Meaning of No in Tamil:
Spoken vs Formal
Formal / Written
இல்லை
"Illai"
For textbooks, news, and formal speeches.
REAL LIFE
Spoken / Chatஇல்ல
"Illa"
Use this with friends, family, and on WhatsApp.
When to use which?
'Illai' -> 'Illa'. The final 'ai' usually drops.
Example Usage
English
"No, I didn't go."
Formal
இல்லை, நான் செல்லவில்லை (Illai, naan sellavillai).
Spoken (Better)
இல்ல, நான் போகல (Illa, naan pogala).