Knowing the Tamil equivalent of the English word
Complete guide to finding direct Tamil words for English words for TNPSC exams. 50 important English-Tamil word pairs with examples, practice exercises and exam tips.
Learning Content
Finding Direct Tamil Words for English Words - Introduction
What is Direct Tamil Word?
A pure Tamil word that exactly matches the meaning of an English word is called a direct Tamil word. This develops translation skills.
Importance
- ✓ 4-5 questions in TNPSC exam
- ✓ Increases Tamil vocabulary
- ✓ Develops translation skills
- ✓ Easy to score marks
- ✓ Promotes pure Tamil usage
Basic English-Tamil Words (1-10)
Type 1: Daily Words
1. Book
English: Book
Tamil: Nool / Puththagam ✓
Sentence: "Reading book"
2. School
English: School
Tamil: PaLLi / Paadasaalai ✓
Sentence: "Going to school"
3. Teacher
English: Teacher
Tamil: Aasiriyar / Aasaan / Karpippavar ✓
Sentence: "Teacher teaches"
4. Student
English: Student
Tamil: Maanavan / Maanavi / Karpavar ✓
Sentence: "Student studies"
5. Water
English: Water
Tamil: Neer / ThaNNeer / Jalam ✓
Sentence: "Drinking water"
6. Food
English: Food
Tamil: Unavu / UnavupporuL ✓
Sentence: "Eating food"
7. House
English: House
Tamil: Veedu / Illam / Manai ✓
Sentence: "At home"
8. Road
English: Road
Tamil: Saalai / Vazhi / Paathai ✓
Sentence: "Walking on road"
9. Tree
English: Tree
Tamil: Maram / Virutsam ✓
Sentence: "Tree grows"
10. Flower
English: Flower
Tamil: Poo / Malar / Pushpam ✓
Sentence: "Flower blooms"
Category-wise Classification
Type 1: Nature Words
| English | Tamil | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Kathiravan | Sooriyan, Gnaayiru |
| Moon | Nilavu | Santhiran, Thingal |
| Star | Natchaththiram | VinmeeN |
| Rain | Mazhai | Maari, Vaanthoooral |
| Wind | Kaatru | Vali, Kaal |
| Sky | Vaanam | Aakaayam, Vaan |
| Earth | Bhoomi | MaN, Nilam |
| Fire | Neruppu | Thee, Akkini |
| Mountain | Malai | Parvatham |
| River | AaRu | Nathi |
Type 2: Body Parts
| English | Tamil | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Eye | KaN | Vizhi, Neththiram |
| Ear | Kaathu | Sevi |
| Nose | Mookku | Naasi |
| Mouth | Vaay | Vaayil, Mukam |
| Hand | Kai | Karam, Pujam |
| Leg | Kaal | Paatham |
| Head | Thalai | Sirasu |
| Heart | Ithayam | ULLam, Nenjam |
| Hair | Mudi | Koonthal |
| Tooth | Pal | Thantham |
English-Tamil Words - Professions & Places (11-30)
Type 3: Professions (11-20)
11. Doctor
English: Doctor
Tamil: Maruththuvar / Vaiththiyar / Sigichchaiyaalar ✓
Sentence: "Doctor sees patients"
12. Engineer
English: Engineer
Tamil: Poriyaalar / Poriyiyalaalar ✓
Sentence: "Engineer draws plan"
13. Lawyer
English: Lawyer
Tamil: Vazhakaringar / Vazhakkurainjar ✓
Sentence: "Lawyer argues"
14. Farmer
English: Farmer
Tamil: Vivasaayi / Uzhavan / Uzhavar ✓
Sentence: "Farmer ploughs"
15. Driver
English: Driver
Tamil: Ottunar / Vandi Ottupavar ✓
Sentence: "Driver drives vehicle"
16. Nurse
English: Nurse
Tamil: Seviliyar / Nooy Kaappaaalar ✓
Sentence: "Nurse takes care of patient"
17. Carpenter
English: Carpenter
Tamil: Thachar / Maravelai Seybavar ✓
Sentence: "Carpenter makes table"
18. Blacksmith
English: Blacksmith
Tamil: Kollar / Irumbu Velai Seybavar ✓
Sentence: "Blacksmith beats iron"
19. Goldsmith
English: Goldsmith
Tamil: Kammiyar / Porkollar / Thattaar ✓
Sentence: "Goldsmith makes jewelry"
20. Washerman
English: Washerman
Tamil: VaNNaan / ThuNi ThuVaippavar ✓
Sentence: "Washerman washes clothes"
Type 4: Places (21-30)
21. Hospital
English: Hospital
Tamil: Maruththuvamanai / Vaiththiyasaalai ✓
Sentence: "Getting treatment at hospital"
22. Office
English: Office
Tamil: Aluvalagam / Seyalagam / Aluval Maiyam ✓
Sentence: "Working in office"
23. Market
English: Market
Tamil: Santhai / Angaadi / Kadaiththeru ✓
Sentence: "Buying vegetables in market"
24. Temple
English: Temple
Tamil: Koyil / Koovil / Aalayam ✓
Sentence: "Going to temple"
25. Church
English: Church
Tamil: Thevaalayam / Aalayam / Vazhipaattu Maiyam ✓
Sentence: "Going to church"
26. Mosque
English: Mosque
Tamil: PaLLivaasal / Masoodi ✓
Sentence: "Going to mosque"
27. Park
English: Park
Tamil: Poongaa / Pothu Thottam / Ullaasa Maiyam ✓
Sentence: "Playing in park"
28. Garden
English: Garden
Tamil: Thottam / Poonthottam ✓
Sentence: "Growing flowers in garden"
29. Forest
English: Forest
Tamil: Kaadu / Vanam / AraNiyam ✓
Sentence: "Animals are in forest"
30. Beach
English: Beach
Tamil: Kadalkarai / Kadaloram / Kadaltheeram ✓
Sentence: "Walking on beach"
Professions Quick List
| English | Tamil | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Poet | Pulavar | Kavinjar, Paavalar |
| Writer | Ezhuthaalar | Noolaasirriyar |
| Artist | Oviyar | Kalainjar, Siththirakarar |
| Singer | Paadagar | Paadal Paadupavar |
| Dancer | Nadanak Kalainjar | Aadupavar |
| Musician | Isaik Kalainjar | Isainjar |
| Actor | Nadigar | Nadippavar |
| Soldier | Veerar | Sippaay, Padai Veerar |
| Policeman | Kaavalar | Police, Satta Kaavalar |
| Judge | Neethipathi | Neethipari, Niyaayaathipathi |
Places Quick List
| English | Tamil | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| City | Nagaram | Maanagaram, Pattanam |
| Village | Kiramam | Oor, Sirroor |
| Country | Naadu | Thesam |
| State | Maanilam | MaNdalam |
| District | Maavattam | Vattam |
| Town | Nagaram | Pattanam |
| Street | Theru | Veethi |
| Lane | Santhu | Kurukku Veethi |
| Bridge | Paalam | Thaaru |
| Station | Nilaiyam | Nilaiyagam |
English-Tamil Words - Vehicles & Objects (31-50)
Type 5: Vehicles (31-40)
31. Bus
English: Bus
Tamil: Peerunthu / Pothup Pokkuvaraththu Vandi ✓
Sentence: "Traveling by bus"
32. Car
English: Car
Tamil: Vaaganam / Thaniyaar Vandi / Naanku Sakkara Vandi ✓
Sentence: "Going by car"
33. Train
English: Train
Tamil: Thodarvandi / Pugaivandi / Irayil ✓
Sentence: "Traveling by train"
34. Bicycle
English: Bicycle
Tamil: Mithivandi / Cycle ✓
Sentence: "Going by bicycle"
35. Motorcycle
English: Motorcycle
Tamil: Irusakkara Vandi / Motor Cycle ✓
Sentence: "Going by motorcycle"
36. Airplane
English: Airplane
Tamil: Vimaanam / Vaanvazhi Vaaganam ✓
Sentence: "Flying by airplane"
37. Ship
English: Ship
Tamil: Kappal / Kalam / Odam ✓
Sentence: "Traveling by ship"
38. Boat
English: Boat
Tamil: Padagu / Thooni / SiRukalam ✓
Sentence: "Going by boat"
39. Rickshaw
English: Rickshaw
Tamil: Irukkaali / Rickshaw / Moonru Sakkara Vandi ✓
Sentence: "Going by rickshaw"
40. Cart
English: Cart
Tamil: Vandi / Ther / Irusakkara Vandi ✓
Sentence: "Loading goods on cart"
Type 6: Objects (41-50)
41. Table
English: Table
Tamil: Mesai / Balakai ✓
Sentence: "Keeping book on table"
42. Chair
English: Chair
Tamil: Naarkkaali / Aasanam ✓
Sentence: "Sitting on chair"
43. Pen
English: Pen
Tamil: Ezhuthaani / Pena / Kalam ✓
Sentence: "Writing with pen"
44. Paper
English: Paper
Tamil: Kaagitham / ThaaL / EzhuthuthaaL ✓
Sentence: "Writing on paper"
45. Cup
English: Cup
Tamil: Koppai / Paaththiram / KiNNam ✓
Sentence: "Drinking tea in cup"
46. Plate
English: Plate
Tamil: Thattu / Ilai ✓
Sentence: "Eating on plate"
47. Spoon
English: Spoon
Tamil: KaraNdi / KaraNdais Satti ✓
Sentence: "Eating with spoon"
48. Knife
English: Knife
Tamil: Kaththi / Vettuk Kaththi ✓
Sentence: "Cutting with knife"
49. Mirror
English: Mirror
Tamil: KaNNaadi / Aadi / Pimbathaari ✓
Sentence: "Looking in mirror"
50. Clock
English: Clock
Tamil: Kadigaaram / Nerak Kaatti ✓
Sentence: "Seeing time in clock"
Practice 1: Write Tamil for English Word
Questions 1-10:
- Teacher = Aasiriyar
- Book = Nool / Puththagam
- Water = Neer
- Tree = Maram
- Doctor = Maruththuvar
- School = PaLLi
- House = Veedu
- Road = Saalai
- Bus = Peerunthu
- Hospital = Maruththuvamanai
Practice 2: Write English for Tamil Word
Questions 11-20:
- மாணவன் = Student
- மலர் = Flower
- கண் = Eye
- நிலவு = Moon
- விவசாயி = Farmer
- சந்தை = Market
- மேசை = Table
- நாற்காலி = Chair
- கப்பல் = Ship
- கடிகாரம் = Clock
Practice 3: Translate Sentence to Tamil
Questions 21-25:
21. "The teacher teaches in school"
- Tamil: "Aasiriyar paLLiyil karpikkiraar" ✓
22. "Doctor works in hospital"
- Tamil: "Maruththuvar maruththuvamanai-yil paniyaatrukiraar" ✓
23. "I travel by bus"
- Tamil: "Naan peerunthil payaNikkirEn" ✓
24. "Farmer ploughs the field"
- Tamil: "Vivasaayi vayalai uzhukiraar" ✓
25. "I eat food on plate"
- Tamil: "Naan thattil unavu saappidukirEn" ✓
English-Tamil Words - Exam Tips & Complete List
TNPSC Exam Pattern
Question Types:
Type 1: Direct Translation (2-3 questions)
Question: Tamil word for "Teacher"?
- A) Student ❌
- B) Aasiriyar ✓
- C) School ❌
- D) Class ❌
Type 2: Tamil to English (1-2 questions)
Question: English for "மருத்துவர்"?
- A) Teacher ❌
- B) Engineer ❌
- C) Doctor ✓
- D) Lawyer ❌
Type 3: Sentence Translation (1 question)
Question: "I go to school by bus" - Tamil?
Answer: "Naan paLLikku peerunthil selkirEn" ✓
Exam Writing Strategies
Strategy 1: Learn by Categories
Type 1: Nature (10 words)
- Sun → Kathiravan
- Moon → Nilavu
- Star → Natchaththiram
- Rain → Mazhai
- Wind → Kaatru
- Sky → Vaanam
- Earth → Bhoomi
- Fire → Neruppu
- Mountain → Malai
- River → AaRu
Type 2: Body Parts (10 words)
- Eye → KaN
- Ear → Kaathu
- Nose → Mookku
- Mouth → Vaay
- Hand → Kai
- Leg → Kaal
- Head → Thalai
- Heart → Ithayam
- Hair → Mudi
- Tooth → Pal
Type 3: Professions (10 words)
- Doctor → Maruththuvar
- Engineer → Poriyaalar
- Lawyer → Vazhakaringar
- Teacher → Aasiriyar
- Farmer → Vivasaayi
- Driver → Ottunar
- Nurse → Seviliyar
- Carpenter → Thachar
- Poet → Pulavar
- Artist → Oviyar
Type 4: Places (10 words)
- School → PaLLi
- Hospital → Maruththuvamanai
- Office → Aluvalagam
- Market → Santhai
- Temple → Koyil
- Park → Poongaa
- Garden → Thottam
- Forest → Kaadu
- Beach → Kadalkarai
- City → Nagaram
Type 5: Vehicles (10 words)
- Bus → Peerunthu
- Car → Vaaganam
- Train → Thodarvandi
- Bicycle → Mithivandi
- Airplane → Vimaanam
- Ship → Kappal
- Boat → Padagu
- Motorcycle → Irusakkara vandi
- Rickshaw → Irukkaali
- Cart → Vandi
Strategy 2: TOP 50 to Memorize
Daily Words (1-20):
| No | English | Tamil |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Book | Nool |
| 2 | School | PaLLi |
| 3 | Teacher | Aasiriyar |
| 4 | Student | Maanavan |
| 5 | Water | Neer |
| 6 | Food | Unavu |
| 7 | House | Veedu |
| 8 | Road | Saalai |
| 9 | Tree | Maram |
| 10 | Flower | Poo |
| 11 | Sun | Kathiravan |
| 12 | Moon | Nilavu |
| 13 | Eye | KaN |
| 14 | Hand | Kai |
| 15 | Doctor | Maruththuvar |
| 16 | Hospital | Maruththuvamanai |
| 17 | Market | Santhai |
| 18 | Bus | Peerunthu |
| 19 | Train | Thodarvandi |
| 20 | Airplane | Vimaanam |
Advanced Words (21-40):
| No | English | Tamil |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Engineer | Poriyaalar |
| 22 | Lawyer | Vazhakaringar |
| 23 | Farmer | Vivasaayi |
| 24 | Driver | Ottunar |
| 25 | Nurse | Seviliyar |
| 26 | Temple | Koyil |
| 27 | Park | Poongaa |
| 28 | Garden | Thottam |
| 29 | Forest | Kaadu |
| 30 | Beach | Kadalkarai |
| 31 | Table | Mesai |
| 32 | Chair | Naarkkaali |
| 33 | Pen | Ezhuthaani |
| 34 | Paper | Kaagitham |
| 35 | Cup | Koppai |
| 36 | Plate | Thattu |
| 37 | Mirror | KaNNaadi |
| 38 | Clock | Kadigaaram |
| 39 | Poet | Pulavar |
| 40 | Artist | Oviyar |
Special Words (41-50):
| No | English | Tamil |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | Rain | Mazhai |
| 42 | Wind | Kaatru |
| 43 | Sky | Vaanam |
| 44 | Earth | Bhoomi |
| 45 | Fire | Neruppu |
| 46 | River | AaRu |
| 47 | Mountain | Malai |
| 48 | Star | Natchaththiram |
| 49 | Heart | Ithayam |
| 50 | Head | Thalai |
Time Management
20 seconds per question:
5 seconds: Read English word
10 seconds: Remember Tamil word
5 seconds: Write answer
Success Plan
Week 1: Basic Words
- 20 basic words
- 10 sentences daily
- Target: 20 words memorized
Week 2: Professions & Places
- 20 profession & place words
- 10 sentences daily
- Target: 40 words total
Week 3: Vehicles & Objects
- 10 special words
- Sentence translation practice
- Target: 50 words total
Week 4: Practice & Exam
- 30 questions daily
- 4 model exams
- Target: 100% accuracy
Final Tips
In Exam Hall:
- 📖 Read English word carefully
- 🔍 Identify category
- 💭 Remember Tamil word
- ✓ Write correct answer
- ⚡ Complete in 20 seconds
Success Formula:
50 words × Categorization × Daily Practice = 5/5 Marks
Congratulations! You've mastered English-Tamil translation! 🎉