Hello:
* Vanakkam (வணக்கம்): This is the most common and formal greeting, suitable for any situation. It literally means "greetings" or "respect."
* Saalai (சாலை): This is a more casual greeting used among friends and family.
* Eppati irukkinga? (எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?): This means "How are you?" and can be used as a greeting.
* Nandri (நன்றி): This means "thank you" and can be used as a greeting, particularly in situations where you are entering someone's home or office.
* Suprabhatam (சுப்ரபாதம்): This is a more formal greeting used in the morning, meaning "good morning."
* Nanmaiyai (நன்மையை): This is a more casual greeting used in the morning, meaning "goodness to you."
Goodbye:
* Vanakkam (வணக்கம்): This can be used for goodbye as well, especially in formal settings.
* Saalai (சாலை): This is used for goodbye among friends and family.
* Naan poren (நான் போறேன்): This means "I am going" and can be used as a casual goodbye.
* Saalai (சாலை) kaelamburen (கேளம்புறேன்): This means "goodbye" and is a polite way to say it.
* Nandri (நன்றி): This can be used as a way to say "thank you" and "goodbye" at the same time.
* Naalai kaelaamburen (நாளை கேளம்புறேன்): This means "See you tomorrow" and is a more formal goodbye.
Important Note: Tamil has a formal and informal register, so the specific greeting you use depends on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing.
Additional Tips:
* Hand gestures: It's common to join your palms together in a prayer-like gesture when saying "vanakkam."
* Respect: Always show respect and use the appropriate greeting depending on the situation.
Remember that language learning is a journey, and the best way to improve your Tamil is through practice and immersion.