வேலை
vēlai/ʋeːlɐɪ̯/
The English word 'work' is translated into Tamil as வேலை (vēlai).
The word வேலை is a noun that refers to labour, employment, occupation or a job.
Meaning: labour, employment, occupation, job (noun)
Which one should you use?
While வேலை is the noun for 'work' or 'job', it must be paired with the verb செய் to function as the verb 'to work' in most contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you are currently performing a task or are currently employed, use the verb form வேலை செய்கிறேன் (vēlai seykiṟēn) for 'I am working'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʋeːlɐɪ̯/
Did you know?
- The word வேலை is actually a borrowed term from the Sanskrit word velā, which historically referred to a 'boundary' or 'limit'.
- In some regional dialects, வேலை can refer specifically to ceremonial or ritual service performed in a temple rather than just secular employment.
- In casual conversation, asking என்ன வேலை? can mean 'What is your job?' or 'What are you up to?' depending on the gesture and tone used.
Examples in context
- நான் வேலை பளுவினால் சோர்வாகயிருக்கிறேன்I am tired of my work.This sentence is useful for expressing being tired due to the weight of your வேலை.Tatoeba #4155236 by Singaravelu, translation #258284 by CK
- என்னால் வேலை செய்ய முடியாத நிலை வரை நான் வேலை செய்வேன்I work until I can't anymore.This sentence is useful for expressing that you will continue to work until a certain limit is reached using வேலை.Tatoeba #4271981 by Singaravelu, translation #4271904 by EarlD3
- அவன் வேலை செய்யும் பணிகள் எத்தனையோ அருமையானவை.He does various amazing jobs.
- இந்த வேலை மிகவும் கடினமானது.indha vēlai mikavum kaḍinamāṉatu.This work is very difficult.
Example conversation
Vijay and Divya are talking about their daily routines.
- விஜய் Vijayதிவ்யா, உன்னுடைய வேலை எப்படி போகிறது?Divya, unnudaiya vēlai eppadi pōgiradhu?Divya, how is your work going?
- திவ்யா Divyaமிகவும் நன்றாகப் போகிறது, விஜய்.Migavum nanrāgappōgiradhu, Vijay.It is going very well, Vijay.
- விஜய் Vijayஉனக்கு இந்த வேலை பிடித்திருக்கிறதா?Unakku indha vēlai piditthirukkiradhā?Do you like this job?
- திவ்யா Divyaஆம், எனக்கு இந்த வேலை மிகவும் பிடிக்கும்.Ām, enakku indha vēlai migavum pidikkum.Yes, I like this work very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “work” translations and entries வேலை, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries வேலை, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
