தூண்
thoon
The English word pillar is translated to Tamil as தூண் (thoon).
The term refers to a large post, frequently used as a supporting element in architecture.
Meaning: large post, often used as supporting architecture (noun)
Which one should you use?
The formal word for pillar in Tamil is கம்பம்.
How do you pronounce it?
thoon
Did you know?
- Many historical Tamil temples feature 'musical pillars' that produce different musical notes when tapped, treating the தூண் as a percussion instrument.
- In traditional Tamil architecture, pillars are often carved with yali, mythical creatures that are part lion, elephant and horse, to protect the temple.
- In Dravidian architecture, the placement and direction of a தூண் were often dictated by complex spiritual texts known as Agamas.
Examples in context
- அந்தக் கோயில் தூண் மிகவும் பழமையானது.antak kōyil tūṇ mikavum paḻamaiyāṉatu.That temple pillar is very old.
- வெள்ளை நிறத் தூண் அழகாக இருக்கிறது.veḷḷai niṟat tūṇ aḻakāka irukkiṟatu.The white pillar looks beautiful.
Example conversation
Vijay and Priya are visiting an old temple.
- விஜய் Vijayபிரியா, அந்தத் தூணைப் பார்!Priya, andhat thoonai paar!Priya, look at that pillar!
- பிரியா Priyaஆம் விஜய், அதன் வேலைப்பாடு மிக நுணுக்கமாக உள்ளது.Aam Vijay, adhan velaippaadu miga nunukkamaaga ulladhu.Yes Vijay, its carving is very intricate.
- விஜய் Vijayஇந்தத் தூண் இவ்வளவு வருடங்களாக எப்படி நிற்கிறது?Indhat thoon ivvalavu varudangalaaga eppadi nirkiradhu?How has this pillar stood for so many years?
- பிரியா Priyaஇது பழைய காலக் கட்டடக்கலை.Idhu pazhaiya kaala kattadakkalai.This is old-time architecture.
