ஆமை
āmai/ɑːmɐɪ̯/
The English word tortoise is translated into Tamil as ஆமை (āmai). Wiktionary also lists ஓடன் (ōṭaṉ).
Meaning: land-dwelling reptile (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ஆமை | āmai | /ɑːmɐɪ̯/ |
| ஓடன் | ōṭaṉ | /oːɖɐn/ |
The word is used to refer to land-dwelling reptiles.
Which one should you use?
The word ஆமை (āmai) is the general term used for both tortoises and turtles, ஓடன் (ōṭaṉ) is another way to refer to a tortoise.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is āmai.
Did you know?
- In Hindu mythology and Tamil literature, the tortoise ஆமை is often depicted as the creature that supports the entire world on its back.
- The word ஓடன் (ōṭaṉ) is built directly from the word ஓடு (ōṭu), which means 'shell'.
- In Tamil culture, the tortoise ஆமை is a symbol of stability and patience, often used in proverbs to describe someone who is slow but steady.
Examples in context
- தோட்டத்தில் ஒரு சிறிய ஆமை உள்ளது.thottathil oru siriya aamai ulladhu.There is a small tortoise in the garden.
Example conversation
Anita and Vijay are looking at a small animal in a backyard.
- அனிதா Anitaவிஜய், அந்த ஆமையைப் பார்!Vijay, antha aamaiyai paar!Vijay, look at that tortoise!
- விஜய் Vijayஆமாம், அது மிகவும் அழகாக இருக்கிறது.Aamaam, adhu migavum azhagaaga irukkiradhu.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- அனிதா Anitaஅதன் மெதுவான நடை எனக்குப் பிடிக்கும்.Adhan medhuvaana nadai enakku pidikkum.I like its slow pace.
- விஜய் Vijayஇந்த ஆமை மிகவும் அமைதியாக இருக்கிறது.Indha aamai migavum amaidhiyaaga irukkiradhu.This tortoise is very calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tortoise” translations and entries ஆமை, ஓடன், CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ஆமை, ஓடன், CC BY-SA 4.0.
