வணக்கம்
vaṇakkam/ʋɐɳɐkːɐm/
The English phrase "hi" can be translated into Tamil as வணக்கம் (vaṇakkam).
வணக்கம் is used as a greeting, functioning similarly to "hello" in English.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word வணக்கம் literally functions as a salutation or a respectful greeting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the English "hi" is informal, the standard Tamil greeting வணக்கம் is actually quite formal and polite. It is the most common and formal way to greet someone in Tamil.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is vaṇakkam (/ʋɐɳɐkːɐm/).
Did you know?
- The root word வணங்கு means 'to bow' or 'to worship'. This means that every time you say வணக்கம், you are linguistically performing an act of bowing to the other person.
- In many Tamil-speaking cultures, the verbal வணக்கம் is traditionally accompanied by the 'Anjali Mudra', a gesture of pressing the palms together at the chest.
- In Tamil culture, வணக்கம் can be used not only when arriving but also when departing. It functions as a versatile social lubricant for both the beginning and end of an interaction.
Examples in context
- வணக்கம்.Hi.Tatoeba #11036674 by DriedGrapes31, translation #538123 by CM
- அனைவருக்கும் வணக்கம்.anaivarukkum vanakkam.Greetings to everyone.
Example conversation
Vijay and Kavitha meet at a cafe.
- விஜய் Vijayவணக்கம் கவிதா!Vanakkam Kavitha!Hi Kavitha!
- கவிதா Kavithaவணக்கம் விஜய், நலமா?Vanakkam Vijay, nalama?Hi Vijay, are you doing well?
- விஜய் Vijayஆம், நான் நல்லா இருக்கேன்.Aam, naan nalla irukkeen.Yes, I am doing well.
- கவிதா Kavithaமகிழ்ச்சி!Magizhchi!Glad to hear!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries வணக்கம், CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries வணக்கம், CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
