Member-only story

Unlock the Nuances of Tamil: A Comprehensive Guide to 50 Common Phrases

William Golding

·16k Followers· Follow

Published in Tamil: 50 Common Phrases Alvin R Mullen

6 min read

1.6k View Claps

87 Respond

Save

Listen

The Tamil language, spoken by over 75 million people worldwide, is a treasure trove of rich and expressive phrases. From everyday greetings to essential idioms, Tamil phrases capture the essence of this ancient culture and add depth to any conversation.

Tamil: 50 Common Phrases

by Alvin R Mullen

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1242 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	12 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

In this article, we present a comprehensive guide to 50 common Tamil phrases, providing their English translations, pronunciations, and insights into their usage. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced learner, this resource will equip you with the essential vocabulary to navigate Tamil conversations with confidence.

Greetings

Vanakkam (vʌnʌkkʌm) - Hello/Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening
Vanga (vʌŋgʌ) - Come in
Poitu varureenga (pɔit̪u vʌrɯŋgʌ) - I'm going; I'll be back
Eppadi irukkeenga (ɛppʌʈi iɾɯkːʌŋgʌ) - How are you?
Naan nanna irukken (nʌːn nʌnnʌ iɾɯkkɛn) - I'm fine

Essential Phrases

Enna pannreenga (ɛnnʌ pʌnnʋɯŋgʌ) - What are you ng?
Eppo varuveenga (ɛppɔ vʌɾɯvɯŋgʌ) - When will you come?
Yar ithu (jʌɾ it̪u) - Who is this?
Yenna puriyuthu (jɛnnʌ puɾijut̪u) - I don't understand
Nee summa iru (nɯː summʌ iɾu) - Be quiet

Idioms

Adhu enna maaya (ʌɖu ɛnnʌ mɑːjʌ) - What is this sorcery?
Kaiyil velai panrathu (kɑːijil vɛlɛi pʌnʌʈɖu) - To be busy
Kaiyai kootti kidakkaran (kɑːijʌi kɔːʈɖi kiɖʌkkʌɾʌn) - To beg
Mullu vittu murai kattukiran (mullu vitt̪u muɾʌi kʌʈʈukɪɾʌn) - To be persistent
Poi vittu varuran (pɔi vitt̪u vʌɾɯɾʌn) - To be lazy

Phrases for Specific Situations

Naan unnai kattruththu venum (nʌːn unːʌi kʌʈɖɾut̪tu vɛnum) - I want to marry you
Naan unnai sonnaen (nʌːn unːʌi sɔnnʌɛn) - I love you
Intha vaanga (int̪ʌ vʌːŋgʌ) - Please come
Naan inga irukken (nʌːn ingʌ iɾɯkkɛn) - I'm here
Eppo pogum (ɛppɔ pɔgum) - When are you leaving?

Additional Phrases

Athu enakku pidikkiradu (ʌɖu ɛnʌkku piɖikkiɾʌɖu) - I like it
Athu enakku pidikkala (ʌɖu ɛnʌkku piɖikkʌlʌ) - I don't like it
Enna kooda vara maattena (ɛnnʌ kɔːɖʌ vʌɾʌ mʌːʈʈɛnʌ) - You won't come with me?
Nee ennai maattuvennu naan nenakkeren (nɯː ɛnnʌi mʌːʈʈuvɛnnu nʌːn nɛnʌkkʌɾɛn) - I don't think you'll leave me
Ingeyi ninnuko (ingʌji ninnukɔ) - Stand here

Phrase of the Day: Vanakkam

Vanakkam is the most common greeting in Tamil and is used in a variety of situations, including meeting someone for the first time, saying hello to a friend or family member, and greeting a group of people. It can be used at any time of day and is considered a respectful and polite way to initiate a conversation.

The word "vanakkam" is derived from the Sanskrit word "namaste," which means "I bow to you." When saying vanakkam, it is customary to place your hands together in front of your chest and bow your head slightly. This gesture symbolizes respect and humility.

Mastering these 50 common Tamil phrases will not only enhance your communication skills but also bring you closer to the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. By incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations, you'll be able to connect with Tamil speakers on a deeper level and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of their language.

So, embrace the vibrant tapestry of Tamil phrases and unlock the doors to meaningful connections and cultural immersion. Immerse yourself in the world of Tamil and let the language guide you on an unforgettable journey of discovery and understanding.

Tamil: 50 Common Phrases

by Alvin R Mullen

5 out of 5