Formal:
* வணக்கம் (Vanakkam): This is the most common and formal greeting, used for anyone you respect or don't know well. It's equivalent to "Hello" or "Good day."
* சாமி (Saami): This is a very respectful greeting, often used for elders or someone in a position of authority.
* நமஸ்தே (Namasthē): This greeting is borrowed from Sanskrit and is used as a formal greeting in many parts of India.
Informal:
* வணக்கம் (Vanakkam): While this is the most formal greeting, it can also be used in informal settings, especially when addressing someone you know well.
* சல்யூட் (Salute): This is a modern informal greeting borrowed from English, similar to "Hey" or "Yo."
* எப்படி இருக்கீங்க? (Eppadi irukkīṅka?): This translates to "How are you?" and is a common way to greet someone you know well.
Other options:
* நல்லா இருக்கீங்க? (Nalla irukkīṅka?): This translates to "Are you well?" and is another polite way to greet someone.
* சாரி (Saari): This is a more informal greeting, used between friends.
* சொல்லு (Sollu): This translates to "Tell me" and is a casual way to greet someone.
Choosing the right greeting:
The best greeting to use depends on the situation. In most cases, வணக்கம் (Vanakkam) is a safe choice, as it can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of the context and use the most appropriate greeting for the occasion.