ஏன்
ēṉ/eːn/
The Tamil word for "why" is ஏன் (ēṉ). Wiktionary also lists எதற்கு (etaṟku).
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ஏன் | ēṉ | /eːn/ |
| எதற்கு | etaṟku | /ɛd̪ɐrkɯ/ |
The term is used to ask for a reason or a cause behind an action or situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The form எதற்கு is a combination of the interrogative word எது, meaning "which" and the dative case marker -க்கு, meaning "for".
Which one should you use?
While ஏன் (ēṉ) asks for a reason or cause, எதற்கு (etaṟku) is used when asking for the purpose or intended use of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ஏன் can be used as a standalone interrogative particle to ask "Why?" in response to a situation.
How do you pronounce it?
ēṉ
Did you know?
- The root of ஏன் can be traced back to Proto-Dravidian, making it part of a linguistic family that is thousands of years old and structurally distinct from Indo-European languages.
- Tamil allows for 'why' questions to be answered without using a conjunction like 'because', as the relationship between the question ஏன் and the answer is understood through context.
- The word ஏன் can be repeated as ஏன் ஏன் in poetry and songs to convey a sense of deep longing, desperation or existential questioning.
Examples in context
- ஏன் அந்தத் தவறைச் செய்தாய்?Why did you make that mistake?This sentence is useful for seeing ஏன் used to ask about the reason for a mistake.Tatoeba #12410494 by niroshan, translation #7988977 by CK
- ஏன் டாம் நாமிருவரும் சேர்ந்து செய்வோமென்று பரிந்துரைத்தான் என்று ஆச்சரியமடைகிறேன்.I wonder why Tom suggested we do that together.This sentence shows how ஏன் can be used within a complex sentence to express wonder.Tatoeba #7157140 by Singaravelu, translation #6125476 by CK
- ஏன்Why?This sentence shows ஏன் used as a standalone question.Tatoeba #11037723 by cherran, translation #36419 by Eldad
- அந்த பணத்தை நீ ஏன் எடுக்கிறாய்?Why are you taking that money?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anitha and Karthik are discussing a missed phone call.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikஏன் எனக்கு போன் செய்யவில்லை?Ean enakku phone seyya-villai?Why didn't you call me?
- அனிதா Anitaநான் வேலையாக இருந்தேன், கார்த்திக்.Naan velaiyaaga irundhen, Karthik.I was busy, Karthik.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikசரி, ஆனால் ஏன் இப்போது சொல்கிறாய்?Sari, aanaal ean ippodhu solgiraay?Okay, but why are you telling me now?
- அனிதா Anitaமன்னித்துவிடு அனிதா இப்போது சொல்கிறேன்.Mannithuvidu Anitha ippodhu solgiren.Forgive me, Anitha is telling you now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries ஏன், எதற்கு, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ஏன், CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
