மதிய உணவு
madhiya unavu
The English phrase 'lunch' is translated into Tamil as மதிய உணவு (madhiya unavu).
The term மதிய உணவு is the standard way to refer to the meal eaten around midday in Tamil.
Meaning: meal around midday (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of madhiya, meaning 'midday' or 'afternoon' and unavu, meaning 'food' or 'meal'.
How do you pronounce it?
madhiya unavu
Did you know?
- A traditional Tamil மதிய உணவு is typically served on a banana leaf, where the placement of each food item follows a strict cultural geometry.
- The term மதிய உணவு is often used in government programs, such as the famous 'Midday Meal Scheme' in Tamil Nadu, which was the first of its kind in India.
- While மதிய உணவு is the formal term, in many Tamil households, people simply use the verb சாப்பிடு (saappidu), meaning 'to eat', to ask if someone has had their lunch.
Examples in context
- மதிய உணவு தயார்.matiya uṇavu tayār.Lunch is ready.
- நான் மதிய உணவு சாப்பிட்டேன்.nān matiya uṇavu sāppiṭṭēn.I ate lunch.
- மதிய உணவு எப்போது கிடைக்கும்?matiya uṇavu eppōtu kiṭaikkum?When will lunch be available?
Example conversation
Vijay and Priya are at home deciding what to eat.
- விஜய் Vijayபிரியா, மதிய உணவு என்ன?Priyā, matiya uṇavu eṉṉa?Priya, what is for lunch?
- பிரியா Priyaஇன்று மதிய உணவு இட்லி.Iṉṟu matiya uṇavu iṭli.Today's lunch is idli.
- விஜய் Vijayஅப்படியா, எனக்குப் பிடிக்கும்!Appaṭiyā, eṉakkup piṭikkum!Is that so? I like it!
- பிரியா Priyaசரி, சீக்கிரம் வா.Cari, cīkkiram vā.Okay, come quickly.
