Shifting to Chennai is a great new adventure in many people’s lives, filled with the promise of career growth and cultural vibrancy. However, for many newcomers who do not know Tamil, this is often accompanied by the challenge of a language barrier. This affects many aspects of life, like navigating marketplaces, talking to auto drivers, or simply feeling like an outsider in everyday social interactions. The good news is - Chennai is a very welcoming place especially when you show interest in learning Tamil. On the surface, you can manage many things with English. But to really embrace life in Chennai and see the local beauty, learning a few key Tamil phrases and immersing yourself into the local culture can transform you from a mere observer into an active participant! It is all up to you. The more you embrace the city’s local culture, the city gives back so much more. Understanding the language allows you to navigate the city with ease, build meaningful connections with locals, and truly unlock every aspect of Chennai life.
Start with ‘Tanglish’: You don’t need to master Tamil grammar to navigate Chennai
Before you dive into the word list below, let’s get one big fear out of the way: You really don’t need “pure” Tamil to survive in Chennai.
In fact, if you try to speak textbook Tamil, you might sound like a visitor rather than a local. Most situations can be handled with some quick Tanglish,i.e., Tamil + English. Let me explain.
- The powerful “Pannunga” magic: You’ll notice in the Tamil phrasebook below that we lean heavily on one specific word: Pannunga. It is the ultimate survival tool! If you know the English word, you know the Tamil sentence. “Call pannunga,” “Email pannunga”, “Wait pannunga”, etc - simple, right?
- Doors open when you show intention to speak Tamil: When you say “Vanakkam” or “Wait pannunga” to a shopkeeper or an auto driver, they don’t care if your accent is perfect. They appreciate your effort to bridge the cultural gap. That small gesture instantly transforms you from a “tourist” into a “Chennai-ite.”
- Functional, not fluent: Your goal in these first 30 days is not to write poetry; it’s to get things done in Tamil. Use these words as building blocks. Start with slow phrases that get the meaning across, and slowly and steadily you will find yourself understanding and speaking longer sentences in Tamil as your vocabulary grows.
So, let go of the pressure to be fluent. Nobody will judge you for mistakes as it is part of the process. Start messy, start small, but most importantly, start today! The city is ready to open up to you if you are ready to speak.
Tamil phrasebook for navigating Chennai better
1. Vanakkam (வணக்கம்) – Hello
Vanakkam is said with a hands-closed “Namaste” gesture. Simple, friendly, and safe to use anywhere.
Example: “Vanakkam uncle, Vanakkam aunty”
2. Epdi irukeenga? (எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?) – How are you?
The standard respectful way to say “How are you” in Tamil. You can say ‘epdi irukeenga’ or ‘neenga epdi irukeenga’. ‘Neenga’ means ‘you’. Even without using ‘neenga’ you can just say ‘epdi irukeenga’ as it implies the same.
Example: “Epdi irukeenga, uncle?”
3. Nalla iruken (நல்லா இருக்கேன்) – I am fine
This means “I am good” or “I am fine” which is a standard reply when someone asks ‘How are you?’. ‘Nalla’ means ‘good’. You can say ‘Naan nalla iruken’ or just ‘nalla iruken’, it means the same. ‘Naan’ means ‘I’
Example: “Naan nalla iruken, neenga epdi irukeenga?”
4. Vaanga (வாங்க) – Please Come in, or Welcome
Means “Please come”, but often used respectfully like “Welcome”.
Example: “Vaanga vaanga… Ukkaarunga!” (Come, come…. please sit!)
5. Nandri (நன்றி) – Thank you/Thanks
This word is formal but its meaning is quite simple. It's just “Thank you”. Locals will deeply appreciate it when you use it.
Example: “Nandri anna” (Thanks brother)
6. Pannunga (பண்ணுங்க) – Do
The most powerful Tamil word for survival! Add Pannunga to any English word to turn it into Tamil politely.
Example:
“Discount pannunga”, “Wait pannunga”, “Bill pannunga”, “Email pannunga”, “Call pannunga”, “Exchange pannunga”, “Repair pannunga”, “Adjust pannunga”.
7. Venum (வேண்டும்) – Want
Useful when talking to the waiter, or at a shop.
Example: “Extra sambar venum”
8. Vendaam (வேண்டாம்) – Don’t want
Useful at a restaurant, or while shopping.
Example: “Coffee-la sugar vendaam.”
9. Podhum (போதும்) – Enough
Keep this word in mind when you order that unlimited rice in South Indian meals.
Example: “Anna, rice podhum!”
10. Aama (ஆமா) – Yes
Standard way to say “Yes” in Tamil.
Example: “Aama, coffee venum” (yes, I want a coffee)
11. Illa (இல்லை) – No
Standard way to say “No” in Tamil.
Example: “Change illa, Google pay pannunga.”
12. Evlo? (எவ்வளவு?) – How much?
Perfect for shopping, autos, and buses.
Example: “Anna, Bisleri Water Bottle evlo?”
13. Edunga / Eduthukkonga (எடுங்க / எடுத்துக்கோங்க) – Take
These words are used when you want to tell someone to take something or take a certain direction while traveling. ("Edunga" is usually "take it", while "Eduthukkonga" is emphasizing someone to take it for themselves - "please take it for yourself").
Example:
- To an auto driver: “Left edunga, right edunga, next signal…”
- Or at a shop: “Aunty, 5 rupees change eduthukkonga.”
14. Kudunga (குடுங்க) – Give
Very useful while shopping or at a restaurant.
Example: “oru(one) plate masala dosa kudunga”
15. Inga (இங்க) – Here ; Anga (அங்க) - There
Important for directions. “Inga” and “Anga” are siblings, just like here and there.
Example: “Auto anna, inga right edunga, anga stop pannunga”
16. Niruthunga (நிறுத்துங்க) – Stop
To stop an auto or bus.
Example: “Anna, left side niruthunga.”
17. Enna (என்ன) – What
Useful for clarifications.
Example: “Enna problem sir?”
18. Enga (எங்க) – Where
Very useful for directions.
Example: “Anna, metro station enga?”
19. Unga peru enna (உங்க பேரு என்ன) – What is your name
‘Unga’ means your, ‘peru’ means ‘name’, ‘enna’ means ‘what’.
Example: “Unga peru enna madam?”
20. En peru Mukesh (என் பேரு முகேஷ்) – My name is Mukesh
Replace Mukesh with your own name. ‘En’ means ‘my’
Example: “Vanakkam! En peru Divya. Unga peru enna?”
21. Theriyaadhu (தெரியாது) – I don’t know
When someone asks you directions to a place you are not familiar with, you can say “Theriyaadhu”, or you will be told “Theriyaadhu” if a person you are enquiring doesn’t know the information. Also used in the context of “Hindi theriyadhu”, “Tamil theriyadhu”, etc.
Example: “New to Chennai. Tamil theriyaadhu”
22. En ooru Delhi (என் ஊரு டெல்லி) – My hometown is Delhi
“Ooru” means hometown, just like in your hometown back home. Replace Delhi with your hometown.
Example: “En ooru Kolkata”
23. Velai (வேலை) – Work
Useful word that means “work” as a noun.
Example: ““Naan IT velai panren” (“I do IT work”)
24. Konjam (கொஞ்சம்) – A little
You’ll hear this everywhere. Very useful Tamil word in everyday situations.
Example: “Konjam left”, “Konjam wait pannunga”, “Konjam adjust pannunga”, “Konjam Konjam Tamil theriyum” (I know a little Tamil).
25. Niraiya (நிறைய) – More / A lot
Opposite of Konjam.
Example: “Rice niraiya venum”
26. Thanni (தண்ணி) – Water
It is always useful to know the word for water in Tamil. Keep handy at messes, PGs, and restaurants.
Example: “Oru(1) glass thanni”
27. Saaptingala? (சாப்டீங்களா?) – Have you had food?
One of the most common things you will be asked from family and friends almost as a greeting when you visit them.
Example: “Vanakkam sir! Saaptingala?”
28. Poittu varen (போயிட்டு வரேன்) – Bye, or I will come back
“Poittu varen” means “I will go and come back” because in Tamil culture, it is considered inauspicious to just say you are going away. You always say that you will go and come back later.
Example: “sari anna, naan poittu varen!” (ok brother, I am leaving)
29. Pogalaam (போகலாம்) – Let’s go
You’ll hear this often around lunch break or at the end of office hours. The entire office usually buzzes with the sound of “Pogalaam” when it’s time to leave!
Example: “Vaanga, canteen pogalaam!” (Come let’s go to the canteen)
30. Romba (ரொம்ப) – Very/A lot
An essential word to add emphasis, meaning “very” or “too much”. You can pair it with almost anything to express strong feelings, compliment a meal, or show deep gratitude.
Example: Romba nandri!” (Thank you very much) or “Saapaadu romba nalla irukku!” (The food is very good!)
Frequently Asked Questions New Migrants Have About Tamil
Is Tamil hard to learn?No. The spoken Tamil used in Chennai is very simple. You can manage most conversations with Tanglish.
Do I need to learn the script?Not at first. Romanized Tamil is enough for survival in the initial days of picking up the language.
How long before I can understand people?Usually 1 to 2 months of intentional and thought out exposure, to understand the absolute basics necessary for city life. Fluency, however, is something that comes with a lot of practice over 1 to 2 years of listening and practicing, while following a guide like Bhashafy’s Bestseller Tamil Course that thousands of learners have used to learn to speak Tamil.
Will people judge me if I speak broken Tamil?Absolutely not. People appreciate effort. Even a little Tamil brings a smile to locals, and opens up your own cultural horizon.
Is Tamil different in other parts of Tamil Nadu?Yes. But Chennai Tamil is beginner friendly and widely used across cities and in pop culture like movies, TV shows and songs.
Continue Your Learning
If you want a structured, step-by-step beginner course designed especially for newcomers in Chennai, continue your learning with the expertly designed Bhashafy Bestseller Tamil Course.
