Meaning of Love in Tamil:
Spoken vs Formal
Formal / Written
காதல்
"Kaadhal"
For textbooks, news, and formal speeches.
REAL LIFE
Spoken / Chatலவ்
"Love (loan word) / Paasam"
Use this with friends, family, and on WhatsApp.
When to use which?
'Kaadhal' is strictly romantic. For family love, use 'Paasam'. In casual chat, young people just say 'Love' or 'Site'.
Example Usage
English
"I love you."
Formal
நான் உன்னை காதலிக்கிறேன் (Naan unnai kaadhalikkiren).
Spoken (Better)
நான் உன்ன லவ் பண்றேன் (Naan unna love panren).