இளவரசன்
iḷavaracaṉ
To say prince in Tamil, use இளவரசன் (iḷavaracaṉ).
இளவரசன் refers to the son or grandson of a reigning king.
Meaning: son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is made of iḷa, meaning young or junior and a part meaning heir, so it literally means junior heir.
Which one should you use?
ராஜகுமாரன் is another, more formal term used to address a prince.
How does it change in a sentence?
இளவரசன் is masculine singular. The plural is இளவரசர்கள் (iḷavaracarkaḷ).
How do you pronounce it?
It is romanized as iḷavaracaṉ. The dot under the l marks a retroflex l made with the tongue curled back.
Did you know?
- The term ராஜகுமாரன் is a loanword from Sanskrit, whereas இளவரசன் is a native Tamil word. Using the native term often evokes a sense of ancient Sangam literature rather than later courtly traditions.
- In Tamil, the root இள ('young') is used to create many 'junior' versions of titles, but it can also describe a specific stage of a plant's growth, like a tender coconut.
- In modern Tamil pop culture, such as in film songs or titles, you might see the word 'prince' used metaphorically to describe a handsome or beloved young man, moving far beyond actual royalty.
Examples in context
- அந்த இளவரசன் மிகவும் தைரியமானவர்.Andha ilavarasan migavum thairiyamanavar.That prince is very brave.
- இளவரசன் மக்கள் அனைவரிடமும் அன்பாக இருந்தார்.Ilavarasan makkal anaivaridmum anbaga irundhar.The prince was kind to all the people.
- இந்த இளவரசன் அழகான அரண்மனையில் வாழ்கிறார்.Indha ilavarasan azhagana aranmanaiyil vazhgiraar.This prince lives in a beautiful palace.
Example conversation
Briya and Vijay are reading a storybook together.
- விஜய் Vijayஇந்த கதையில் இளவரசன் யார்?Indha kadhaiyil ilavarasan yār?Who is the prince in this story?
- பிரியா Priyaஅவர் ராஜாவின் ஒரே மகன்.Avar rājāvin orē magan.He is the king's only son.
- விஜய் Vijayஅவர் பார்க்க மிகவும் அன்பாக இருக்கிறார்.Avar pārkka migavum anbāga irukkirār.He looks very kind.
- பிரியா Priyaஆம், அவர் ஒரு நல்ல இளவரசன்.Ām, avar oru nalla ilavarasan.Yes, he is a good prince.
