என்ன செய்கிறாய்?
enna seygirai?
To ask "what are you doing?" in Tamil, use என்ன செய்கிறாய்? (enna seygirai?)
This phrase is used to inquire about a person's current activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of enna, meaning "what" and seygirai, meaning "you are doing".
Which one should you use?
The default form என்ன செய்கிறாய்? is specifically the singular "you" form. In contrast, enna seygireerkal? is the plural or polite "you" form.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you wish to be polite, use the form enna seygireerkal? to address elders or strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
enna seygirai?
Did you know?
- While the phrase is a question, saying என்ன பண்ற? with a specific intonation can function as a greeting similar to 'How are you?' or 'What's up?'
- The word என்ன (enna) can also be used as an exclamation of surprise, similar to how an English speaker might exclaim 'What?!' when shocked.
- In casual spoken Tamil, the phrase என்ன செய்கிறாய்? is almost always shortened to என்ன பண்ற? ('enna panra?'), which uses a different verb entirely.
Examples in context
- நீ என்ன பண்ணுகிறாய்?What are you doing?
- நீ இப்போது என்ன செய்கிறாய்?nī ippōtu eṉṉa ceykiṟāy?What are you doing now?
- அங்கே என்ன செய்கிறாய்?aṅkē eṉṉa ceykiṟāy?What are you doing there?
Example conversation
Priya calls Karthik on the phone.
- பிரியா Priyaஹலோ கார்த்திக், என்ன செய்கிறாய்?Hello Karthik, enna seigirai?Hello Karthik, what are you doing?
- கார்த்திக் Karthikநான் புத்தகம் படிக்கிறேன்.Naan puthagam padikkiren.I am reading a book.
- பிரியா Priyaஅது நல்ல விஷயம்.Adhu nalla vishayam.That is a good thing.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikநன்றி பிரியா.Nandri Priya.Thank you, Priya.
