Colours in Tamil
The Tamil words for the main colours, with notes on how they are used in description.
Colour words help you describe the world around you.
The main colours
| Tamil | Romanised | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| சிவப்பு | sivappu | red |
| நீலம் | neelam | blue |
| பச்சை | pachchai | green |
| மஞ்சள் | manjal | yellow |
| கருப்பு | karuppu | black |
| வெள்ளை | vellai | white |
| ஆரஞ்சு | aaranju | orange |
| இளஞ்சிவப்பு | ilanjivappu | pink |
| பழுப்பு | pazhuppu | brown |
| சாம்பல் | saambal | grey |
Describing things
Colours go before the noun:
- சிவப்பு பூ, a red flower
- நீல வானம், the blue sky
- பச்சை மரம், a green tree
- வெள்ளை சட்டை, a white shirt
Some colour words shorten before a noun, such as நீலம் becoming நீல in நீல வானம்.
Colours in culture
- மஞ்சள் (turmeric, and yellow) is considered auspicious and is used in many ceremonies.
- சிவப்பு (red) is common in weddings and festivals.
- பச்சை is also used for fresh, young things: பச்சை மிளகாய் (green chilli).
Useful phrases
- உங்களுக்குப் பிடித்த நிறம் என்ன? What is your favourite colour?
- எனக்கு நீலம் பிடிக்கும். I like blue.
- வேறு நிறம் இருக்கிறதா? Is there another colour?
The word நிறம் (niram) means "colour".
Tips
- Learn the ten basics.
- Place the colour before the noun.
- Use the dictionary to check shades.
English Tamil Dictionary
Offline English–Tamil dictionary with meanings in proper Tamil script
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