How to Form Yes/No Questions and Use Question Particles in Tamil

Understanding Yes/No Questions in Tamil

In Tamil, yes/no questions are often formed by adding specific question particles at the end of a statement. Unlike English, which typically changes word order or uses auxiliary verbs, Tamil relies on these particles to indicate a question.

Common Question Particles

The most common question particles used in Tamil to form yes/no questions are ஆ (ā) and லா (lā). These particles are attached to the end of a verb or sentence to turn it into a question.

• ஆ (ā) – a polite question particle
• லா (lā) – a more informal or casual question particle

Examples of Yes/No Questions Using Question Particles

Here are some examples showing how to form yes/no questions by adding question particles:

• நீ வருகிறாயா? (Nī varugiṟāyā?) – Are you coming?
• அவன் சாப்பிட்டானா? (Avaṉ sāppiṭṭānā?) – Did he eat?
• நீங்கள் வேலை செய்கிறீர்களா? (Nīṅkaḷ vēlai seykiṟīrkaḷā?) – Do you (plural/formal) work?
• அவள் வீட்டிலா இருக்கிறாளா? (Avaḷ vīṭṭilā irukkiṟāḷā?) – Is she at home?

Forming Yes/No Questions Without Question Particles

Sometimes, intonation alone can indicate a yes/no question in spoken Tamil, especially in informal contexts. However, using question particles is more common and clearer in writing and formal speech.

Practice: Converting Statements to Yes/No Questions

Try converting these statements into yes/no questions by adding the appropriate question particle:

1. நீ பாடம் படிக்கிறாய் (Nī pāṭam paṭikkiṟāy) – You are studying.
2. அவன் வேலை செய்கிறான் (Avaṉ vēlai seykiṟāṉ) – He is working.
3. நாங்கள் சந்திக்கிறோம் (Nāṅkaḷ cantikkiṟōm) – We are meeting.

Answers:

1. நீ பாடம் படிக்கிறாயா? (Nī pāṭam paṭikkiṟāyā?)
2. அவன் வேலை செய்கிறானா? (Avaṉ vēlai seykiṟānā?)
3. நாங்கள் சந்திக்கிறோமா? (Nāṅkaḷ cantikkiṟōmā?)

Summary

Yes/no questions in Tamil are primarily formed by adding question particles like ஆ (ā) or லா (lā) at the end of statements. This method is straightforward and essential for learners to master to communicate effectively in Tamil.