ஜெபமாலை
jepamālai
The English phrase "rosary" is ஜெபமாலை (jepamālai) in Tamil.
ஜெபமாலை is the term used to refer to Catholic prayer beads.
Meaning: Catholic prayer beads (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of components where மாலை (mālai) means a garland or necklace, which reflects the physical form of the beads.
How do you pronounce it?
jepamālai
Did you know?
- Even though 'rosary' comes from the Latin for 'rose', the Tamil term ஜெபமாலை focuses entirely on the concept of a 'garland' or 'necklace' of prayer.
- The word மாலை in ஜெபமாலை is the same word used for the flower garlands worn by guests and deities in Hindu weddings and temple rituals.
- The word மாலை (mālai) also carries the meaning of 'evening' in Tamil, creating a poetic linguistic coincidence where the word for a prayer garland shares a name with the time of day.
Examples in context
- என் கையில் ஒரு ஜெபமாலை உள்ளது.en kaiyil oru jepamālai uḷḷatu.I have a rosary in my hand.
- இந்த ஜெபமாலை மிகவும் அழகானது.intha jepamālai mikavum aḻakāṉatu.This rosary is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Kavitha and Santhosh are getting ready for church.
- கவிதா Kavithaசந்தோஷ், என் ஜெபமாலை எங்கே இருக்கிறது?Santhosh, en jebamaalai engay irukkiradhu?Santhosh, where is my rosary?
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஅது மேஜை மேல் இருக்கிறது, கவிதா.Adhu mejai mel irukkiradhu, Kavitha.It is on the table, Kavitha.
- கவிதா Kavithaநன்றி, நான் அதைத் தேடிக்கொண்டிருந்தேன்.Nandri, naan adhai thedikondirundhen.Thanks, I was looking for it.
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshசரி, நாம் இப்போது கிளம்பலாம்.Sari, naam ippodhu kilambalaam.Okay, we can leave now.
