Feelings

1. சந்தோஷம்

   cantōṣam

   Happy

   Usage

   On its own it already says "I'm happy". The everyday word, and safe with anyone

2. மகிழ்ச்சி

   makiḻcci

   Gladness

   Usage

   More formal than "sandhosham". "Sandhippadhil magizhchi" means "glad to meet you"

3. உற்சாகம்

   uṟcākam

   Excitement

   Usage

   For looking forward to a place or a festival, and also for urging someone to cheer up

4. பெருமை

   perumai

   Proud

   Usage

   Also works as praise for someone's language or culture — pride in Tamil itself is a standard conversation topic

5. நிம்மதி

   nimmati

   Relieved

   Usage

   For when a lost item turns up or you catch the bus. It also carries the sense of being able to rest easy

6. அமைதி

   amaiti

   Calm

   Usage

   Praise for a quiet place or a piece of music — a compliment that lands well about a guesthouse or a temple

7. அன்பு

   aṉpu

   Affection

   Usage

   A broad love that reaches family, friends and strangers. It carries no romantic sense, making it the safest word for thanking someone for their kindness

8. காதல்

   kātal

   Romantic love

   Usage

   Strictly romantic. Aimed at a stranger it is a declaration — use "anbu" or "pidikkum" for hospitality or food

9. பிடிக்கும்

   piṭikkum

   I like it

   Usage

   "Enakku pidikkum" is "I like it" — the safest way to praise food or a town

10. ஞாபகம்

    ñāpakam

    Remembrance

    Usage

    "Unga nyaabagam varudhu" — "you come to my mind", the natural way to say you miss someone after leaving

11. சோகம்

    cōkam

    Sadness

    Usage

    A deep sadness. It also turns up constantly in talk about films and songs

12. வருத்தம்

    varuttam

    Regret

    Usage

    "That's a shame" — for a cancelled plan or bad news, and usable as an apology too

13. ஏமாற்றம்

    ēmāṟṟam

    Disappointment

    Usage

    Says something fell short. Directed at a shop or service it reads as a firm complaint, so pick your moment

14. தனிமை

    taṉimai

    Loneliness

    Usage

    The lonely kind of being alone. To state the plain fact, say "thaniya vandhen" — "I came alone"

15. கோபம்

    kōpam

    Anger

    Usage

    "Enakku kobam varudhu" — "I am getting angry". It is strong, so keep it as a last resort in a complaint

16. எரிச்சல்

    ericcal

    Irritation

    Usage

    Milder than "kobam". Safest aimed at the traffic or the heat — pointed at a person it stings

17. பயம்

    payam

    Fear

    Usage

    "Enakku payama irukku" is "I am scared" — for a dark street or a driver going too fast

18. ஆச்சரியம்

    āccariyam

    Surprise

    Usage

    Neutral — it fits good and bad surprises alike, and works well for reacting to the scale of a temple or a view

19. கவலை

    kavalai

    Worry

    Usage

    "Kavalaippadaadheenga" means "please don't worry" — worth knowing as a way to reassure someone

20. மன அழுத்தம்

    maṉa aḻuttam

    Stress

    Usage

    Literally "mental pressure", the right register with a doctor. In conversation people mostly say the borrowed "tension"

21. வெட்கம்

    veṭkam

    Shy / Embarrassed

    Usage

    Covers bashfulness and shame alike, and is a natural reply to a compliment

22. சலிப்பு

    calippu

    Boredom

    Usage

    The dull, samey kind of boredom. Fine about a wait or a long journey, rude if aimed at a person or their town

23. களைப்பு

    kaḷaippu

    Tiredness

    Usage

    "Kalaippa irukku" is "I am tired" — use it after a long journey to signal you want to rest

24. தூக்கம்

    tūkkam

    Sleepiness

    Usage

    "Thookkam varudhu" is "I am sleepy". Tamil describes bodily states as things that come to you

25. நலமாக இருக்கிறேன்

    nalamāka irukkiṟēṉ

    I am well

    Usage

    The polite reply when asked how you are. The casual form is "nalla irukken"

26. உடம்பு சரியில்லை

    uṭampu cariyillai

    I feel unwell

    Usage

    Literally "the body is not right". When you cannot name the symptom, showing this gets a doctor or your host moving

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