Ways to say it
| Tamil | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| அன்பு | aṉpu | /ɐnbɯ/ |
| பாசம் | pācam | /pɑːtʃɐm/ |
| நேசம் | nēcam | /neːtʃɐm/ |
| பரிவு | parivu | /pɐɾɪʋɯ/ |
The term அன்பு refers to strong affection and can function as both a noun (love) and an adjective (loving/kind) depending on the grammatical context.
Which one should you use?
While அன்பு is the most general term, often used for the affection one feels for family, God or humanity, other words provide more specific nuances. பாசம் specifically refers to the affectionate bond or attachment felt between people, such as a parent and child. நேசம் is a more poetic or literary term for affection and intimacy compared to the everyday use of அன்பு. பரிவு is used when 'love' implies a sense of pity, compassion or empathetic concern for someone's suffering. Additionally, while not in the default list, காதல் is the specific term used for romantic or passionate love between partners.
Is it said differently in some regions?
தாய்மை conveys love as motherly affection and emphasizes care and nurturing in Tamil Nadu. கண்ணு is a colloquial term used in Tamil Nadu similar to sweetheart.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
aṉpu (/ɐnbɯ/)
Did you know?
- In colloquial speech in Tamil Nadu, people use the word கண்ணு, which literally means 'eye', as a term of endearment like 'sweetheart'.
- The word பாசம் is a fascinating example of semantic shift, having traveled from the Sanskrit word for a 'noose' or 'rope' to mean an emotional 'bond' or 'attachment'.
Examples in context
- நட்பை விட அன்புதான் முக்கியமானதா?Is love more important than friendship?This sentence is useful for comparing the importance of அன்பு to friendship.Tatoeba #4271954 by Singaravelu, translation #3174722 by Hybrid
- அனைத்து உயிர்களிடத்தும் அன்பு காட்டுங்கள்.Anaittu uyirkaḷidattum anbu kāṭṭuṅkaḷ.Show love to all living beings.
- அவளுடைய குரலில் மிகுந்த அன்பு இருந்தது.Avaḷuṭaiya kuralil mikunta anbu iruntatu.There was great love in her voice.
Example conversation
Vijay and Divya are talking about their family.
- விஜய் Vijayஉங்கள் குடும்பத்தில் அன்பு அதிகம்.Ungal kudumbathil anbu adhigam.There is a lot of love in your family.
- திவ்யா Divyaஆமாம், நாங்கள் அனைவரும் அன்பாக இருப்போம்.Aamam, naangal anaivarum anbaaga iruppom.Yes, we are all loving towards each other.
- விஜய் Vijayஅதுதான் வாழ்க்கைக்கு மிக முக்கியம்.Adhudhaan vaazhkaikku miga mukkiyam.That is the most important thing in life.
- திவ்யா Divyaஉண்மையிலேயே அன்புதான் எல்லாம்.Unmaiyilaeye anbudhaan ellaam.Truly, love is everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries அன்பு, பாசம், நேசம், பரிவு, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries அன்பு, நேசம், பரிவு, பாசம், CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
