English to Tamil translation
English to Tamil translation is one of the most requested language combinations: Tamil has around 75M speakers and is official in Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Tamil uses its own script and has strong literary vs spoken diglossia; text usually expands considerably.
Indicative freelance rates for south & southeast asian languages run from about $0.06 to $0.14 per word for general commercial work; specialised, certified and urgent jobs cost more, and literary translation is usually paid per 1,000 words.
In the US, 346,611 people speak Tamil at home and 51,375 speak English less than "very well", which drives steady demand for Tamil–English translation and interpreting in healthcare, legal and public services.
Indicative rates
Per-word band for general commercial work in the south & southeast asian group. Real quotes depend on subject, volume, deadline and experience.
Translation cost calculatorEstimate a quote by language, word count, subject and deadline.
Open calculator →Tips for English → Tamil projects
- Allow 25–40% extra space for the Tamil text in designs, subtitles and printed books.
- Tamil is official in 2 countries — specify the target market (Singapore and Sri Lanka…) so vocabulary and conventions match.
- Send reference material and a glossary of brand or series terms; it saves revision rounds and money.
Frequently asked questions
How much does English to Tamil translation cost?
Typical freelance rates are about $0.06–$0.14 per word, depending on subject, deadline and the translator's experience.
How long does it take to translate English to Tamil?
A professional translator typically produces 2,000–3,000 words a day, plus time for revision by a second linguist.
Is Tamil longer than English?
Usually yes: text typically changes by +25% to +40% when translated from English into Tamil.