I'm learning தமிழ்

முதல் — meaning in English: First

mutal · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for First
நிலையற்ற
nilaiyaṟṟa
மனோபாவம்
manōpāvam
சூடு
cūṭu
முன்னணி
munnaṇi
முதல்
mutal
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Tamil for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native Tamil speakers often use 'முதல்' (mutal) in contexts such as discussing the order of events, like saying 'முதல் இடம்' (first place) in competitions or 'முதல் நாளேடு' (first newspaper) when highlighting a significant milestone. It’s frequently used in both casual conversations and formal discussions to denote precedence or priority.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'முதன்மை' (muthanmai), which also means 'first' but carries a connotation of primary importance or significance. You would choose 'முதல்' when simply indicating the first in a sequence, while 'முதன்மை' may imply that something is not only first but also holds a ranking of importance.
Culture
'முதல்' has its roots in ancient Tamil literature, where it was used to describe the firsts in human experience, such as the first love or first victory. This word emphasizes the importance of beginnings in Tamil culture, reflecting the value placed on first experiences that shape one's life journey.
FAQ
Q.What does 'முதல்' mean in English?
'முதல்' translates to 'first' in English, indicating the initial position in a sequence or order.
Q.How do you use 'முதல்' in a sentence?
You can use 'முதல்' in sentences like 'முதல் நாள்' (first day) or 'முதல் ஒத்தி' (first meeting) to describe something that comes first.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 'முதல்'?
A common mistake is to confuse 'முதல்' with 'முதன்மை'. Remember, 'முதல்' is simply about order, while 'முதன்மை' indicates significance as well.
Learn tamil with Maspeak →
Tamil Vocabulary