வணக்கம்
vaṇakkameveryday, Sri Lanka
In Sri Lankan Tamil you greet someone with வணக்கம் (vaṇakkam). It is the same greeting used in Tamil Nadu and works at any time of day.
வணக்கம் (vaṇakkam) is used for hello and sometimes for goodbye. It fits shops, offices and homes alike, and you can say it with folded hands.
Meaning: greeting (interjection)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
It is polite enough for elders and strangers and also fine for friends.
Did you know?
- Tamil is an official language of Sri Lanka and the main language of the north and east of the island.
Examples in context
- வணக்கம், எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்?vaṇakkam, eppaṭi irukkiṟīrkaḷ?Hello, how are you?
- வணக்கம் அம்மா.vaṇakkam ammā.Hello, ma'am.
Example conversation
Ravi greets his neighbor Selvi at the door of her house in Jaffna.
- Raviவணக்கம் அக்கா.vaṇakkam akkā.Hello, sister.
- Selviவணக்கம் ரவி.vaṇakkam ravi.Hello, Ravi.
- Raviநலமா?nalamā?Are you well?
- Selviநலம், நன்றி.nalam, naṉṟi.Well, thank you.
