In this guide, we will explore different ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Tulu, a Dravidian language primarily spoken in the Indian state of Karnataka. Tulu has both formal and informal ways to address someone, and we will cover both variations in this guide.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?”
If you want to ask someone in a formal setting what they are doing, you can use the following phrases:
- In English: What are you doing? In Tulu: Enchande madvudo?
- In English: May I know what you are engaged in? In Tulu: Encha madvu ando maana?
- In English: Can you please tell me what you are doing? In Tulu: Enchande májamadandi pattundu nakulu iḍiriya?
Informal Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?”
When speaking to friends or relatives, you can ask “What are you doing?” in a more casual manner. Here are some phrases you can use:
- In English: What are you doing? In Tulu: Enchande madvudo?
- In English: What’s going on? In Tulu: Enchanda hogide?
- In English: How are you spending your time? In Tulu: Eḷe samaya kelagala pútte?
Regional Variations
Tulu, being spoken across various regions, may have some regional variations in the way “What are you doing?” is asked. Here, we will showcase a couple of regional variations:
In English: What are you doing? In Tulu (Mangalore dialect): Urundu madunu?
In English: What are you doing? In Tulu (Udupi dialect): Erandu madpuni?
Examples and Tips
1. Example dialogue:
Person A: Enchande madvudo? (What are you doing?)
Person B: Manjur ponte. Nemele pinta dor deedi. (I am reading a book. Just started a new chapter.)
2. When using the formal phrases, it’s essential to maintain a respectful tone by incorporating politeness markers like “Encha” (May I know) or “Májamadandi pattundu nakulu iḍiriya” (Can you please tell me).
3. In informal settings, it’s common to use shorter and more colloquial phrases like “Enchanda hogide?” (What’s going on?) or “Eḷe samaya kelagala pútte?” (How are you spending your time?).
4. Note that Tulu is a language rich in regional variations, so the phrases provided here are more generalized. It’s always helpful to learn specific phrases used in the region you are visiting or communicating with.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have explored different ways to ask “What are you doing?” in Tulu. We covered both formal and informal variations, as well as regional variations, highlighting the Mangalore and Udupi dialects. Remember to adjust your phrases based on the level of formality and the people you are conversing with. By using these phrases, you can engage in meaningful conversations and connect with Tulu-speaking individuals on a deeper level.
