Meaning of Friend in Tamil:
Spoken vs Formal
Formal / Written
நண்பன் / தோழி
"Nanban (M) / Thozhi (F)"
For textbooks, news, and formal speeches.
REAL LIFE
Spoken / Chatஃபிரெண்ட்
"Friend (English loan) / Machan"
Use this with friends, family, and on WhatsApp.
When to use which?
In Chennai Tamil, 'Machan' is the go-to word for a close male friend. 'Friend' is used generally.
Example Usage
English
"He is my friend."
Formal
அவர் என் நண்பர் (Avar en nanbar).
Spoken (Better)
அவன் என் ஃபிரெண்ட் (Avan en friend).