How do you say ‘Have you eaten?’ in Tamil?

More than a question about food

In Tamil homes, சாப்பிட்டீர்களா? is one of the first things people ask. A mother asks it when her son calls. A grandmother asks it when you walk through the door. It shows care. The person wants to know that you are well, not only that you had a meal.

How it is built

The whole question is one word. It comes from சாப்பிடு, "eat". The ending shows the past and the polite "you", and the last sound, ஆ, turns it into a yes or no question.

Who to say it to

This polite form is right for elders, guests and anyone you want to respect. With a younger sibling or a child, people use a familiar form instead.

How to answer

Say ஆம், சாப்பிட்டேன், "yes, I have eaten", and ask the same question back. If you have not eaten yet, be ready: at a relative's home, the next thing you hear may be an invitation to sit and eat.