Language/Tamil/Vocabulary/Numbers-and-Time

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Tamil → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers and Time

Welcome to the "Numbers and Time" lesson of our "Complete 0 to A1 Tamil Course"! Today, we embark on a fascinating journey through the world of Tamil numbers and time-telling. Understanding these concepts is crucial for anyone looking to communicate effectively in Tamil, whether you're counting your way through a market or asking someone for the time.

In Tamil culture, numbers and the concept of time play a significant role in daily life. From planning your day to engaging in conversations, being able to express and understand numbers and time will open up a whole new level of interaction for you.

In this lesson, we will cover:

• Basic numbers from 1 to 20

• Tens and higher numbers

• How to tell time in Tamil

• Useful phrases related to numbers and time

By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in Tamil numbers and the ability to ask and tell the time.

Basic Numbers in Tamil

Let's start with the basics: counting from 1 to 20. Below is a table that displays these numbers in Tamil, their pronunciation, and their English translations.

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
௦	0	Zero
௧	1	One
௨	2	Two
௩	3	Three
௪	4	Four
௫	5	Five
௬	6	Six
௭	7	Seven
௮	8	Eight
௯	9	Nine
௰	10	Ten
௱	11	Eleven
௲	12	Twelve
௳	13	Thirteen
௴	14	Fourteen
௵	15	Fifteen
௶	16	Sixteen
௷	17	Seventeen
௸	18	Eighteen
௹	19	Nineteen
௺	20	Twenty

As you can see, Tamil numbers have a unique script and pronunciation. Take your time to practice saying these numbers out loud. Repeat them several times until they feel comfortable.

Forming Higher Numbers

Next, let's explore how to form numbers beyond 20. Tamil numbers follow a pattern similar to English. Here's a concise guide:

• 21: 20 + 1 = 21 (இருபத்து ஒன்று - Irupathu Ondru)

• 22: 20 + 2 = 22 (இருபத்து இரண்டு - Irupathu Irandu)

• 30: 30 is (முப்பது - Muppathu)

• 31: 30 + 1 = 31 (முப்பத்து ஒன்று - Muppathu Ondru)

• 100: 100 is (நூறு - Nooru)

Here's a table summarizing numbers 21 to 30:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
௨௧	Irupathu Ondru	Twenty-One
௨௨	Irupathu Irandu	Twenty-Two
௨௩	Irupathu Moonru	Twenty-Three
௨௪	Irupathu Naal	Twenty-Four
௨௫	Irupathu Ainthu	Twenty-Five
௨௬	Irupathu Aaru	Twenty-Six
௨௭	Irupathu Eezhu	Twenty-Seven
௨௮	Irupathu Eighu	Twenty-Eight
௨௯	Irupathu Iyyaru	Twenty-Nine
௩௦	Muppathu	Thirty

It's essential to practice these numbers regularly, as they form the building blocks for higher numbers. Keep in mind that in Tamil, just like in English, numbers can be combined to form larger values.

Telling Time in Tamil

Now, let's move on to telling time. Understanding how to ask for and tell the time is vital in any language. In Tamil, time is expressed using a 12-hour clock system.

• What time is it? - இது எப்போது? (Ithu Eppodhu?)

• It's... - இது... (Ithu...)

Here’s how to tell the time in Tamil:

• 1:00 - ஒன்று மணி (Ondru Mani)

• 2:00 - இரண்டு மணி (Irandu Mani)

• 3:00 - மூன்று மணி (Moonru Mani)

• 4:00 - நான்கு மணி (Naanku Mani)

• 5:00 - ஐந்து மணி (Ainthu Mani)

Here’s a table showing various times in Tamil:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
1:00	Ondru Mani	One O'Clock
2:00	Irandu Mani	Two O'Clock
3:00	Moonru Mani	Three O'Clock
4:00	Naanku Mani	Four O'Clock
5:00	Ainthu Mani	Five O'Clock
6:00	Aaru Mani	Six O'Clock
7:00	Eezhu Mani	Seven O'Clock
8:00	Eighu Mani	Eight O'Clock
9:00	Iyyaru Mani	Nine O'Clock
10:00	Paththu Mani	Ten O'Clock
11:00	Ippathu Mani	Eleven O'Clock
12:00	Padhinayiram Mani	Twelve O'Clock

In addition to telling the time on the hour, it’s important to know how to express minutes. Here are some examples:

• 5 minutes past - 5 நிமிடம் (5 Nimidam)

• 10 minutes past - 10 நிமிடம் (10 Nimidam)

• Quarter past - 15 நிமிடம் (Kuzhappam Nimidam)

• Half past - 30 நிமிடம் (Muppattum Nimidam)

You can combine these with the hour to tell the exact time. For example:

• 1:05 - ஒன்று மணி 5 நிமிடம் (Ondru Mani 5 Nimidam)

• 2:15 - இரண்டு மணி 15 நிமிடம் (Irandu Mani Kuzhappam Nimidam)

Useful Phrases Related to Numbers and Time

Here are some essential phrases that will help you in daily conversations:

• How much is this? - இது எவ்வளவு? (Ithu Evvalavu?)

• What time do you wake up? - நீங்கள் எப்போது எழுகிறீர்கள்? (Neengal Eppodhu Ezhugirirgal?)

• I wake up at... - நான் ...க்கு எழுகிறேன் (Naan ...kku Ezhugiren)

These phrases are not only practical but essential for engaging in real-life situations.

Exercises and Practice Scenarios

Now that you have a good grasp of Tamil numbers and time, it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Below are some exercises designed to help you reinforce what you've learned.

Exercise 1: Number Matching

Match the Tamil number with its English equivalent.

1. ௧

2. ௮

3. ௫

4. ௨௦

Answers:

1. One

2. Eight

3. Five

4. Twenty

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct Tamil number.

1. ௭ + ௪ = __

2. ௲ - ௧ = __

3. ௧௦ + ௨ = __

Answers:

1. ௧௧ (Eleven)

2. ௱ (Eleven)

3. ௧௧ (Twelve)

Exercise 3: Telling Time

Convert the following times into Tamil.

1. 3:30

2. 5:15

3. 12:00

Answers:

1. மூன்று மணி 30 நிமிடம் (Moonru Mani Muppatum Nimidam)

2. ஐந்து மணி 15 நிமிடம் (Ainthu Mani Kuzhappam Nimidam)

3. பத்தினையிரம் மணி (Padhinayiram Mani)

Exercise 4: Time Conversion

If it is 7:45, how would you say this in Tamil?

Answer:

7:45 - ஏழு மணி 45 நிமிடம் (Ezhu Mani 45 Nimidam)

Exercise 5: Practical Scenarios

Imagine you are in a Tamil-speaking country. You want to ask someone the time. Write how you would ask and respond if it’s 4:30.

Example:

• You: இது எப்போது? (Ithu Eppodhu?)

• Them: நான்கு மணி 30 நிமிடம் (Naanku Mani Muppatum Nimidam)

Exercise 6: Using Numbers in Conversation

Write a short dialogue using at least five numbers in Tamil.

Example:

• A: நீங்கள் எப்போது எழுகிறீர்கள்? (Neengal Eppodhu Ezhugirirgal?)

• B: நான் 6:00 மணிக்கு எழுகிறேன். (Naan Aaru Mani kku Ezhugiren.)

• A: நீங்கள் எவ்வளவு கிலோமீட்டர் ஓடுகிறீர்கள்? (Neengal Evvalavu Kilometre Oadugirirgal?)

• B: நான் 5 கிலோமீட்டர் ஓடுகிறேன். (Naan Ainthu Kilometre Oadugiren.)

Exercise 7: Number Recognition

Write the Tamil numbers for the following English numbers:

1. 10

2. 15

3. 20

Answers:

1. ௰

2. ௱

3. ௺

Exercise 8: Creating Sentences

Create sentences using the following times in Tamil:

1. 8:00

2. 9:15

3. 11:30

Example:

• 8:00 - எட்டு மணி (Ettu Mani)

• 9:15 - ஒன்பது மணி 15 நிமிடம் (Onbadhu Mani Kuzhappam)

• 11:30 - பதினொன்று மணி 30 நிமிடம் (Pathinondru Mani Muppatum)

Exercise 9: Word Problems

If you have 10 apples and you buy 5 more, how many do you have in Tamil?

Answer:

10 + 5 = 15 -> ௱ (Fifteen)

Exercise 10: Time Questions

Ask three different people what time it is in Tamil.

Example:

• You: இது எப்போது? (Ithu Eppodhu?)

• Person 1: மூன்று மணி (Moonru Mani)

• Person 2: ஐந்து மணி (Ainthu Mani)

• Person 3: ஆறு மணி (Aaru Mani)

By working through these exercises, you will reinforce your understanding of numbers and time in Tamil. Remember, practice makes perfect!

As we conclude this lesson, remember that learning a new language is a journey filled with joy and discovery. Keep practicing your numbers and time-telling skills, and you will find yourself becoming more confident in your Tamil conversations.

Table of Contents - Tamil Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Tamil Grammar

• Tamil Script and Pronunciation
• Nouns and Pronouns

  ---

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

  ---

Cases and Postpositions

• Nominative and Accusative Cases
• Postpositions

  ---

Nature, Environment and Wildlife Vocabulary

• Flora and Fauna
• Environment and Pollution

  ---

Tamil Literature and History

• Sangam Literature
• Chola Empire

  ---

Negation and Interrogation

• Negation
• Interrogation

Sources

• Tamil language - Wikipedia
• English Tamil Dictionary - Apps on Google Play

Other Lessons

• Months of the Year
• Environment and Pollution
• Geography
• City
• How to say Good Bye?
• Nature
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• How to Say Hello
• Seasons
• Family and Relationships

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