Tamil Words

Here are some Tamil words I collected during my first trip to India. Don't ask me why some of these words made the list! It is important to note that the Tamil language has its own special characters. Writing out the pronounciation using English letters is the easiest way to start off when learning words and phrases.

akka - older sister/friend
alahoo - beautiful 
ama - yes
amma - mother
anin - older brother/friend
appa - father
chatay - shirt 
chudidar - salwar (type of woman's dress)
culi - wash
engay - here
ille - no
jabam - prayer
judi - underwear 
madu - cow
manjul - yellow  
maram - tree
mudi - hair 
naan - I
nandri - thank you
nee - you 
nela - moon 
nil - stop
pache - green (colour)
pati - grandmother 
pavaday - skirt 
po - go 
podum (po-doom) - enough 
pu (poo) - flower
saydee - message
saylay - sari
sevepoo - red (colour)
surien - sun
thane (tha-nee) - water
thambi - younger brother/friend
thangachi - younger sister/friend
thatha - grandfather 
thee - fire 
ungay - there
vanakkam - hello
va / vanga - come
vase (va-see) - read
veedu - house/home 
Yesu - Jesus


Phrases

Yipadee irikenga? - How are you? (informal)
Nulla irrakain - I am fine/good
Chedi - Okay
Yennika teriathu - I don't know
Epo va - Come now  
Onekku pasikeeda? - Are you hungry?
Sappathingala? - Have you eaten?
Un per ennai? - What is your name?
Yen per ______ - My name is ______
Un vayathu ennai? - How old are you?
Yesu ennai nesikirar - Jesus loves you (informal)

Note: "Th" is pronounced with a "t" sound by hitting the back of your front teeth with tongue.