200 Essential Tamil Words – Part 12: Use Pannu (Use)
Vanakkam! I’m Meenakshi, your guide to Colloquial Tamil.
In today’s lesson from the “200 Essential Tamil Words” series, we’ll learn an incredibly common expression in spoken Tamil:
“Use Pannu” (யூஸ் பண்ணு) – meaning “use.”
This phrase is especially popular in everyday conversation, and you’ll hear it often among young people, in casual chat, and even in modern business settings.
What Does “Use Pannu” Mean?
🗣️ “Use” comes directly from English, and
🧩 “Pannu” means “do” in Tamil.
So, “Use Pannu” literally means “do use” – a phrase that’s become completely natural in spoken Tamil.
💡 In more formal or written Tamil, you might hear “Payanpaduththu” (பயன்படுத்து) instead.
But in casual conversation, “Use Pannu” is what everyone says.
Present Tense Examples
✅ “I use a pen.”
👉 Naan penaa use pannureen (நான் பேனா யூஸ் பண்ணுகிறேன்)
✅ “You use a pen.”
👉 Neenga penaa use pannureenga (நீங்கள் பேனா யூஸ் பண்ணுகிறீர்கள்)
✅ “He/She uses a pen.”
👉 Avanga penaa use pannuraanga (அவர்கள் பேனா யூஸ் பண்ணுகிறார்கள்)
✅ “We use a pen.”
👉 Namma penaa use pannuroom (நாம் பேனா யூஸ் பண்ணுகிறோம்)
Past Tense Examples
✅ “I used a pen.”
👉 Naan penaa use panneen (நான் பேனா யூஸ் பண்ணேன்)
✅ “You used a pen.”
👉 Neenga penaa use pannineenga (நீங்கள் பேனா யூஸ் பண்ணீர்கள்)
✅ “He/She used a pen.”
👉 Avanga penaa use pannaanga (அவர்கள் பேனா யூஸ் பண்ணாங்க)
✅ “We used a pen.”
👉 Namma penaa use pannoom (நாம் பேனா யூஸ் பண்ணோம்)
When to Use “Use Pannu”
📌 Everyday tools (pen, phone, machine)
📌 Apps, technology, features
📌 Common expressions like:
🗣️ “Use pannunga!” = “Please use it!”
“Use Pannu” is versatile and helpful in both casual and semi-formal settings.
Key Takeaways
✨ “Use Pannu” is a perfect example of how English blends naturally with Tamil in daily life.
✨ While not “pure” Tamil, it’s widely accepted and even preferred in conversation.
✨ Mastering expressions like this will help you sound more natural and connect easily with native speakers.
Next Lesson Preview
We’ll continue learning more essential verbs that help you navigate everyday life in Tamil.
Until then, keep practicing—and don’t forget to use what you learn! 😉
🪷 With kindness and curiosity, you’ll grow fluency day by day.
