பிறகு
piṟaku/pɪrɐɡɯ/
The Tamil word for 'then' is பிறகு (piṟaku).
பிறகு is used as an adverb to mean 'at that time'.
Meaning: at that time (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, பிறகு means 'after' or 'afterwards'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase அதற்குப் பிறகு is a more precise way to say 'after that' or 'then' in a sequence of events.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used after a noun or a verb, it functions as 'after [something]'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is piṟaku.
Did you know?
- While பிறகு is commonly used for 'afterwards', if you want to say 'then' to imply a sudden logical consequence like 'then what?', you would use அப்படியென்றால் (appadiyendral) instead.
- The root of பிறகு is closely related to the concept of 'behind' or 'back' in many Dravidian languages, shifting the focus from a time sequence to a physical position behind something.
- While பிறகு means 'after' or 'then', Tamil speakers often use the word அப்புறம் in casual conversation. It serves the same purpose but is the standard choice for spoken Tamil over the more formal பிறகு.
Examples in context
- பிறகு என்ன நடக்கும்?piraku enna nadakkum?What will happen then?
- அவர் பிறகு வருவார்.avar piraku varuvār.He will come later/after that.
Example conversation
Arun and Anita are planning a meeting time.
- அனிதா Anitaஉங்களுக்கு இப்போது நேரம் இருக்கிறதா?Uṅkaḷukku ippōtu nēram irukkiṟatā?Do you have time now?
- அருண் Arunஇப்போது முடியாது, பிறகு சந்திப்போம்.Ippōtu muṭiyātu, piṟaku santippōm.I can't right now, let's meet then.
- அனிதா Anitaசரி, மாலை நேரம் சரியா?Sari, mālai nēram sariyā?Okay, is evening time fine?
- அருண் Arunஆம், அது சரி.Ām, atu sari.Yes, that is fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry பிறகு, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries பிறகு, CC BY-SA 4.0.
