Meaning of Wife in Tamil:
Spoken vs Formal
Formal / Written
மனைவி
"Manaivi"
For textbooks, news, and formal speeches.
REAL LIFE
Spoken / Chatபொண்டாட்டி
"Pondaatti"
Use this with friends, family, and on WhatsApp.
When to use which?
'Manaivi' is respectful and formal. 'Pondaatti' is very common but can be seen as slightly informal or raw depending on tone.
Example Usage
English
"She is my wife."
Formal
அவர் என் மனைவி (Avar en manaivi).
Spoken (Better)
அவ என் பொண்டாட்டி (Ava en pondaatti).