Both means the same ma'am but their usage differs. Can't is generally used to speak about an action which is yet to happen (future) I can't do this - ennal idhai seiyamudiyaadhu (next second la irundhu andha action pathi pesaradhu, illa oru work-a try seidhu paarthuttu ennala idha inni seiyamudiyaadhu nu solradhu) Can't is a modal verb so we shouldn't use it with auxiliary verbs like am, is, are, etc. Whereas 'able to' is used with auxiliary verbs and can be used in past, future, present I am able to do - ennal seiya mudigiradhu (oru vishayathai try seidhukitey solra maadiri) I am not able to do - ennal seiya mudiyamaatingadhu (oru vishayathai try seidhukitey solra maadiri) I won't be able to do = I can't do - ennal seiya mudiyaadhu I wasn't able to do = I couldn't do - ennal seiya mudiyavillai Can oda past tense - could
Say past tense said. Tell oda past tense told. Tell, Say rendu oda meaning um சொல் dhaan. But, say + person compulsory illa Tell + person/people compulsory Example He said about that. He told us about that.
