Tamil · Greetings & Phrases
இல்லை
illai
No; not
Beginnerinterjection
Definition
A negative answer; also negates sentences.
Example
காபி வேண்டுமா? — இல்லை, நன்றி.
Do you want coffee? — No, thanks.
Etymology
'இல்லை' (illai) originates from the Dravidian roots indicating negation and is a fundamental part of Tamil colloquy.
How & Where It’s Used
'Illai' is used in both formal and informal speech as a negation, applicable in various contexts across Tamil communities.