For a loved one:
* அன்புள்ள (anbuLLa): This is the most common and widely used term for "dear" when addressing someone you love. It literally means "loved one."
* அன்பே (anbe): A more affectionate and intimate term for "dear" used for close friends, family, or romantic partners.
* என் அன்பே (en anbe): This means "my dear" and adds a sense of possession to the expression.
For someone you respect:
* மதிப்பு மிக்க (mathipu mikka): This translates to "highly esteemed" and is respectful, but less affectionate. It's used for elders, mentors, and authority figures.
* அன்பான (anbaana): This is another respectful term that means "dear" or "kind."
Other options:
* சாமி (saami): This is a term of respect used for elders, similar to "sir" or "madam."
* அம்மா (amma): This is a common term of respect used for older women, similar to "ma'am" or "madam."
* அப்பா (appa): This is a term of respect used for older men, similar to "sir."
It's important to note:
* The choice of word depends on the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
* In Tamil, it's more common to use the person's name with the title than just "dear." For example, "AnbuLLa Ram" instead of just "AnbuLLa."
Always consider the context and your relationship with the person before choosing the most suitable term for "dear."