Greetings

Banner showing Tamil kids saying hello and vanakkam, introducing basic Tamil greetings for kids to learn

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Have you ever noticed how a simple greeting can make someone's day? Imagine walking up to someone and saying 'Hello!' which is Vanakkam! in Tamil. Their eyes light up, and a big smile spreads across their face. That's the magic of speaking Tamil—it can make people feel so special and happy!
Today, we are going on a fun journey to learn how to greet people in Tamil. Whether it's saying 'Good morning,' 'Thank you,' or 'Goodbye,' each greeting is a little key that opens the door to new friendships and warm smiles. Ready to see those smiles and spread some joy? Let's learn some basic greetings in Tamil!
1. ‘Hello’ is the word we often use when we meet someone. In Tamil, we say ‘Vanakkam’ to greet people. Just like we shake hands when we say ‘Hello,’ in Tamil, we join our hands together and say ‘Vanakkam’ with a big smile. It’s a special way to show respect and kindness!
வணக்கம்
Smiling Tamil boy saying Vanakkam with hands joined, teaching hello in Tamil for kids
வணக்கம் அப்பா!
You can use ‘Vanakkam’ along with the person’s name to greet them, like ‘Vanakkam Srinivasan’ or ‘Vanakkam Selvi.’
While ‘Vanakkam’ can be used at any time of the day in Tamil, you can also greet according to the time of day with the following phrases:
Tamil kids saying good morning (காலை வணக்கம்) and good night (இரவு வணக்கம்) for kids learning Tamil greetings
2. Checking in on how someone is feeling is a kind gesture! Let's learn how to ask, 'How are you?' in Tamil. It's a friendly way to start a conversation and show you care!
எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்?
Two Tamil girls talking at a desk, illustrating the greeting எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்? (How are you) for kids learning Tamil
நான் நன்றாக இருக்கிறேன்
3. Expressing gratitude is always nice! Let's learn how to say 'Thank you' in Tamil. It's a simple yet important phrase that helps show appreciation and politeness in any conversation!
நன்றி
Smiling Tamil boy holding thank you sign, teaching the phrase மிக்க நன்றி (Mikka Nandri) to kids learning Tamil
உங்கள் உதவிக்கு மிக்க நன்றி
4. When someone achieves something special or celebrates a big moment, we say ‘Congratulations’ to share in their joy.
வாழ்த்துக்கள்
Tamil boy receiving a trophy and saying நன்றி (nandri), a thank you greeting in Tamil for kids learning basic phrases
உங்கள் வெற்றிக்கு வாழ்த்துக்கள்
5. When someone arrives at our home, we greet them warmly by saying ‘Welcome.’ In Tamil, this word is used only to greet visitors and not to respond to someone saying ‘Thank you.
வரவேற்பு
Tamil lady welcoming kids saying வாங்க (vaanga), teaching the Tamil greeting come in or welcome for children
எங்கள் இல்லத்திற்கு வரவேற்கிறோம்
When you want to say ‘Welcome!’ in a casual way, you can use ‘Vanga Vanga’ in Tamil, just like shown in the image above.
6. How do we say Ok!
சரி
Smiling Tamil boy showing thumbs up and saying சரி (sari), meaning okay or alright in Tamil for kids learning greetings
7. Yes and NO How do we say?
Two Tamil kids showing yes and no gestures with words ஆம்/ஆமா (aam/aama) for yes and இல்லை (illai) for no
8. When we need to ask something nice we say Please!
தயவு செய்து
Tamil boy pointing to a door sign that says Please open the door with a cheerful smile
தயவுசெய்து கதவைத் திற
9. Knowing someone's name is the first step to making a new friend! Let's learn how to ask, 'What is your name?' in Tamil. It's a question you'll use all the time!
உங்கள் பெயர் என்ன?
Two Tamil boys talking happily, one pointing and the other showing a photo with his name
என் பெயர் சிவா
10. When it’s time to say goodbye, we use the word ‘Bye’.
சென்று வருகிறேன்
Smiling Tamil boy waving goodbye with the text “சென்று வருகிறேன்” (Bye in Tamil)
As we swim deeper, the water becomes darker and cooler. The sunlight filters through the waves, creating a magical, underwater world.
11. When we want to wish someone on their birthday, we say ‘Happy Birthday. In Tamil, you can say ‘பிறந்த நாள் வாழ்த்துக்கள்’ (Pirantha Naal Vaazhthukkal) to make their day extra special.
Happy Tamil boy holding a birthday cake with the text “இன்று என் பிறந்தநாள்!” (Today is my birthday in Tamil)
பிறந்த நாள் வாழ்த்துக்கள்!
12. When we need to apologize or express regret, we say ‘Sorry.’ In Tamil, we use the word ‘மன்னிக்கவும்’ (Mannikkavum) to show we’re truly sorry.
மன்னிப்பு
Apologetic Tamil girl saying “Ennai mannikavum” (I am sorry) to her upset friend
என்னை மன்னிக்கவும்
In Tamil, we say 'Ennai Manikkavum' (என்னை மன்னிக்கவும்) for both 'I'm sorry' and 'Excuse me'!"
13. Curiosity helps us connect with others! Let's learn how to ask, 'What are you doing?' in Tamil. It's a great way to start a conversation and show interest!
நீ என்ன செய்து கொண்டிருக்கிறாய்?
Curious Tamil boy asking What are you doing? in Tamil to a friend painting with bright colors.
நான் ஓவியம் வரைகிறேன்
Imagine yourself swimming alongside colorful fish and mysterious sea creatures. Let's learn their Tamil names together!
14. Exploring the world around you is so much fun! Let's learn how to ask, 'What is this?' in Tamil. It's a handy question for discovering new things!
இது என்ன?
Tamil teacher showing a picture with an apple to a tamil kid asking “Idhu enna?” (What is this?)
இது ஒரு ஆப்பிள்
15. Finding out where someone is heading can be interesting! Let's learn how to ask, 'Where are you going?' in Tamil. It's a useful question for everyday conversations
நீங்கள் எங்கு செல்கிறீர்கள்?
A cheerful Tamil boy running excitedly while another boy with books asks Where are you going?
நான் வீட்டிற்குப் போகிறேன்
16. Asking someone if you can chat is the start of great conversations! Let's learn how to say, 'Can I talk to you?' in Tamil. It's a polite way to connect with others!
நான் உங்களிடம் பேசலாமா?
A Tamil girl smiling and reaching out to speak, asking “நான் உங்களிடம் பேசலாமா?” (Can I talk?) to a boy with a backpack.
ஆம் என்னிடம் சொல்
17. Making sure someone understands you is very important! Let's learn how to ask, 'Do you understand?' in Tamil
உனக்குப் புரிகிறதா?
A Tamil teacher pointing to a book and asking a curious student, Do you understand?
இல்லை, எனக்குப் புரியவில்லை
18. Being able to tell someone you understand is essential for good communication! Let's learn how to say, 'Yes, I understand' in Tamil. It shows you're following along and engaged in the conversation!
ஆம், எனக்குப் புரிகிறது
A cheerful Tamil boy smiling with a fist-pump saying “எனக்குப் புரிகிறது” (I Understood!).
19. Finding out what's going on is always helpful! Let's learn how to ask, 'What happened?' in Tamil. It's a useful question for understanding situations better!
என்ன நடந்தது?
A Tamil girl with a surprised expression asking “என்ன நடந்தது?” (What happened?)
20. Sometimes we all need a little help! Let's learn how to ask, 'Can you help me?' in Tamil. It's a polite way to reach out when you need assistance!
எனக்கு நீங்கள் உதவ முடியமா?
A Tamil boy kneeling with outstretched arms saying “Enakku uthavungal!” (Help me!).
With Imagine Tamil, you'll learn Tamil in a fun and engaging way! Mastering a few basic sentences builds the confidence you need to start speaking Tamil. This initial boost will speed up your learning and spark your interest. By learning 50 basic sentences, you'll cover almost 30% of essential conversation starters. Congratulations on mastering 20 so far—let's keep going and learn the next 30 together!

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