Aduthathu Ambujatha Pathela
From Ethir Neechal (1968 Film) · 1968
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
- Music director
- V. Kumar
- Details
- Ethir Neechal (1968 Film)1968
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Yennaa neenga chamatha | What, are you smart? |
| Ila asadaa | Or a fool? |
| Chamatha iruntha kodupelam | If smart, you will grant my request. |
| Asadaa iruntha marupelam | If a fool, you will refuse. |
| Male | |
| Yendi pudhusaa ketkura | Why are you asking something new, |
| Enna paarthu | Looking at me? |
| Female | |
| Aduththaathu ambujathai | The next door neighbor Ambujam, |
| Paathaelaa | Have you seen her? |
| Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha | Her husband pampering her, |
| Kettaelaa … yenaa | Have you heard? My husband... |
| Female | |
| Aduththaathu ambujathai | The next door neighbor Ambujam, |
| Paathaelaa | Have you seen her? |
| Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha | Her husband pampering her, |
| Kettaelaa … | Have you heard? |
| Female | |
| Adichaalum pudichaalum | Whether they fight or quarrel, |
| Avaa onnaa sernthukkaraa | They come back together as one. |
| Adichaalum pudichaalum | Whether they fight or quarrel, |
| Avaa onnaa sernthukkaraa | They come back together as one. |
| Adichathukkonnu pudichathukkonnu | One saree for fighting, one for making up, |
| Podavayai vaangikkiraa | She gets sarees bought for her. |
| Pattu podavayai vaangikkiraa | She gets silk sarees bought for her! |
| Female | |
| Aduththaathu ambujathai | The next door neighbor Ambujam, |
| Paathaelaa | Have you seen her? |
| Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha | Her husband pampering her, |
| Kettaelaa … | Have you heard? |
| Male | |
| Aduththaathu sangathiyellam | Why do we care about next door business, |
| Namakkendi | For us, Pattu? |
| Avan sambalam paathi | He receives half his earnings as salary, |
| Kimbalam paathi vaangaraandi.. pattuu… | And the other half as bribe, Pattu... |
| Male | |
| Aduththaathu sangathiyellam | Why do we care about next door business, |
| Namakkendi | For us, Pattu? |
| Avan sambalam paathi | He receives half his earnings as salary, |
| Kimbalam paathi vaangaraandi.. | And the other half as bribe... |
| Male | |
| Moondrezhutha moonu shovum | The three-lettered cinema thrice, |
| Paaththathu neethaandi | You were the one who watched it! |
| Moondrezhutha moonu shovum | The three-lettered cinema thrice, |
| Paaththathu neethaandi | You were the one who watched it! |
| Male | |
| Cinimaavukkae sambalam ponaa | If all the salary goes to movies, |
| Pudavaikkethadi… pattuu | What's left for buying sarees, Pattu? |
| Pudavaikkethadi. | What's left for buying sarees? |
| Aduththaathu sangathiyellam | Why do we care about next door business, |
| Namakkendi… | For us... |
| Female | |
| Ungalukku thaan vaakkappattu | By getting married to you, |
| Ennatha kandaa pattu | What did Pattu gain? |
| Ungalukku thaan vaakkappattu | By getting married to you, |
| Ennatha kandaa pattu | What did Pattu gain? |
| Male | |
| Pattu kittu perai cholla | To carry forward the family name, |
| Poranthirukkae oru laddu | A sweet child (laddu) was born. |
| Pattu kittu perai cholla | To carry forward the family name, |
| Poranthirukkae oru laddu | A sweet child (laddu) was born. |
| Female | |
| Naalum kizhamaiyum pottukka | To wear on regular days and occasions, |
| Oru nagainattunndaa nekku | I need some proper jewelry. |
| Naalum kizhamaiyum pottukka | To wear on regular days and occasions, |
| Oru nagainattunndaa nekku | I need some proper jewelry. |
| Female | |
| Ettukkallu besari pottaa | If I wear an eight-stone nose stud, |
| Eduppaa irukkum mookku | My nose will look so striking! |
| Ettukkallu besari pottaa | If I wear an eight-stone nose stud, |
| Eduppaa irukkum mookku | My nose will look so striking! |
| Male | |
| Sattiyil irunthaa | Only if there is something in the pot, |
| Aappaiyilae varum | Will it come out in the ladle! |
| Theriyaathodi nokku | Don't you know that, woman? |
| Sattiyil irunthaa | Only if there is something in the pot, |
| Aappaiyilae varum | Will it come out in the ladle! |
| Theriyaathodi nokku | Don't you know that, woman? |
| Female | |
| Eppo irunthathu | When was it ever in the pot, |
| Ippo varathukku | For it to come into the ladle now? |
| Ethukkeduthaalum chaakku .. mmmkum | You make up an excuse for everything... hmph! |
| Female | |
| : Aduththaathu ambujathai | The next door neighbor Ambujam, |
| Paathaelaa | Have you seen her? |
| Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha | Her husband pampering her, |
| Kettaelaa … | Have you heard? |
| Male | |
| Yettikku potti | Don't talk back to me tit-for-tat, |
| Pesaathadi pattuu..uu…. | Pattu... |
| Female :Pesinaa enna vaippelaa | If I talk, what will you give me? |
| Oru kuttu…uu… | A knuckle knock on the head? |
| Male :Aathiram vantha | When anger comes, |
| Pollaathavandi kittu..uu.. | Kittu is a dangerous man! |
| Female | |
| Ennatha seivel | What will you do? |
| Male :Sonnatha seiven | I will do what I said! |
| Female | |
| Verenna seivel | What else will you do? |
| Male :Adakki vaippen | I will keep you under control! |
| Female | |
| Adhukkum melae | And beyond that? |
| Male :Mm….. palla udaippen | Mm... I will break your teeth! |
| Female | |
| Aa…aa..aa.aa…. | Aa... aa.. aa.. aa... |
| Aduththaathu ambujathai | The next door neighbor Ambujam, |
| Paathaelaa | Have you seen her? |
| Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha | Her husband pampering her, |
| Kettaelaa … | Have you heard? |
| Male | |
| Pattuu.. aduththaathu sangathi ellaam | Pattu... why do we care about next door matters? |
| Namakkendi | Why do we care, Pattu? |
| Pattu namakkendi … pattu namakkendi… | Pattu, why do we care... Pattu, why do we care... |
ஏன்னா நீங்க
சமத்தா இல்ல அசடா
சமத்தா இருந்தா
கொடுப்பேலாம் அசடா
இருந்தா மறுப்பேலாம்
What, are you smart?
Or a fool?
If smart, you will grant my request.
If a fool, you will refuse.
ஏன்டி புதுசா
கேக்குற என்ன பார்த்து
Why are you asking something new,
Looking at me?
அடுத்தாத்து
அம்புஜத்தை பாத்தேளா
அவ ஆத்துக்காரன் கொஞ்சுறத
கேட்டேளா ஏன்னா
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Have you seen her?
Her husband pampering her,
Have you heard? My husband...
அடுத்தாத்து
அம்புஜத்தை பாத்தேளா
அவ ஆத்துக்காரன் கொஞ்சுறத
கேட்டேளா
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Have you seen her?
Her husband pampering her,
Have you heard?
அடிச்சாலும்
புடிச்சாலும் அவா
ஒன்னா சேர்ந்துக்கறா
அடிச்சாலும் புடிச்சாலும்
அவா ஒன்னா சேர்ந்துக்கறா
அடிச்சதுக்கொன்னு
புடிச்சதுக்கொன்னு
பொடவய வாங்கிக்கிறா
பட்டு பொடவய வாங்கிக்கிறா
Whether they fight or quarrel,
They come back together as one.
Whether they fight or quarrel,
They come back together as one.
One saree for fighting, one for making up,
She gets sarees bought for her.
She gets silk sarees bought for her!
அடுத்தாத்து
அம்புஜத்தை பாத்தேளா
அவ ஆத்துக்காரன் கொஞ்சுறத
கேட்டேளா
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Have you seen her?
Her husband pampering her,
Have you heard?
அடுத்தாத்து
சங்கதியெல்லாம் நமக்கேன்டி
அவன் சம்பளம் பாதி கிம்பளம்
பாதி வாங்கறான்டி பட்டூ
Why do we care about next door business,
For us, Pattu?
He receives half his earnings as salary,
And the other half as bribe, Pattu...
அடுத்தாத்து
சங்கதியெல்லாம் நமக்கேன்டி
அவன் சம்பளம் பாதி கிம்பளம்
பாதி வாங்கறான்டி
Why do we care about next door business,
For us, Pattu?
He receives half his earnings as salary,
And the other half as bribe...
மூன்றெழுத மூணு
ஷோவும் பாத்தது நீதான்டி
மூன்றெழுத மூணு
ஷோவும் பாத்தது நீதான்டி
The three-lettered cinema thrice,
You were the one who watched it!
The three-lettered cinema thrice,
You were the one who watched it!
சினிமாவுக்கே
சம்பளம் போனா
புடவைக்கேதடி பட்டூ
புடவைக்கேதடி அடுத்தாத்து
சங்கதியெல்லாம் நமக்கேன்டி
If all the salary goes to movies,
What's left for buying sarees, Pattu?
What's left for buying sarees?
Why do we care about next door business,
For us...
உங்களுக்கு
தான் வாக்கப்பட்டு
என்னத்த கண்டா பட்டு
உங்களுக்கு தான்
வாக்கப்பட்டு என்னத்த
கண்டா பட்டு
By getting married to you,
What did Pattu gain?
By getting married to you,
What did Pattu gain?
பட்டு கிட்டு
பேரைச்சொல்ல
பொறந்திருக்கே ஒரு
லட்டு பட்டு கிட்டு
பேரைச்சொல்ல
பொறந்திருக்கே
ஒரு லட்டு
To carry forward the family name,
A sweet child (laddu) was born.
To carry forward the family name,
A sweet child (laddu) was born.
நாளும் கிழமையும்
போட்டுக்க ஒரு நகைநட்டுண்டா
நேக்கு நாளும் கிழமையும்
போட்டுக்க ஒரு நகைநட்டுண்டா
நேக்கு
To wear on regular days and occasions,
I need some proper jewelry.
To wear on regular days and occasions,
I need some proper jewelry.
எட்டுக்கல்லு
பேசாரி போட்டா எடுப்பா
இருக்கும் மூக்கு எட்டுக்கல்லு
பேசாரி போட்டா எடுப்பா
இருக்கும் மூக்கு
If I wear an eight-stone nose stud,
My nose will look so striking!
If I wear an eight-stone nose stud,
My nose will look so striking!
சட்டியில் இருந்தா
ஆப்பையிலே வரும்
தெரியாதோடி நோக்கு
சட்டியில் இருந்தா
ஆப்பையிலே வரும்
தெரியாதோடி நோக்கு
Only if there is something in the pot,
Will it come out in the ladle!
Don't you know that, woman?
Only if there is something in the pot,
Will it come out in the ladle!
Don't you know that, woman?
எப்போ இருந்தது
இப்போ வர்றதுக்கு
எதுக்கெடுத்தாலும்
சாக்கு ம்கும்
When was it ever in the pot,
For it to come into the ladle now?
You make up an excuse for everything... hmph!
அடுத்தாத்து
அம்புஜத்தை பாத்தேளா
அவ ஆத்துக்காரன் கொஞ்சுறத
கேட்டேளா
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Have you seen her?
Her husband pampering her,
Have you heard?
ஏட்டிக்கு
போட்டி பேசாதடி
பட்டூ
பேசினா
என்ன வைப்பேளா
ஒரு குட்டு
ஆத்திரம் வந்தா
பொல்லாதவன்டி கிட்டு
Don't talk back to me tit-for-tat,
Pattu...
If I talk, what will you give me?
A knuckle knock on the head?
When anger comes,
Kittu is a dangerous man!
என்னத்த செய்வேள்
சொன்னத செய்வேன்
What will you do?
I will do what I said!
வேரென்ன செய்வேள்
அடக்கி வைப்பேன்
What else will you do?
I will keep you under control!
அதுக்கும் மேலே
ம்ம்….. பல்ல
உடைப்பேன்
And beyond that?
Mm... I will break your teeth!
ஆ…ஆ..ஆ.ஆ
அடுத்தாத்து அம்புஜத்தை
பாத்தேளா அவ ஆத்துக்காரன்
கொஞ்சுறத கேட்டேளா
Aa... aa.. aa.. aa...
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Have you seen her?
Her husband pampering her,
Have you heard?
பட்டூ அடுத்தாத்து
சங்கதியெல்லாம் நமக்கேன்டி
பட்டூ நமக்கேன்டி பட்டூ நமக்கேன்டி
Pattu... why do we care about next door matters?
Why do we care, Pattu?
Pattu, why do we care... Pattu, why do we care...
Yennaa neenga chamatha
What, are you smart?
Ila asadaa
Or a fool?
Chamatha iruntha kodupelam
If smart, you will grant my request.
Asadaa iruntha marupelam
If a fool, you will refuse.
Yendi pudhusaa ketkura
Why are you asking something new,
Enna paarthu
Looking at me?
Aduththaathu ambujathai
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Paathaelaa
Have you seen her?
Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha
Her husband pampering her,
Kettaelaa … yenaa
Have you heard? My husband...
Aduththaathu ambujathai
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Paathaelaa
Have you seen her?
Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha
Her husband pampering her,
Kettaelaa …
Have you heard?
Adichaalum pudichaalum
Whether they fight or quarrel,
Avaa onnaa sernthukkaraa
They come back together as one.
Adichaalum pudichaalum
Whether they fight or quarrel,
Avaa onnaa sernthukkaraa
They come back together as one.
Adichathukkonnu pudichathukkonnu
One saree for fighting, one for making up,
Podavayai vaangikkiraa
She gets sarees bought for her.
Pattu podavayai vaangikkiraa
She gets silk sarees bought for her!
Aduththaathu ambujathai
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Paathaelaa
Have you seen her?
Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha
Her husband pampering her,
Kettaelaa …
Have you heard?
Aduththaathu sangathiyellam
Why do we care about next door business,
Namakkendi
For us, Pattu?
Avan sambalam paathi
He receives half his earnings as salary,
Kimbalam paathi vaangaraandi.. pattuu…
And the other half as bribe, Pattu...
Aduththaathu sangathiyellam
Why do we care about next door business,
Namakkendi
For us, Pattu?
Avan sambalam paathi
He receives half his earnings as salary,
Kimbalam paathi vaangaraandi..
And the other half as bribe...
Moondrezhutha moonu shovum
The three-lettered cinema thrice,
Paaththathu neethaandi
You were the one who watched it!
Moondrezhutha moonu shovum
The three-lettered cinema thrice,
Paaththathu neethaandi
You were the one who watched it!
Cinimaavukkae sambalam ponaa
If all the salary goes to movies,
Pudavaikkethadi… pattuu
What's left for buying sarees, Pattu?
Pudavaikkethadi.
What's left for buying sarees?
Aduththaathu sangathiyellam
Why do we care about next door business,
Namakkendi…
For us...
Ungalukku thaan vaakkappattu
By getting married to you,
Ennatha kandaa pattu
What did Pattu gain?
Ungalukku thaan vaakkappattu
By getting married to you,
Ennatha kandaa pattu
What did Pattu gain?
Pattu kittu perai cholla
To carry forward the family name,
Poranthirukkae oru laddu
A sweet child (laddu) was born.
Pattu kittu perai cholla
To carry forward the family name,
Poranthirukkae oru laddu
A sweet child (laddu) was born.
Naalum kizhamaiyum pottukka
To wear on regular days and occasions,
Oru nagainattunndaa nekku
I need some proper jewelry.
Naalum kizhamaiyum pottukka
To wear on regular days and occasions,
Oru nagainattunndaa nekku
I need some proper jewelry.
Ettukkallu besari pottaa
If I wear an eight-stone nose stud,
Eduppaa irukkum mookku
My nose will look so striking!
Ettukkallu besari pottaa
If I wear an eight-stone nose stud,
Eduppaa irukkum mookku
My nose will look so striking!
Sattiyil irunthaa
Only if there is something in the pot,
Aappaiyilae varum
Will it come out in the ladle!
Theriyaathodi nokku
Don't you know that, woman?
Sattiyil irunthaa
Only if there is something in the pot,
Aappaiyilae varum
Will it come out in the ladle!
Theriyaathodi nokku
Don't you know that, woman?
Eppo irunthathu
When was it ever in the pot,
Ippo varathukku
For it to come into the ladle now?
Ethukkeduthaalum chaakku .. mmmkum
You make up an excuse for everything... hmph!
: Aduththaathu ambujathai
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Paathaelaa
Have you seen her?
Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha
Her husband pampering her,
Kettaelaa …
Have you heard?
Yettikku potti
Don't talk back to me tit-for-tat,
Pesaathadi pattuu..uu….
Pattu...
Female :Pesinaa enna vaippelaa
If I talk, what will you give me?
Oru kuttu…uu…
A knuckle knock on the head?
Male :Aathiram vantha
When anger comes,
Pollaathavandi kittu..uu..
Kittu is a dangerous man!
Ennatha seivel
What will you do?
Male :Sonnatha seiven
I will do what I said!
Verenna seivel
What else will you do?
Male :Adakki vaippen
I will keep you under control!
Adhukkum melae
And beyond that?
Male :Mm….. palla udaippen
Mm... I will break your teeth!
Aa…aa..aa.aa….
Aa... aa.. aa.. aa...
Aduththaathu ambujathai
The next door neighbor Ambujam,
Paathaelaa
Have you seen her?
Ava aathukkaaran konjchuratha
Her husband pampering her,
Kettaelaa …
Have you heard?
Pattuu.. aduththaathu sangathi ellaam
Pattu... why do we care about next door matters?
Namakkendi
Why do we care, Pattu?
Pattu namakkendi … pattu namakkendi…
Pattu, why do we care... Pattu, why do we care...
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This classic comedic duet ('Aduthathu Ambujatha Paathela') portrays a playful squabble between a middle-class husband (Kittu) and wife (Pattu). Pattu compares her husband to their next-door neighbor Ambujam's husband, demanding silk sarees and an eight-stone nose stud. Kittu counters her demands by humorously pointing out that the neighbor takes bribes, while he earns an honest income which she spends on movie shows.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Proverb / Idiom (Pazhamozhi)
“Sattiyil irunthaa / Aappaiyilae varum”
Uses the popular Tamil proverb 'Sattiyil irunthaa aappaiyilae varum' (Only if it exists in the pot, will it come out in the ladle) to express financial constraint.
Rhyme / Monai & Ethirai
“Ettukkallu besari pottaa / Eduppaa irukkum mookku”
Use of matching end-rhymes (Kattu / Pattu / Laddu / Nekku / Mookku) creates a lively rhythmic tempo typical of Brahmin dialect folk-duets.
Metaphor
“Poranthirukkae oru laddu”
Comparing the child to a 'laddu' (a sweet) to represent joy and fruitfulness in marriage.
Did you know?
Trivia
This song from 'Ethir Neechal' (1968), directed by K. Balachander, features music composed by V. Kumar with lyrics by Vaali. It is iconic for its authentic capture of 1960s Chennai Brahmin dialect humorous bantering and was rendered by T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela.
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