size.
- While சிறிய means 'small', its root சிறு (ciṟu) is used in Tamil to describe a light drizzle of rain, which is called சிறு மழை (ciṟu maḻai).
Examples in context
- இந்தத் தட்டு சிறியது.Indhat thaṭṭu siṟiyadhu.This plate is small.
- அவன் ஒரு சிறிய வீட்டில் வசிக்கிறான்.Avan oru siṟiya vīṭṭil vasikkirāṉ.He lives in a small house.
Example conversation
Santosh and Anita are looking at a gift box.
- அனிதா Anitaஇந்த பெட்டி மிகவும் சிறியதாக உள்ளது.Intha petti migavum siriyathaga ullathu.This box is very little.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஆம், பரிசு உள்ளே நுழையாது.Aam, parisu ullae nuzhaiyathu.Yes, the gift will not fit inside.
- அனிதா Anitaநமக்கு ஒரு பெரிய பெட்டி தேவை.Namakku oru periya petti thevai.We need a big box.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshசரி, நாம் மற்றொன்றைத் தேடுவோம்.Sari, naam matrontrai theduvom.Okay, let's look for another one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries சிறிய, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries சிறிய, CC BY-SA 4.0.
