Learning numbers for kids is often straightforward. Start with a rhyme or song with a fantastic, catchy tune – and viola! They’ve got it. At least learning one to ten, or even one to twenty can be quickly done like that. But when learning numbers in a foreign language as an adult, you may need a different approach. Let’s try learning Tamil numbers together!
Numbers are called (எண்) ‘En’ in Tamil. In Tamil, Numbers have a rich history, rooted in ancient culture and linguistic evolution. Over centuries Tamil people developed their own numbers. In earlier days Tamil people wrote numbers in Tamil-Brahmi characters; later it evolved into modern Tamil script which we use today!.
Table of Contents
Tamil Numbers Vs English Numbers
Whatever language it is, numbers are used for counting, identifying quantity and calculating time. According to their origins, Tamil pronunciation has some significance in presenting numbers. Apart from that here you can find major differences between tamil and english numbers.
| Differences | Tamil Numbers | English Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Begining | Tamil numbers have roots with 2000 years back over | Introduced in 12th century through the writings of middle eastern mathematicians |
| Pronounciation | It has phonetic sound | It has short and crisp sound |
| Structure | Combining base numbers Ex: 32 ‘Muppathi irandu’ | It uses compound words for Ex: 32 ‘Thirty two’ |
| Usage | Used in particular goverment documents, cultural practices,etc., | Used in all fields globally |
| Roots | Originated through dravidian languages | Originated through German and Latin roots |
| Influence | Tamil numbers majorly used within tamil speaking communities | Used widely all over the world |
A List Of Tamil Numbers
Tamil numbers has unique in their script and structure. And it have distinct symbols and names especially for values. Here, we’ll explore the symbols, pronunciation of Tamil numbers
Looking at the digits and corresponding symbols in Tamil numerals, you can begin understanding the system that Tamil people follow. The Tamil region’s unique numeric style is reasonably practical and exciting. It would definitely give people that enjoy numbers a real kick!
Elaborating on what we have just seen from the list, taking the number 123 as an example, the placement of 1 is in hundreds, 2 is tens, and 3 is ones. This is how it will be written in Tamil: ௧௱௨௰௩.
It can be mathematically represented as 1 x 100 + 2 x 10 + 3.
Yes, of course, it is a bit surprising at first. It is what makes the Tamil language a genuinely classic one. Practice a few numbers and write what you think in the comments section!
Must Known Tamil Numbers
The ordinal numbers in Tamil usually have the suffix “am” except for the first one. Take a look below:
Common fractions in Tamil are shown as this:
| Fractions | Tamil spelling | Roman transcription | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | அரை | Arai | |
| 1/4 | கால் | Kal | |
| 3/4 | முக்கால் | Mukkal | |
| 1/8 | அரைக்கால் | Araikkal | |
| 1/5 | நாலுமா | Naluma | |
| 1/10 | இருமா | Irumā |
How Do You Say Numbers In Tamil?
In Tamil you can refer numbers as ‘Enkal‘ (எண்கள்).
Dravidian Influence In Tamil Numbers
Tamil numbers are originated through dravidian linguistic family. Checkout this table to know better about the similarities in numbers between various dravidian languages.
| Number | Tamil | Kannada | Malayalam | Telugu | Tulu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ondru | Onthu | Onnu | Okati | Onji |
| 2 | Irandu | Iradu | Rantu | Rendu | Irad |
| 3 | Moondru | Mooru | Moonu | Moodu | Muji |
| 4 | Naangu | Nalaku | Nalu | Naalgu | Nal |
| 5 | Ainthu | Aithu | Anchu | Ayidu | Ayin |
Frequently Asked Questions In Tamil Numbers
How Do Tamil Numbers Differs From English Numbers?
Upto 1000 tamil numbers use unique symbols and pronounciation. It totally differs from english numbers.
How Higher Numbers Represented In Tamil?
In Tamil, higher numbers are followed a unique naming and structural pattern. Ex: ‘10 – pathu‘, ‘100 -nooru‘, ‘1000 – Aayiram’.
How Did Decimal Values Are Represented In Tamil?
In Tamil, Decimal values are represented as ‘pulli’ (புள்ளி). For Ex: 2.5 is called as ‘Rendu Pulli Ainthu’ (ரெண்டு புள்ளி ஐந்து).
Lets Start Counting In Tamil!
Based on the article, I hope you find the Tamil numbers easier to handle. It certainly is different from English but is also similar in many ways. The symbol of numbers will need to be written and practiced a few times. The transliterated numbers can be memorized even through a song.
Want to take your language-learning journey a step further? Master Tamil today using Ling! The Ling app is a gamified app with lessons for Tamil daily words and expressions that’ll help you express yourself better. We’re not saying that this is just a flashcard-type of app! We literally mean that it can be your one and only resource for learning Tamil and other languages.
For Tamil, you will learn writing, listening, speaking, and reading, along with pronunciation and accent . We understand that language learning can be daunting, and we also know that people have jobs, places to go, and things to keep up with. That’s why Ling makes sure to squeeze in a lot of information so that you can learn something new just by using the app for 15 minutes daily.
Let Ling be your constant companion, helping you to learn and with you always on your phone. Download the app today and start a beautiful journey to Tamil Nadu.
