In English, "I love you" works for your partner, your mother, and your favorite pizza. In Tamil, we have different words for each.
If you use the wrong word, you might accidentally tell your mother you have romantic feelings for her, or tell your partner you love them like a sibling. Let’s break down the three layers of the word "Love" in Tamil.
1. Romantic Love (Kaadhal - காதல்)
This is the word you see in AR Rahman songs and Kollywood movies. **Kaadhal** is strictly for romantic partners.
The Phrase:
நான் உன்னைக் காதலிக்கிறேன்
Naan unnai kaadhalikkiren
When to use: Proposals, anniversaries, or deep romantic moments.
The Spoken Version: In real life, young couples rarely say the full formal sentence. They often say:
"Naan unna love panren" (I love you - using the English loanword).
2. Affection & Care (Paasam - பாசம்)
This is the love you feel for your parents, siblings, children, or friends. It implies a bond of protection and care.
The Phrase:
உன்மேல் எனக்குப் பாசம் அதிகம்
Un-mel enakku paasam adhigam
(Directly: My affection for you is great)
Note: You don't usually say "I Paasam you". You describe the *amount* of Paasam you have for someone.
3. Divine or Universal Love (Anbu - அன்பு)
**Anbu** is the most selfless form of love. It is compassion, kindness, and grace. In Tamil culture, "Anbe Sivam" means "Love is God."
If you want to say "Spread love," you use the word Anbu.
Want to learn more nuanced words?
Our Smart Dictionary distinguishes between 230+ words with context notes just like this.
Explore the DictionaryCommon Phrases for Romance
| English | Tamil (Spoken) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| I miss you | Unna romba miss panren | Very common in Tanglish |
| You look beautiful | Nee romba azhaga irukka | Complimenting appearance |
| I like you | Enaku unna pidichiruku | The stage before "Love" |
Cultural Context: Tanglish in Romance
Modern Tamil romance is heavily influenced by "Tanglish." Movie titles like "Love Today" or "O Kadhal Kanmani" mix these worlds perfectly.
Don't be afraid to use English words like "Love," "Care," or "Miss" while speaking—it’s how 99% of people in Chennai, Coimbatore, or Madurai actually talk today!
Check your love letter!
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Try Sariya Grammar CheckConclusion
Tamil offers a rich vocabulary for heart-to-heart connections. Whether it's the intense **Kaadhal**, the warm **Paasam**, or the selfless **Anbu**, you now have the tools to express your feelings correctly.
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