உண்மையில்
unmaiyil
The English word "really" can be translated into Tamil as உண்மையில் (unmaiyil).
The term உண்மையில் is used as an adverb meaning "actually." To use "really" as a question to express surprise or disbelief, you use the noun unmai (truth) with the interrogative particle -aa to form உண்மையா?
Meaning: actually (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word உண்மையில் is composed of unmai (truth) and the locative case suffix -il (in), literally meaning "in truth."
Which one should you use?
While உண்மையில் means "actually," the term அதிகமாக (Athigamāka) is used to express 'really' in the sense of something being in excess or beyond expectation. For added emphasis, you can use the form உண்மையாகவே, which means "really / truly."
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the emphatic suffix -ae to the base form creates உண்மையாகவே, which is used to add extra emphasis to the word 'really'.
How do you pronounce it?
unmaiyil
Did you know?
- While உண்மையில் expresses factual truth, Tamil speakers often use the word பச்சையாக (pachaiyāga), meaning 'raw' or 'green', to mean 'really' when someone speaks a blunt or unfiltered truth.
- The word உண்மையில் is constructed using the locative case, literally meaning 'in truth', treating the concept of truth as a physical place or state one exists within.
Examples in context
- உண்மையில் அது சாத்தியமில்லை.uṇmaiyil atu sāttiyamillai.Actually, it is not possible.
- அவர் உண்மையில் ஒரு நல்லவர்.avar uṇmaiyil oru nallavar.He is actually a good person.
- உண்மையில் எனக்கு அது பிடிக்கவில்லை.uṇmaiyil enakku atu piṭikkavillai.Actually, I do not like it.
Example conversation
Arun and Kavitha are discussing a new movie.
- அருண் Arunஅந்தப் படம் நன்றாக இருந்ததா?anta paṭam naṉṟāka iruntatā?Was that movie good?
- கவிதா Kavithaஉண்மையில் அது அவ்வளவு சிறப்பாக இல்லை.uṇmaiyil atu avvaḷavu ciṟappākā illai.Actually, it was not that great.
- அருண் Arunஏன் அப்படிச் சொல்கிறாய்?ēṉ appaṭic colkiṟāy?Why do you say that?
- கவிதா Kavithaகதை மிகவும் மெதுவாக இருந்தது.katai mikavum metuvāka iruntatu.The story was very slow.
