10 Common Phrases You Must Know in Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam

Learning a new language can be both exciting and intimidating. Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, three beautiful Southern Indian languages, each have their own charm, script, and culture embedded in every word. Whether you're planning a trip to India, connecting with family, or simply adding a new skill to your repertoire, knowing a few common phrases in these languages can work wonders. Let’s dive into ten must-know phrases in Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam to get you started.
Greetings That Instantly Build Bridges
In any language, a warm greeting can open doors. Let’s start with how to say a friendly "hello" and ask, "How are you?"
Tamil: “வணக்கம்! (“Vaṇakkam!”) - Hello!” and “எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்? (“Ĕppaṭi irukkiṟīrkal̤?”) - How are you?”
Kannada: “ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ! (“Namaskāra!”) - Hello!” and “ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯ? (“Hegiddīya?”) - How are you?”
Malayalam: “നമസ്കാരം! (“Namaskāraṃ!”) - Hello!” and “സുഖമാണോ? (“Sukhamāṇo?”) - How are you?”
It’s amazing how a simple greeting can make people smile. A friend once told me about how their attempts at saying “Namaskara” in Kannada during a business meeting earned them instant respect and even a bonus cup of chai!

Thank You and Please – Words That Win Hearts
Politeness is universal. Here’s how to say "thank you" and "please":
Tamil: “நன்றி (“Naṉṟi”) - Thank you” and “தயவுசெய்து (“Tayavucĕytu”) - Please”
Kannada: “ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು (“Dhanyavādagal̤u”) - Thank you” and “ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು (“Dayaviṭṭu”) - Please”
Malayalam: “നന്ദി (“Nandi”) - Thank you” and “ദയവായി (“Dayavāyi”) - Please”
Adding these polite phrases will go a long way when you're speaking to locals. Try it when asking for recommendations, and you might just get insider tips on the best masala dosa spot.
Asking for Directions
Traveling in South India? You’ll definitely need these phrases to navigate.
Tamil: “இந்த இடம் எங்கே? (“Inta iṭam ĕṅke?”) - Where is this place?”
Kannada: “ಈ ಸ್ಥಳ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ? (“Ī sthal̤a ĕllidĕ?”) - Where is this place?”
Malayalam: “ഈ സ്ഥലം എവിടെയാണ്? (“Ī sthalaṃ ĕviṭĕyāṇ?”) - Where is this place?”
Once, while exploring Kochi, I found myself in a maze of streets. Asking “Ī sthalaṃ ĕviṭĕyāṇ?” didn’t just get me back on track but also got me an invite to a local temple festival.
Shopping Made Simple
When you’re at a market or shop, knowing a few shopping phrases is a lifesaver.
Tamil: “இது எவ்வளவு? (“Itu ĕvval̤avu?”) - How much is this?”
Kannada: “ಇದು ಎಷ್ಟು? (“Idu ĕṣṭu?”) - How much is this?”
Malayalam: “ഇത് എത്രമാത്രമാണ്? (“It ĕtramātramāṇ?”) - How much is this?”
Knowing how to bargain is an art. Combine this phrase with a warm smile, and you might just get a discount and a cheerful vendor recounting stories of their wares.
Ordering Food Like a Local
Food is at the heart of South Indian culture, and knowing how to order your favorites can transform your dining experience.
Tamil: “நீங்கள் என்ன பரிந்துரைப்பீர்கள்? (“Nīṅkal̤ ĕṉṉa parinturaippīrkal̤?”) - What would you suggest?”
Kannada: “ನೀವೇನು ಶಿಫಾರಸು ಮಾಡುತ್ತೀರಿ? (“Nīvenu śiphārasu māḍuttīri?”) - What do you recommend?”
Malayalam: “എന്താണ് നിങ്ങളുടെ പ്രത്യേകത? (“Ĕntāṇ niṅṅal̤uṭĕ pratyekata?”) - What’s your specialty?”
Expressing Basic Needs
Sometimes, it’s important to communicate simple yet essential needs. Whether it’s water, help, or a restroom, these phrases will come in handy.
Tamil
“எனக்கு தண்ணீர் வேண்டும்” (“Ĕṉakku taṇṇīr veṇṭum”) - I need water.
“நீங்கள் எனக்கு உதவ முடியுமா?” (“Nīṅkal̤ ĕṉakku utava muṭiyumā?”) - Can you help me?
“ரெஸ்ட் ரூம் எங்குள்ளது?” (“Rĕsṭ rūm ĕṅkul̤l̤atu?”) - Where is the restroom?
Kannada
“ನನಗೆ ನೀರು ಬೇಕು” (“Nanagĕ nīru beku”) - I need water.
“ನೀವು ನನಗೆ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡಬಹುದೇ?” (“Nīvu nanagĕ sahāya māḍabahude?”) - Can you help me?
“ರೆಸ್ಟ್ರೂಂ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ?” (“Rĕsṭrūṃ ĕllidĕ?”) - Where is the restroom?
Malayalam
“എനിക്ക് വെള്ളം വേണം” (“Ĕnikk vĕl̤l̤aṃ veṇaṃ”) - I need water.
“എന്നെ സഹായിക്കാമോ?” (“Ĕnnĕ sahāyikkāmo?”) - Can you help me?
“വിശ്രമമുറി എവിടെയാണ്?” (“Viśramamuṟi ĕviṭĕyāṇ?”) - Where is the restroom?
During my trip to Bengaluru, I once tried asking for water in Kannada. Although I got the words slightly wrong, the locals corrected me with a smile and happily offered help. People appreciate the effort to speak their language, even if it's not perfect!
Introducing Yourself
Making connections starts with introducing yourself. Here’s how to do it in Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam:
Tamil
“என் பெயர்…” (“Ĕṉ pĕyar…”) - My name is….
“நான் பிரான்சிலிருந்து வந்தவன்” (“Nāṉ pirāṉciliruntu vantavaṉ”) - I’m from France.
Kannada
“ನನ್ನ ಹೆಸರು…” (“Nanna hĕsaru…”) - My name is…
“ನಾನು ಫ್ರಾನ್ಸ್ನಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದ್ದೇನೆ” (“Nānu phrānsniṃda baṃdiddenĕ”) - I’m from France.
Malayalam
“എന്റെ പേര്…” (“Ĕnṟĕ per…”) - My name is…
“ഞാൻ ഫ്രാൻസിൽ നിന്നാണ്” (“Ñān phrānsil ninnāṇ”) - I’m from France.
One of my friends shared how they broke the ice at a wedding in Tamil Nadu by saying, “Ĕṉ pĕyar [their name].” It instantly led to an exchange of cultural stories and hearty laughter.
Saying Goodbye
Parting ways doesn’t have to be awkward when you know how to say goodbye in the local language.
Tamil: “விடைபெறுகிறேன்!” (“Viṭaipĕṟukiṟeṉ!”) - Goodbye!
Kannada: “ವಿದಾಯ!” (“Vidāya!”) - Goodbye!
Malayalam: “വിട!” (“Viṭa!”) - Goodbye!
Adding a smile to these phrases makes the farewell warmer. Pair it with a “Naṉṟi” (thank you), and you leave behind a positive impression.
Understanding Local Etiquette Through Language
Using polite phrases shows respect for the local culture. When speaking Tamil, Kannada, or Malayalam, including a “sir” or “madam” equivalent can demonstrate courtesy.
Tamil: “ஐயா” (“Aiyā”) for sir and “மேடம்” (“Meṭam”) for madam.
Kannada: “ಸರ್” (“Sar”) and “ಮೇಡಂ” (“Meḍaṃ”).
Malayalam: “മാഡം” (“Sār”) and “മാഡം” (“Māḍaṃ”).
A tutor at Amarkosh once shared that understanding these nuances helped their students bond with locals more deeply. It’s the small things that matter.
The Secret to Mastering These Phrases
Repetition is key to fluency. Practicing with a native-speaking tutor can make a world of difference. Amarkosh offers personalized lessons to help you learn Tamil online, Kannada, and Malayalam in an engaging way. With online Tamil private lessons or online Kannada tutors guiding you, you’ll gain confidence in no time. Imagine impressing your friends by casually using phrases like “Namaskāraṃ” or “Viṭa!”
Mastering even these ten phrases can transform your experience, whether you're traveling, living in South India, or reconnecting with heritage. So, take the first step, and soon, you’ll be crafting your own conversations in Tamil, Kannada, or Malayalam!