Counting to ten in Tamil
One to ten, for prices, platforms, rooms and how many beers. 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
- ஒன்றுON-dru
- One
- இரண்டுi-RAN-du
- Two
- மூன்றுMOON-dru
- Three
- நான்குNAAN-gu
- Four
- ஐந்துAIN-tu
- Five
- ஆறுAA-ru
- Six
- ஏழுAE-zhu
- Seven
- எட்டுET-tu
- Eight
- ஒன்பதுON-ba-dhu
- Nine
- பத்துPAT-tu
- Ten
Tamil has its own ancient numeral system and the words are quite distinct from Hindi. Worth learning the first few to show respect for the language.
Used for counting and ordering. "இரண்டு இட்லி" (two idlis) is a perfectly complete order at any breakfast stall.
Knowing one through five gets you through most street market interactions without needing fingers.
Prices at small stalls are often quoted in fives and tens. ஐந்து ரூபாய் means five rupees.
Also the word for river.
The zh is a curled-back sound unique to Tamil and Malayalam.
A key number for small transactions. Combine with ரூபாய் (rupees) to ask prices or offer payment.