என்னை
ennai
The Tamil word for "me" is என்னை (ennai).
The word என்னை is used to refer to the speaker as the object of an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
என்னை is the accusative case of the first-person singular pronoun. It is used specifically when "me" serves as the direct object of a verb. While the word Naan is the most common way to express "I" or "me" in Tamil, என்னை is the form required when the speaker is the recipient of an action.
How do you pronounce it?
ennai
Did you know?
- In spoken Tamil, என்னை is frequently shortened to என்ன, which can also mean 'what' depending on the context and intonation.
- While it translates to 'me', the component ஐ in the word என்னை can historically be linked to terms of respect like 'lord' or 'master'.
- In highly formal or literary Tamil, the way you refer to yourself can change to show humility, sometimes avoiding simple pronouns altogether.
Examples in context
- "என்னை நம்பு" என்று சொன்னாள்.She said: "Trust me".This sentence is useful for seeing என்னை used as the object of the verb "trust".Tatoeba #10722107 by DriedGrapes31, translation #1490282 by niceguydave
- உடனே வந்து என்னைப் பார்க்கவும்Come and see me right now.This sentence shows என்னை used when someone is being asked to be seen.Tatoeba #4240373 by Singaravelu, translation #52204 by CK
- இன்று மாலை ஆறு மணிக்கு அவன் என்னை சந்திக்கிறான்.He meets me today evening at six o'clock.This sentence illustrates என்னை as the object in a sentence about meeting someone.Tatoeba #4272111 by Singaravelu, translation #4272110 by Singaravelu
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Karthik and Anita are talking about a phone call.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikநீ என்னை அழைத்தாயா?Nee ennai azhaithaya?Did you call me?
- அனிதா Anitaஆம், நான் உன்னை அழைத்தேன்.Aam, naan unnai azhaithien.Yes, I called you.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikஏன் என்னை அழைக்கிறாய்?Yaen ennai azhaikkiraay?Why are you calling me?
- அனிதா Anitaஉனக்கு ஒரு விஷயம் சொல்ல வேண்டும்.Unakku oru vishayam solla vendum.I need to tell you something.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries என்னை, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
