A smile and a vanakkam open most doors. Even a word or two of Tamil gets you warmer service and a few delighted grins.

• வணக்கம்

  Vanakkam

  Hello · Said with palms pressed together. Works any time of day, with anyone.

• ரொம்ப நன்றி

  Romba nandri

  Thank you · Plain "Thanks-nga" is also very common in towns.

• மன்னிச்சுக்கோங்க

  Mannichukkonga

  Sorry / excuse me · In practice most people just say "Sorry-nga".

• எனக்கு தமிழ் தெரியாது

  Enakku Tamil theriyaadhu

  I don't know Tamil

• உங்களுக்கு இங்கிலீஷ் தெரியுமா?

  Ungalukku English theriyumaa?

  Do you know English?

• கொஞ்சம் மெதுவா பேசுங்க

  Konjam medhuvaa pesunga

  Please speak a little slowly

• எனக்கு புரியல

  Enakku puriyala

  I didn't understand

• இன்னொரு தடவை சொல்லுங்க

  Innoru thadavai sollunga

  Please say it once more

• சரி

  Seri

  Okay / fine · The all-purpose yes, okay and agreed.

• வேண்டாம்

  Vendaam

  No, I don't want it · Polite enough on its own; add "nandri" to soften it.

• அண்ணா / அக்கா

  Anna / Akka

  Brother / sister (to get someone's attention) · The friendly way to call a shopkeeper or passer-by. For someone clearly older, use "Ayya" or "Amma".

• போயிட்டு வரேன்

  Poyittu varen

  Bye, I'll see you again · Literally "I'll go and come back" — Tamils avoid a flat "I'm going".

Written the way people say them, not textbook Tamil. Audio by Sarvam AI; it plays offline once you've heard it.