Have you ever heard a Telugu word and thought it meant one thing but actually meant something completely different? Although some words have the same spelling and sound, their meanings might differ. We call those words Telugu homonyms!
In Telugu, a homonym is referred to as monophonic (మోనోఫోనిక్), which means “word with the same sound.” Using them incorrectly can occasionally result in amusing and confusing situations for individuals learning Telugu. But do not worry! In this guide, we’ll look at Telugu homonyms and break them down.
Table Of Contents
What Are Homonyms?
Homonyms are words found in all languages that sound or spell the same but do not signify the same thing. They may appear the same when said or written, but they are like clever word twins, each with its own distinct meaning that differs from the other. In English, the word ”bat” can refer to either an animal or sporting equipment, such as a baseball bat.
Commonly Used Telugu Homonyms
Homonyms are common in Telugu discussions. They add interest to the language and, at times, make it difficult to understand. Let’s have a look at some common homonyms we encounter in everyday conversation. Some example sentences will help you understand the grammar rules as well.
1. Nagaram (నగరం)
- Meaning 1: City
- Example: Hyderabad oka pedda nagaram (హైదరాబాద్ ఒక పెద్ద నగరం) – Hyderabad is a big city.
- Meaning 2: Jewelry
- Example: Aame andamaina nagaram dharinchindi (ఆమె అందమైన నగరం ధరించింది) – She wore beautiful jewelry.
2. Pandu (పండు )
- Meaning 1: Fruit
- Example: Aa pandu tiyyaga undi (ఆ పండు తియ్యగా ఉంది) – That fruit is sweet.
- Meaning 2: Old
- Example: Pandu vayaskudu (పండు వయస్కుడు) – An elderly person.
3. Gudi (గుడి)
- Meaning 1: Temple
- Example: Ayana gudiki velladu (ఆయన గుడికి వెళ్ళాడు) – He went to the temple.
- Meaning 2: Nest
- Example: Pakshi gudilo undi (పక్షి గుడిలో ఉంది) – The bird is in the nest.
4. Theeram (తీరం)
- Meaning 1: Shore
- Example: Samudra theeramlo manam nadavachu (సముద్ర తీరంలో మనం నడవచ్చు) – We can walk on the seashore.
- Meaning 2: End
- Example: Idi katha yokka theeram (ఇది కథ యొక్క తీరం) – This is the end of the story.
5. Chaapa (చాప)
- Meaning 1: Mat
- Example: Chaapapai koorchoni tinnaru (చాపపై కూర్చొని తిన్నారు) – They sat on the mat and ate.
- Meaning 2: Fish
- Example: Chaapa chepalu manchi ruchiga untayi (చాప చేపలు మంచి రుచిగా ఉంటాయి) – Mat fish are very tasty.
6. Kaali (కాలి)
- Meaning 1: Leg
- Example: Tana kaaliki noppiyundi (తన కాలికి నొప్పి ఉంది) – His leg is hurting.
- Meaning 2: Burned
- Example: Aame kaalitho kaali poyindi (ఆమె కాలితో కాలి పోయింది) – She got burned by fire.
7. Chinna చిన్న
- Meaning 1: Small
- Example: Chinna pakshi chettupai undi (చిన్న పక్షి చెట్టుపై ఉంది) – A small bird is on the tree.
- Meaning 2: Younger
- Example: Tana chinna tammudu (తన చిన్న తమ్ముడు) – His younger brother.
8. Gaali (గాలి)
- Meaning 1: Air
- Example: Bayata gaali challaga undi (బయట గాలి చల్లగా ఉంది) – The air outside is cool.
- Meaning 2: Empty
- Example: Pette gaali undi (పెట్టె గాలి ఉంది) – The box is empty.
9. Kavacham (కవచం)
- Meaning 1: Armor
- Example: Yodhudu kavacham dharinchadu (యోధుడు కవచం ధరించాడు) – The warrior wore armor.
- Meaning 2: Shell
- Example: Godugu kavacham terichindi (గొడుగు కవచం తెరిచింది) – The umbrella shell opened.
10. Thappu (తప్పు)
- Meaning 1: Mistake
- Example: Tana thappu angeekarinchadu (తన తప్పు అంగీకరించాడు) – He admitted his mistake.
- Meaning 2: To miss
- Example: Aame bussu thappindi (ఆమె బస్సు తప్పింది) – She missed the bus.
Some More Telugu Homonyms
- Balam (బలం)
- Meaning 1: Strength
- Example: Atanu chala balanga unnadu (అతను చాలా బలంగా ఉన్నాడు) – He is very strong.
- Meaning 2: Power
- Example: Vidyut balam (విద్యుత్ బలం) – Electric power.
2. Keedu (కీడు)
- Meaning 1: Harm
- Example: Atanu tanaku keedu chesinattlu anipinchindi (అతను తనకు కీడు చేసినట్లు అనిపించింది) – He felt that harm was done to him.
- Meaning 2: Bad
- Example: Ee alochana keedu (ఈ ఆలోచన కీడు) – This thought is bad.
3. Chikku (చిక్కు)
- Meaning 1: Tight
- Example: Ee gatti chikku undi (ఈ గట్టి చిక్కు ఉంది) – This knot is tight.
- Meaning 2: Trouble
- Example: Tana chikku perigindi (తన చిక్కు పెరిగింది) – His trouble increased.
4. Pattu (పట్టు)
- Meaning 1: Silk
- Example: Pattu cheera dharinchindi (పట్టు చీర ధరించింది) – She wore a silk saree.
- Meaning 2: Hold
- Example: Veedi kee pattu (వీడికీ పట్టు) – Hold this.
5. Vrutti (వృత్తి)
- Meaning 1: Profession
- Example: Tana vrutti doctor (తన వృత్తి డాక్టర్) – His profession is a doctor.
- Meaning 2: Circle
- Example: Chakra vrutti (చక్ర వృత్తి) – Circular shape.
6. Bindu (బిందు)
- Meaning 1: Dot
- Example: Boardu meeda bindu (బోర్డు మీద బిందు) – Dot on the board.
- Meaning 2: Drop
- Example: Neeti bindu (నీటి బిందు) – Water drop.
Telugu Homonyms And Vocabulary
| English | Telugu | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Dot, Drop | బిందు | Bindu |
| Profession, Circle | వృత్తి | Vrutti |
| Silk, Hold | పట్టు | Pattu |
| Tight, Trouble | చిక్కు | Chikku |
| Harm, Bad | కీడు | Keedu |
| Strength, Power | బలం | Balam |
| Mistake, Miss | తప్పు | Thappu |
| Armor, Shell | కవచం | Kavacham |
| Air, Empty | గాలి | Gaali |
| Small, Younger | చిన్న | Chinna |
| Leg, Burned | కాలి | Kaali |
| Mat, Fish | చాప | Chaapa |
| Shore, End | తీరం | Theeram |
| Temple, Nest | గుడి | Gudi |
| Fruit, Old | పండు | Pandu |
| City, Jewlery | నగర | Nagaram |
How Do You Say Homonym In Telugu?
In Telugu language, there is no specific term for the word “homonym.” However, the term is referred to as Oke vidhamaina padaalu (ఒకే విధమైన పదాలు), which means “similar words.”
FAQ’s About Telugu Homonyms
1. Do Homonyms Impact Translation?
Yes, homonyms can make translation difficult. To achieve accurate translation, the correct meaning must be based on context.
2. Are Homonyms Specific To Telugu?
No, homonyms exist in every language. They give complexity and beauty to languages, making them easier to learn.
3. Can You Provide An Example Of A Telugu Homonym?
Thaalam (తాళం) is a good example of a Telugu homonym. It means both “lock” and “rhythm.”
Explore More Telugu Words With Ling
Traveling to a new place or learning a new language like Telugu can be exciting, but not speaking the language can be tricky. By learning some basic Telugu phrases, like greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions, you’ll feel more confident speaking with locals.
You can try the Ling app to get started with your Telugu learning journey. It is one of the only few apps that offer an exhaustive Telugu language course developed by native speakers. Plus, it allows you to learn the language at any time and from any location. You may practice Telugu with interactive games and quizzes while on the bus, waiting in line, or relaxing at a cafe.
Ling is tailored to your needs, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user. Lessons suited to your level allow you to progress at your own speed. So be the first in your friend circle to download it and show off your language skills! You may get it from Google Play or the App Store.
