Help and emergencies in Tamil
The words you hope to never need. Play the ten Tamil words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Tamil phrases in this lesson
- உதவி!u-DA-vi
- Help!
- டாக்டரை கூப்பிடுங்கDAAK-ta-rai KOOP-pi-dung-ga
- Call a doctor
- போலீஸ்po-LEES
- Police
- மருந்துக்கடைma-RUN-tu-ka-dai
- Pharmacy
- மருத்துவமனைma-RUT-tu-va-ma-nai
- Hospital
- நான் வழி தவறிவிட்டேன்naan VA-zhi ta-va-RI-vit-TAEN
- I'm lost
- எனக்கு உடம்பு சரியில்லைe-NAK-ku u-DAM-bu sa-ri-YIL-lai
- I don't feel well
- திருடிவிட்டார்கள்ti-RU-di-vit-TAAR-gal
- It was stolen
- இது அவசரம்i-DHU a-va-SA-ram
- It's an emergency
- என்னைத் தனியாக விடுங்கள்EN-nai-th tha-NI-yaa-ga vi-DUNG-gal
- Leave me alone
Shout clearly and repeat if needed. Bystanders in Tamil Nadu are generally responsive in emergencies and will gather quickly to assist.
In a medical emergency, anyone nearby can help call a doctor or contact emergency services. The Tamil Nadu emergency number is 108 for ambulances.
The police emergency number in India is 100. Tamil Nadu Police are generally accessible and many officers in cities speak some English.
Pharmacies are widely available across Tamil Nadu and are often open late. Many common medications are available over the counter without a prescription.
Government hospitals are present in every town and district. Private hospitals in Chennai offer high-quality care. Always carry your passport and travel insurance details.
Literally "I have strayed from the way". Showing the phrase on your phone helps.
Use this to alert a hotel, guide, or bystander that you are unwell. Showing a pained expression alongside the phrase helps communicate urgency.
Use this with police when filing a report. Request an FIR (First Information Report) for insurance claims. Keep a copy of all documents in a cloud folder.
The emergency number in India is 112.
Literally "leave me alone".