Meaning of Hello in Tamil:
Spoken vs Formal
Formal / Written
வணக்கம்
"Vanakkam"
For textbooks, news, and formal speeches.
REAL LIFE
Spoken / Chatஹலோ
"Hello"
Use this with friends, family, and on WhatsApp.
When to use which?
'Vanakkam' is the cultural greeting, used with older people or formal settings. 'Hello' is standard for calls/casual.
Example Usage
English
"Hello, how are you?"
Formal
வணக்கம், எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள் (Vanakkam, eppadi irukkireergal)?
Spoken (Better)
ஹலோ, எப்படி இருக்கீங்க (Hello, eppadi irukkeenga)?