Language/Tamil/Grammar/Nominative-and-Accusative-Cases

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Tamil → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Cases and Postpositions → Nominative and Accusative Cases

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on the nominative and accusative cases in Tamil! In this lesson, we will explore the importance of these cases in the context of the Tamil language. Understanding the nominative and accusative cases is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences and expressing ideas accurately in Tamil. We will delve into the details of these cases, provide numerous examples to illustrate each point, and explore any regional variations in their usage. Additionally, we will share interesting cultural facts and anecdotes related to the topic. By the end of this lesson, you will have a strong grasp of the nominative and accusative cases and be able to use them confidently in your Tamil communication.

Nominative Case

The nominative case, also known as the subject case, is used to indicate the subject of a sentence. It is the form of a noun or pronoun that typically performs the action of the verb or is being described by an adjective. In Tamil, the nominative case is marked by the absence of any specific case marker.

Let's look at some examples to understand the usage of the nominative case:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
நான்	Nāṉ	I
அவன்	Avaṉ	He
அவள்	Avaḷ	She
அவர்கள்	Avarkaḷ	They

In the above examples, the pronouns "நான்" (Nāṉ), "அவன்" (Avaṉ), "அவள்" (Avaḷ), and "அவர்கள்" (Avarkaḷ) are all in the nominative case. They function as the subjects of the sentences and indicate who or what is performing the action.

Now, let's see how the nominative case is used with nouns:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
மகள்	Magaḷ	Daughter
பாடகர்	Pāṭakar	Singer
மரம்	Maram	Tree
படம்	Paṭam	Picture

In the above examples, the nouns "மகள்" (Magaḷ), "பாடகர்" (Pāṭakar), "மரம்" (Maram), and "படம்" (Paṭam) are in the nominative case. They function as the subjects of the sentences and indicate what or who is performing the action.

Accusative Case

The accusative case, also known as the object case, is used to indicate the direct object of a verb. It is the form of a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. In Tamil, the accusative case is marked using the postposition "ஐ" (ai) or "யை" (yai).

Let's look at some examples to understand the usage of the accusative case:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
நான் புடவை கண்டேன்.	Nāṉ puṭavai kaṇṭēṉ.	I saw a book.
அவன் படத்தை அழைத்தான்.	Avaṉ paṭattai aḻaittāṉ.	He called the picture.

In the above examples, the accusative case is marked by the postposition "ஐ" (ai) in the phrases "புடவை கண்டேன்" (puṭavai kaṇṭēṉ) and "படத்தை அழைத்தான்" (paṭattai aḻaittāṉ). These phrases indicate the direct objects of the verbs "கண்டேன்" (kaṇṭēṉ) and "அழைத்தான்" (aḻaittāṉ), respectively.

Now, let's see how the accusative case is used with nouns:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
மகள் புடவையை விற்றாள்.	Magaḷ puṭavaiyai viṟṟāḷ.	The daughter sold the book.
பாடகர் படத்தை பாடினார்.	Pāṭakar paṭattai pāṭiṉār.	The singer sang the song.

In the above examples, the accusative case is marked by the postposition "யை" (yai) in the phrases "புடவையை விற்றாள்" (puṭavaiyai viṟṟāḷ) and "படத்தை பாடினார்" (paṭattai pāṭiṉār). These phrases indicate the direct objects of the verbs "விற்றாள்" (viṟṟāḷ) and "பாடினார்" (pāṭiṉār), respectively.

Regional Variations and Cultural Insights

It's important to note that the usage of the nominative and accusative cases may vary slightly across different regions where Tamil is spoken. Variations in dialects and accents can influence the way these cases are used. For example, in certain regions, the postposition "யை" (yai) is used instead of "ஐ" (ai) to mark the accusative case.

In Tamil literature and poetry, the nominative and accusative cases play a significant role. They are used to create rhythm, rhyme, and poetic effects. Tamil literature and poetry are rich in cultural references and provide insights into the history, traditions, and beliefs of the Tamil people.

Exercises

Now, let's practice using the nominative and accusative cases in Tamil. Complete the following exercises:

1. Convert the following sentences into Tamil using the nominative case: a) She is a doctor. b) They are students. c) The cat is sleeping. d) We are friends.

2. Convert the following sentences into Tamil using the accusative case: a) He ate an apple. b) I bought a new dress. c) They read a book. d) We visited a temple.

Solutions

1. Nominative Case: a) அவள் ஒரு மருத்துவர் ஆவாள். (Avaḷ oru maruttuvar āvāḷ.) b) அவர்கள் மாணவர்களாவர்கள். (Avarkaḷ māṇavarkaḷāvarkaḷ.) c) பூனை தூங்கிவிடுகிறது. (Pūṉai tūṅgiviṭukiṟathu.) d) நாங்கள் நண்பர்கள் ஆகும். (Nāṅkaḷ naṇbarkaḷ ākum.)

2. Accusative Case: a) அவன் ஒரு ஆப்பிள் உண்டான். (Avaṉ oru āppiḷ uṇṭāṉ.) b) நான் ஒரு புதிய துணி வாங்கினேன். (Nāṉ oru putiya tuṇi vāṅkiṇēṉ.) c) அவர்கள் ஒரு புத்தகத்தை வாசித்தர். (Avarkaḷ oru puttakattai vācittar.) d) நாங்கள் ஒரு கோவிலை அடையாளம் செல்லுகின்றோம். (Nāṅkaḷ oru kōvilai aṭaiyāḷam cellugiṉṟōm.)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned about the nominative and accusative cases in Tamil. These cases play a crucial role in constructing grammatically correct sentences and expressing ideas accurately. Remember to practice using them in your conversations and written communication to become more proficient in Tamil. In the next lesson, we will explore postpositions and their usage in Tamil. Keep up the great work!

Table of Contents - Tamil Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Tamil Grammar

• Tamil Script and Pronunciation
• Nouns and Pronouns

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Daily Life Vocabulary

• Greetings and Introductions
• Numbers and Time
• Food and Drink
• Family and Relationships
• Travel and Transportation

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Profession and Work Vocabulary

• Jobs and Professions
• Office and Workplace
• Business Communication

  ---

Tamil Culture and Customs

• Festivals and Celebrations
• Art and Music
• Cuisine and Eating Habits
• Tamil Cinema

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Health and Fitness Vocabulary

• Body Parts and Symptoms
• Physical Fitness and Exercise

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Cases and Postpositions

• Nominative and Accusative Cases
• Postpositions

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Nature, Environment and Wildlife Vocabulary

• Flora and Fauna
• Environment and Pollution

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Tamil Literature and History

• Sangam Literature
• Chola Empire

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Negation and Interrogation

• Negation
• Interrogation

Sources

• The Tamil Case System
• Tamil grammar - Wikipedia
• Tamil UD

Other Lessons

• Plural Noun Suffix Addition
• Verb Classes
• Adjective (பெயரடை)
• Plurals
• Pronouns
• Continuous tense
• Past tense
• Postpositions
• Personal Pronouns

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