அதனால்
ataṉāl/ɐd̪ɐnɑːl/
The English phrase 'so' can be translated into Tamil as அதனால் (ataṉāl).
அதனால் is a conjunction used to introduce a result or a consequence of something previously mentioned. In spoken Tamil, it is often used at the beginning of a sentence to mean 'Because of that…' or 'Therefore…'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of அது (that) and the instrumental case suffix ஆல் (by/with), literally meaning 'by that' or 'from that'.
Which one should you use?
While அதனால் is common in both speech and writing, ஆகவே is a more formal alternative used in literature or official contexts to mean 'hence' or 'therefore'.
How does it change in a sentence?
அதனால் functions as a conjunction to connect a cause to its resulting effect.
How do you pronounce it?
ataṉāl
Did you know?
- While அதனால் is used for logical consequence, Tamil speakers often use the word அப்புறம் (afterwards) in casual conversation to link events in a way that translates to 'so' in English.
- The word அதனால் shares a common ancestral root with the Malayalam word അതിനാൽ (atināl), reflecting the close historical relationship between these two Dravidian languages.
- The instrumental suffix ஆல் used in அதனால் is the same one used to say 'with a pen' or 'by a person', linking the concept of 'reason' to the concept of 'agency'.
Examples in context
- அவன் அதிகம் படித்தான், அதனால் தேர்ச்சி பெற்றான்.avan athigam padithan, athanal thērchi petran.He studied a lot, so he passed the exam.
- மழை பெய்தது, அதனால் நான் வீட்டிலேயே இருந்தேன்.mazhai peithathu, athanal naan veetileye irunthen.It rained, so I stayed at home.
- எனக்கு பசியாக இருந்தது, அதனால் நான் சாப்பிட்டேன்.enaku pasiyaga irunthathu, athanal naan saapitten.I was hungry, so I ate.
Example conversation
Divya and Karthik are discussing why they are late for a meeting.
- திவ்யா Divyaபோக்குவரத்து நெரிசல் இருந்தது, அதனால் தாமதமாகிவிட்டது.Pokkuvarathu nerisal irunthathu, athanaal thamatamaagivittathu.There was a traffic jam, so it became late.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikபரவாயில்லை திவ்யா, இப்போது உள்ளே வாருங்கள்.Paravaayillai Divya, ippothu ullae vaarungal.That's okay Divya, come inside now.
- திவ்யா Divyaமிக்க நன்றி கார்த்திக்.Mikka nandri Karthik.Thank you very much Karthik.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikசரி, நாம் வேலையைத் தொடங்குவோம்.Sari, naam velaiyai thodanguvom.Okay, let's start the work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry அதனால், CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries அதனால், CC BY-SA 4.0.
