Learn Indian languages online, by speaking them
India's languages are learnt best the way children learn them: by listening and talking, long before reading. Whether you've moved to a new state, married into a family that speaks another language, or want to speak your grandparents' language properly, the goal is the same: being able to hold a conversation.
Pick a language below for its everyday phrases, numbers, a four-week plan and tips. Then practise on Viaraa: one-to-one video calls with hosts who speak it.
Free to join
Choose a language to learn
- Learn Tamil speakingSpoken Tamil phrases, numbers and a four-week plan, with video calls to practise.
- Learn Telugu speakingEveryday Telugu phrases, numbers and a four-week plan, with video calls to practise.
- Learn Kannada speakingEveryday Kannada for Bengaluru and beyond, with video calls to practise speaking.
- Learn Malayalam speakingEveryday Malayalam phrases, numbers and a four-week plan, with video calls to practise.
- Learn Hindi speakingEveryday Hindi phrases, aap vs tum and a four-week plan, with video calls to practise.
Why speaking first works
Apps and books are good at teaching words, and many learners can read a menu long before they can order from it. Speaking is a different skill: you have to find the words fast, say them out loud and understand the reply. The only way to get better at it is to do it.
Short, regular conversations work better than long study sessions. Ten to fifteen minutes a few times a week, about everyday things, adds up quickly. Mistakes are part of it: people would much rather hear you try than switch to English for you.
Learn through your own language
Every page here is available in six languages, so you can learn through the one you're most comfortable with. Learning Kannada? Read the page in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi or English, whichever you think in. The phrases always come in their own script and in English letters, so you can say them straight away.
| To learn | Good to know first | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil | Spoken and written Tamil differ a lot | Learn Tamil speaking |
| Telugu | Add "andi" to sound polite | Learn Telugu speaking |
| Kannada | Bengaluru's favourite phrase: swalpa adjust maadi | Learn Kannada speaking |
| Malayalam | Listen for the word endings | Learn Malayalam speaking |
| Hindi | Aap, tum or tu: choose the right "you" | Learn Hindi speaking |
Which language should you learn first?
Start with the one you'll use most. If you've moved for work, learn the language of the city: Kannada in Bengaluru, Tamil in Chennai, Telugu in Hyderabad, Malayalam in Kochi. If it's for family, learn the language spoken at home, even if the family also speaks English: conversations with grandparents and relatives change when you speak theirs.
Already speak one South Indian language? You have a head start. Tamil and Malayalam share many words, and so do Telugu and Kannada, whose scripts also look alike. A Hindi speaker will recognise many words borrowed from Sanskrit in all four.
Whatever you choose, give it a month of short, regular conversations before deciding whether it's working. Most people are surprised how quickly the first sentences come.
How practising on Viaraa works
- 1Sign up free on viaraa.in. Nothing to download: it runs in your browser.
- 2Add coins with any UPI app, then find a host who lists the language you're learning and is online now.
- 3Start the call and tell her you're learning. Ask her to speak slowly and correct you gently.
- 4Talk about everyday things: your day, food, work, your home town. End the call whenever you like.
Hosts are women aged 18 or over who chose to host, each checked by our team. They aren't teachers and Viaraa isn't a course: it's real conversation, paid per minute, from 3,000 coins a minute depending on the host, with no subscription.
Tips that help with any Indian language
- Learn the polite forms first: nobody minds a learner being too polite.
- Learn the spoken forms before the written ones.
- Keep a short list of words you looked up, and use them in your next conversation.
- Mix in English when you're stuck, then ask for the word you were missing.
- Talk about what you really did today: real topics stick in your memory.
Already speak the language and just want to talk? See our Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi video call pages.
Questions, answered
Which Indian languages can I learn on Viaraa?
You can practise speaking Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi, and English too, on video calls with hosts who speak them.
Can I learn an Indian language online for free?
You can start for free with the phrases, numbers and plans on these pages. Practising on Viaraa video calls is paid per minute, and joining is free.
Is Viaraa a language course?
No. Viaraa is for conversation: hosts aren't teachers, but talking with someone who speaks the language is excellent practice.
Which Indian language is easiest to learn?
It depends on what you already speak. Telugu and Kannada are close to each other, Tamil and Malayalam share many words, and Hindi is easier if you've watched Hindi films.
Do I need to learn the script?
Not to start speaking. Every phrase on these pages is also written in English letters.