Greetings In Tamil: 50+ Best Words And Phrases

Knowing greetings in Tamil is important. Want to know why? Learning basic greetings like “Hello!” “வணக்கம்” “Vaṇakkam” opens the door to a deeper understanding of the amazing Tamil Nadu people.

Tamil is widely spoken in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and many other countries. In Tamil culture, the greeting is an act of communication where people greet to make their presence known to each other.

Greetings in Tamil usually begin by saying “Hi,” “வணக்கம்,” “Vaṇakkam,” or “How are you?” “நீங்கள் எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்?” “eppadi irukeenga?”

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Basic Greetings In Tamil

If you plan to visit Tamil Nadu, you will need to brush up on your Tamil speaking skills. Because not everyone speaks English fluently, knowing a few key greetings in Tamil is beneficial. Let us look at a couple of welcoming greetings to get you started. “Hi” literally means or is translated as “வணக்கம்!” “Vaṇakkam!” It is probably the most well-known Tamil greeting word and is a semi-formal style of greeting.

There are, of course, a few more common words and phrases you can use when meeting someone. For example, “How are you doing?” “எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்?” “Eppaṭi irukkiṟīrkaḷ?” is a polite greeting. “How’s the day going?” comes up as a follow-up question. Its Tamil translation is “நாள் எப்படி போகிறது?” “Nāḷ eppaṭi pōkiṟatu?” 

Furthermore, learn some words, such as “good day,” to use in everyday conversations. Also, a charming way to greet someone early in the day is to say “good morning” “காலை வணக்கம்!” “Kaalai vaṇakkam!” You might use the more frequent phrases to greet people in another country. Some other helpful greeting words are in the table below.

More Greeting Vocabulary In Tamil

It is not easy to imagine Tamil culture without its greeting style. Greetings play a significant role in a nation’s ideals. Because greetings in Tamil are so common in regular conversation, it is important to know how to use them correctly. You can become proficient in using these greetings by practicing.

Now is a good opportunity to learn a few more greetings in the Tamil language. Finally, we have perhaps the most important phrases. To say “What is your name?” they say “உங்கள் பெயர் என்ன?” “Uṅkaḷ peyar eṉṉa?”

Likewise, you will also need “My name is…,” which means “என் பெயர்…” “Eṉ peyar…” “You are welcome” or “Welcome back” may also appear useful in conversation with family or friends. 

Other Useful Phrases For Greetings In Tamil

Every greeting ends with nice words. The most basic way to say “It is pleasant meeting you”. In Tamil it’s “உங்களை சந்திப்பதில் மகிழ்ச்சியாக உள்ளது” “Uṅkaḷai cantippatil makiḻcciyāka uḷḷatu.” 

In addition, if you have to ask someone about their life, you must say, “What’s new?” “புதியது என்ன?” “Putiyatu eṉṉa?” Another common phrase is “நாம் மீண்டும் சந்திக்கும் வரை” “Nām mīṇṭum cantikkum varai” that translates to “until we meet again.” You may use this phrase if you want to end the meeting and give the notion that you will meet again. 

However, if all of this is too tough, then locals at the tourist destinations will still understand “விடைபெறுகிறேன்” “Viṭaipeṟukiṟēṉ.” It is the common English word for saying “bye-bye.” Finally, we have some other important phrases that you may learn with little practice. Have a look at the table below.

Other Common Words For Travelers

When traveling in another country, you must learn a few words in the country’s official language. It is necessary because it may help you sound polite and respectful. Moreover, the formal words having appropriate pronunciation in Tamil are essential to learning. Common greeting words that every traveler must learn may include sorry, excuse me, etc. 

Because you are not a local, there may happen situations when you will need to apologize or excuse yourself. The word “sorry” “மன்னிக்கவும்!” “Maṉṉikkavum!” is appropriate in this situation. To seek forgiveness, use the Tamil word “Eṉṉai maṉṉiyuṅkaḷ!” “என்னை மன்னியுங்கள்!” The above Tamil word has the translation “excuse me” in English.

Start Learning Tamil With Ling! 

What comes next now that you have mastered Tamil greetings? If you are interested in learning Tamil, Ling is an excellent place to start. Ling App is a language learning platform that offers quality education. It provides enjoyable and interesting courses that are easy to understand. 

Audio lessons on Ling may also help you learn everyday life conversations and how to pronounce each word correctly. In addition, the presence of fun games and quizzes keeps you engaged during learning. Out of 60 + languages on Ling, you can learn any language you desire free of cost.

If you feel any difficulty, you can take the help of a chatbot. So, why exactly are you waiting? Learn to speak Tamil or any other language from beginner level to expert. Save your time, open the website and download the app now to learn spoken Tamil! 

If you enjoyed this blog, why not check out some other Tamil blogs. My personal favorites are basic Tamil phrases and no Tamil on Rosetta Stone.