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காவல் — meaning in English: Police

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

Guess the translation for Police
செலவு
celavu
முறையேற்பு
muṟaiyēṟpu
சனிக்கிழமை
caṉikkiḻamai
காவல்
kāval
பயன்பாடு
payaṉpāṭu
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use the word காவல் (kāval) primarily when discussing law enforcement or public safety matters. For instance, you might hear it in community meetings about neighborhood safety or when someone is reporting an incident to the police. It's commonly used in news reports regarding crime and public order issues.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is போலீசு (pōlīcu), which is a more colloquial term for police. While both words can be used interchangeably in most contexts, காவல் (kāval) carries a more formal connotation, often used in official reports or discussions.
Culture
The word காவல் (kāval) has its roots in Tamil literature, where it signifies not just law enforcement but also the broader concept of protection and safety. Historically, the role of the police in Tamil Nadu has evolved significantly, especially during the colonial era, when the focus shifted from local governance to maintaining order for foreign interests—making the police a symbol of both authority and community safety.
FAQ
Q.What is the Tamil word for police?
The Tamil word for police is காவல் (kāval). It’s used in various contexts related to law enforcement and public safety.
Q.How do I use காவல் in a sentence?
You can use காவல் (kāval) in a sentence like, 'காவல் அதிகாரிகள் நடப்பதை கவனிக்கிறார்கள்,' which means 'The police are monitoring the situation.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word காவல்?
A common mistake is confusing it with the word போலீசு (pōlīcu). While both mean police, remember that காவல் (kāval) is more formal and typically used in official contexts.
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Tamil Vocabulary