Prompt:

Teach me all of the introductory tamil one would need to know to keep up a basic conversation.

Reponse:

Sure, let’s start with some common Tamil phrases and sentences that could help you with a basic conversation:

  1. Greetings
    • Hello: “Vaṇakkam” (வணக்கம்)
    • Good Morning: “Kalai vaṇakkam” (காலை வணக்கம்)
    • Good Night: “Iravu vaṇakkam” (இரவு வணக்கம்)
  2. Common Sentences
    • How are you?: “Eppadi irukkiṅga?” (எப்படி இருக்கின்றீர்கள்?)
    • I’m fine: “Naan nalla irukken” (நான் நல்லா இருக்கேன்)
    • Thank you: “Nandri” (நன்றி)
    • What is your name?: “Ungal peyar enna?” (உங்கள் பெயர் என்ன?)
    • My name is…: “En peyar…” (என் பெயர்…)
  3. Expressions
    • Yes: “Aamam” (ஆமாம்)
    • No: “Illa” (இல்லை)
    • I don’t understand: “Enaku puriyala” (எனக்கு புரியல)
    • Please: “Thayavu seithu” (தயவு செய்து)
    • I’m sorry: “Manikkavum” (மன்னிக்கவும்)
  4. Useful Questions
    • Where is…?: “….Engae?” (….எங்கே?)
    • How much?: “Evvalavu?” (எவ்வளவு?)
    • Do you speak English?: “Neengal aangilam pesuviirgalaa?” (நீங்கள் ஆங்கிலம் பேசுவீர்களா?)

Remember that learning a new language requires practice and patience. Use these phrases as a foundation, and then try to expand your vocabulary by engaging with Tamil-speaking communities or by using language-learning resources. I would also recommend listening to Tamil music or watching movies to get a better sense of the rhythm and flow of the language.