Understanding Tamil Verb Conjugation: Person and Number Explained

Introduction to Tamil Verb Conjugation

Tamil verbs change their form based on the person (first, second, third) and number (singular, plural) of the subject. Understanding these changes is essential for forming correct sentences in Tamil.

Person in Tamil Verbs

In Tamil, verbs conjugate differently depending on the person: first person (I, we), second person (you), and third person (he, she, it, they). Each person has unique verb endings that must be learned.

First Person

The first person refers to the speaker. It includes singular (I) and plural (we). Tamil verbs have specific endings to indicate these.

Second Person

The second person refers to the listener or audience. It also distinguishes between singular and plural forms, with different verb endings.

Third Person

The third person refers to others (he, she, it, they). Tamil verbs conjugate differently here as well, with singular and plural distinctions.

Number in Tamil Verbs

Number indicates whether the subject is singular or plural. Tamil verb endings change accordingly to match the subject's number.

Examples of Tamil Verb Conjugation by Person and Number

Common Verb Endings for Present Tense

• First person singular: --ēṉ (e.g., போகிறேன்)
• First person plural: --ōm (e.g., போகிறோம்)
• Second person singular: --āy (e.g., போகிறாய்)
• Second person plural: --īrkaḷ (e.g., போகிறீர்கள்)
• Third person singular masculine: --āṉ (e.g., போகிறான்)
• Third person singular feminine: --āḷ (e.g., போகிறாள்)
• Third person plural: --ārkaḷ (e.g., போகிறார்கள்)

Tips for Learning Tamil Verb Conjugation

• Focus on memorizing verb endings for each person and number.
• Practice with common verbs in present, past, and future tenses.
• Use example sentences to see conjugations in context.
• Listen to native speakers to understand pronunciation and usage.
• Regularly practice speaking and writing to reinforce learning.