As everyone knows, Tamil is a highly expressive language. If you want to connect with Tamil speakers and improve your conversations with them, it’s important to understand formal vs. informal Tamil.
In this blog, I’ll explain the key differences between formal vs informal Tamil, how to switch between them, and more. By the end, you’ll feel more confident handling different situations.
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Formal Tamil Vs Informal Tamil
Below, we will look at some of the differences between formal and informal Tamil and how to use it correctly.
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Formal Tamil
Formal Tamil is mainly used in literature, official documents, and newspapers. It follows strict Tamil grammatical rules and sentence structures. This form is also known as Eluthu Tamil (எழுத்து தமிழ்), which means “written Tamil.” Let’s see some examples.
| English | Tamil | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| How are you? | நீங்கள் எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்? | Neengal eppadi irukireergal |
| What is your name? | உங்கள் பெயர் என்ன? | Ungal peyar enna? |
| I don’t Know | எனக்கு தெரியவில்லை | Enaku theriyavillai |
| I need medicine | எனக்கு மருந்து தேவைப்படுகிறது | Enaku marunthu thevaipadukirathu |
| Let’s go | நாம் செல்லலாம் | Naam sellalaam |
| What happend | என்ன நடந்தது | Enna nadanthathu |
Informal Tamil
Informal Tamil, also known as spoken Tamil, is used in everyday conversations with friends and family. It’s more flexible than formal Tamil and varies across regions due to different dialects. Now, let’s go through a few examples.
| English | Tamil | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Be careful | பாத்துக்கோங்க | pathukonga |
| Call me | கூப்பிடுங்க | koopdunga |
| Catch you later | அப்பறம் பாக்கலாம் | aparam pakalam |
| Wait a moment | பொறு கொஞ்சம் | poru konjam |
| Be careful | என்னாச்சு | ennachu |
| Yes | ஆமா | aama |
Key Differences Between Formal And Informal Tamil
Written Tamil is commonly used in literary settings, such as newspapers and official documents. However, for everyday conversations, informal Tamil is used. Here’s a quick look at the key differences between formal and informal Tamil:
1. The Usage Of Tamil Pronouns
In formal Tamil, polite pronouns are used to show respect, especially when referring to elders.
Example: He will come tomorrow- Avar naalai varuvaar (அவர் நாளை வருவார்) — Here, Avar is a respectful pronoun.
When it comes to informal Tamil, pronouns are more relaxed and casual.
Example: He will come tomorrow- Avan naalai varuvaan (அவன் நாளை வருவான்) — Avan is a casual pronoun, typically used when referring to friends or younger individuals.
| English | Formal Tamil | Informal Tamil |
|---|---|---|
| He/She | Avar(அவர்) | Avan/Aval (அவன்/அவள்) |
| You | Neengal(நீங்கள்) | Nee (நீ) |
| They | Avargal(அவர்கள்) | Avanga (அவங்க) |
2. Tamil Sentence Formation
In formal Tamil, sentences are fully formed and follow proper grammatical structure.
Example: How are you?-Neengal eppadi irukireergal ( நீங்கள் எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்? )
In informal situations, Tamil sentences are often shortened, and grammar rules are more flexible.
Example: How are you?-Eppadi iruka? (எப்டி இருக்க?)
3. Tamil Verb Endings
In formal Tamil, verb endings like -kiren (கிறேன்), -kirar (கிறார்), and -aargal (ஆர்கள்) are used to show politeness and maintain grammatical accuracy.
Example: He is coming-Avar varu-kirar (அவர் வரு-கிறார்)
In informal Tamil, verb endings are more relaxed and casual. Common informal endings include -ren (றேன்), -ru (ரு), -raan (றான்), -aal (ஆல்), -da (டா), and -di (டி).
Example: He is coming-Avan varuki-raan-(அவன் வருகி-றான்.)
4. Tamil Fillers
Fillers are generally avoided in formal conversations. However, in informal Tamil, however, fillers like machi (மச்சி), da (டா), and di (டி) are commonly used to add a friendly or casual tone.
Hey dude, where are you going?-Machi, engada pora? (மச்சி, எங்கடா போற?)
5. How To Use the Word “No” In Tamil
In formal settings, the word no is expressed as illai (இல்லை) or vendam (வேண்டாம்).
Example: There is no milk in that shop –Anta kadayil paal illai (அந்தக் கடையில் பால் இல்லை).
In informal Tamil, more casual forms like la (ல) and venam (வேணாம்) are used for “no.”
Example: There is no milk in that shop-Anta kadayil paal illa (அந்தக் கடையில் பால் இல்ல).
6. How To Show Respect In Tamil
In formal conversation, we should avoid direct commands. Instead, we must use polite phrases, and also follow pronunciation rules strictly.
Example: Please come here-Thayavu seithu ingey varungal (தயவு செய்து இங்கே வாருங்கள்)
On the other hand, in informal Tamil, we can use direct commands with pronunciation changes. These variations can differ depending on the region.
Example: Come here-Inga va( இங்க வா)
Formal Tamil Vs Informal Tamil: When To Use Which
The key to switching between formal and informal Tamil lies in the context and audience. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- In formal Tamil, pronouns and verb endings are used to show respect, while informal Tamil tends to use more casual forms.
- In informal Tamil, some words can be merged to create a natural flow in the conversations.
- Slang words and casual expressions are commonly used in informal speech.
- Respectful suffixes are mostly used in written Tamil, particularly in literature, official documents, and news.
Tips On How To Use Formal Vs Informal Tamil
Here are some realistic tips for understanding formal and informal Tamil phrases
- When possible, try to use written Tamil.
- Try to understand the differences in pronouns and how they are used.
- Remember that verb endings are shortened in informal Tamil and fully structured in formal Tamil.
- Listen to native speakers as they switch between formal and informal Tamil in different scenarios.
- Actively speak with native people, which will guide you.
- Avoid using English words and fillers in your conversation.
- Watch TV news to help you understand the tone.
- Use flashcards with formal vs. informal Tamil versions.
How Do You Say ‘Formal’ And ‘Informal’ In Tamil?
In Tamil, we use the term Eluthu Tamil (எழுத்து தமிழ்) to refer to formal Tamil, which means literary Tamil. For informal Tamil, we use Pechu Tamil (பேச்சு தமிழ்), which means spoken Tamil.
Frequently Asked Questions For Formal Vs Informal Tamil
1. What Is The Difference Between Formal Tamil And Informal Tamil?
Formal Tamil is used in official settings, wherever you need to show respect to the listener. On the other hand, when you want to build a casual conversation with a friendly tone, you can use informal Tamil.
2. Is Informal Tamil Considered Incorrect?
No, informal Tamil should not be considered incorrect. It is simply spoken Tamil and is commonly used in casual settings.
3. Can I Use Formal Tamil In Casual Conversation?
Yes, you can, but it might look odd when you try to communicate with a native speaker.
4. How Can I Learn Formal Tamil?
First, you must be well-versed in informal Tamil. Then, by reading books and newspapers, listening to news channels, and, most importantly, practicing writing, you can achieve your goal.
Wrapping Up: Formal Vs Informal Tamil
Whatever your goal may be, when you want to develop a good connection with Tamil people, practicing both formal Tamil and informal Tamil is really helpful. Always keep listening, and don’t hesitate to speak and correct yourself.
In this blog, we have provided a detailed breakdown of when to use formal vs. informal Tamil, proper guidance on switching techniques, and realistic tips on mastering both. Understanding these allows you to adapt to different situations and express yourself naturally and easily.
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