About This Guide
Body part vocabulary is among the most stable in any language — these words don't change much between generations. In Tamil, body part words are recognisable across dialects and registers, though pronunciation and context do vary.
An interesting feature of Tamil body parts: many have entered Indian English as loanwords. "Kivi" (ear) is sometimes used colloquially. "Kann" (eye) appears in expressions like "Kann adichu" (stealing a glance). Understanding these words helps you follow conversations, understand song lyrics, and navigate medical situations.
This section covers 10 essential body part words with both their formal and spoken forms.
Head in Tamil
தலை
"Thalai"
தலை
"Thalai"
Usage tip: Can also mean 'leader' or 'main'.
Example Sentence
English
"My head hurts."
Formal Tamil
எனக்கு தலை வலிக்கிறது (Enakku thalai valikkiradhu).
Spoken Tamil ✓
எனக்கு தலை வலிக்குது (Enakku thalai valikkudhu).
Eye in Tamil
கண்
"Kan"
கண்ணு
"Kannu"
Usage tip: Kan -> Kannu.
Example Sentence
English
"Close your eyes."
Formal Tamil
கண்களை மூடுங்கள் (Kankalai moodungal).
Spoken Tamil ✓
கண்ண மூடு (Kanna moodu).
Ear in Tamil
காது
"Kaadhu"
காது
"Kaadhu"
Usage tip: -
Example Sentence
English
"Listen with your ears."
Formal Tamil
காதுகளால் கேளுங்கள் (Kaadhugalaal kelungal).
Spoken Tamil ✓
காது குடுத்து கேளு (Kaadhu kuduthu kelu - literally 'Give ear and listen').
Nose in Tamil
மூக்கு
"Mookku"
மூக்கு
"Mookku"
Usage tip: -
Example Sentence
English
"Breath through your nose."
Formal Tamil
மூக்கின் வழியாக சுவாசிக்கவும் (Mookkin vazhiyaaga swaasikkavum).
Spoken Tamil ✓
மூக்கு வழியா மூச்சு விடு (Mookku vazhiyaa moochu vidu).
Mouth in Tamil
வாய்
"Vaai"
வாய்
"Vaai"
Usage tip: -
Example Sentence
English
"Open your mouth."
Formal Tamil
வாயைத் திறங்கள் (Vaaiyai thirangal).
Spoken Tamil ✓
வாய தொற (Vaaya thora).
Hand in Tamil
கை
"Kai"
கை
"Kai"
Usage tip: -
Example Sentence
English
"Wash your hands."
Formal Tamil
கைகளைக் கழுவவும் (Kaikalai kazhuvavum).
Spoken Tamil ✓
கைய கழுவு (Kaiya kazhuvu).
Leg in Tamil
கால்
"Kaal"
காலு
"Kaalu"
Usage tip: Kaal -> Kaalu.
Example Sentence
English
"My leg is pained."
Formal Tamil
என் கால் வலிக்கிறது (En kaal valikkiradhu).
Spoken Tamil ✓
என் காலு வலிக்குது (En kaalu valikkudhu).
Stomach in Tamil
வயிறு
"Vayiru"
வயிறு
"Vayiru"
Usage tip: Pronounced 'Vairu' in speed.
Example Sentence
English
"My stomach is full."
Formal Tamil
என் வயிறு நிறைந்துள்ளது (En vayiru niraindhulladhu).
Spoken Tamil ✓
வயிறு ஃபுல்லா இருக்கு (Vayiru full-aa irukku).
Hair in Tamil
முடி
"Mudi"
முடி
"Mudi"
Usage tip: Also means 'end' or 'close' in other contexts.
Example Sentence
English
"Long hair."
Formal Tamil
நீண்ட முடி (Neenda mudi).
Spoken Tamil ✓
பெரிய முடி (Periya mudi).
Heart in Tamil
இதயம்
"Idhayam"
இதயம் / மனசு
"Idhayam / Manasu"
Usage tip: 'Idhayam' is the organ. 'Manasu' (Mind/Heart) is for emotions.
Example Sentence
English
"Heart beat."
Formal Tamil
இதயத் துடிப்பு (Idhaya thudippu).
Spoken Tamil ✓
இதயத் துடிப்பு (Idhaya thudippu).
Cultural Context
Body language in Tamil culture is closely tied to vocabulary. "Thalai kooppal" (headache, literally bowing your head) is a common expression for problems or stress. "Kann vettu" (giving the eye) means to show off. Tamil has rich idiomatic expressions using body parts that reveal cultural attitudes — the eye is associated with attention and attraction, the hand with action and giving, the heart with emotion and sincerity.
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Try Tamil Grammar Checker FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How do you say eye in Tamil?
"Kann" (கண்) is the Tamil word for eye. It appears in the same form in both formal and spoken Tamil. "Kan" also appears in many Tamil expressions: "Kannu" (affectionate), "Kannula" (in the eyes of), "Kann adicha" (stealing glances).
How do you say hand in Tamil?
"Kai" (கை) is the Tamil word for hand. In spoken Tamil, "Kaiyai kudu" means "give your hand." The same word is used in both formal and spoken registers with minimal variation.
How do you say head in Tamil?
"Thalai" (தலை) is the Tamil word for head. In spoken Tamil, it contracts slightly: "Thalai velikkatum" (let's get out of here — literally "let my head escape"). Thalai appears in many Tamil idioms.
How do you say leg or foot in Tamil?
"Kaal" (கால்) is the Tamil word for leg/foot. Context determines which meaning applies. "Kaal thodi" means ankle bracelet. In spoken Tamil, "Kai kaala" (hands and feet) means doing physical labor.
How do you say nose in Tamil?
"Mooku" (மூக்கு) is the spoken Tamil word for nose. The formal word is "Naasi" but "Mooku" is universal in speech. "Mooku-la type pannaadha" (don't poke your nose) is a common expression meaning "don't interfere."