Beginner’s Guide: Learning Basic Kannada Words and Phrases

Beginner’s Guide to  Learning Basic Kannada Words and Phrases

This article contains some of the most basic Kannada words and phrases. The Kannada words and phrases are translated in English language. Understanding Kannada can be very difficult but with these basic Kannada words and phrases , you can easily talk to shopkeepers, cab drivers and your landlords. The first part explains about basic kannada words like Hello, friend, family, food. How it is spelled in Kannada and how to pronounce in english.

1. ಹೆಲ್ಲೋ (Hello)
2. ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (Namaskara – Hello / Greetings)
3. ಕುಟುಂಬ (Kutumba – Family)
4. ಮಿತ್ರ (Mitra – Friend)
5. ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ (Shikshaka – Teacher)
6. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ (Vidyarthi – Student)
7. ಪ್ರೇಮ (Prema – Love)
8. ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ (Hotte – Stomach)
9. ನೀರು (Neeru – Water)
10. ಆಹಾರ (Ahara – Food)
11. ಮನೆ (Mane – House)
12. ಹೊಟ್ಟೆಯ ಹುಳಿ (Hotteya huli – Hunger)
13. ನಿದ್ರೆ (Nidre – Sleep)
14. ಕೆಲಸ (Kelas – Work)
15. ಹುಡುಗೀರು (Hudugiru – Boy)
16. ಹುಡುಗಿಯರು (Hudugiyaru – Girls)
17. ಮೊದಲ (Modala – First)
18. ಇನ್ನೊಂದು (Innodu – Another)
19. ಬರು (Baru – Come)
20. ಹೋಗು (Hogu – Go)
21. ನೋಡು (Nodu – See)
22. ಕೇಳು (Kelu – Listen)
23. ಮಾಡು (Madu – Do)
24. ತಿನ್ನು (Tinna – Eat)
25. ಕುಣಿಕುಣಿ (Kunikuni – Drink)
26. ಗೆಲುವು (Geluvu – Victory)
27. ಹಾಡು (Haadu – Sing)
28. ನಗು (Nagu – Smile)
29. ಹೇಳು (Helu – Say)
30. ಅನ್ನ (Anna – Rice)
31. ರೊಟ್ಟಿ (Rotti – Bread)
32. ಪಾನೀಯ (Paniya – Drink)
33. ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ (Prashasti – Award)
34. ಪಠ್ಯ (Pathya – Lesson)
35. ಪ್ರಶ್ನಾಪತ್ರ (Prashnapatra – Question)
36. ಉತ್ತರ (Uttara – Answer)
37. ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ (Prashasti – Prize)
38. ದಿನ (Dina – Day)
39. ರಾತ್ರಿ (Ratri – Night)
40. ಸೂರ್ಯ (Soorya – Sun)
41. ಚಂದ್ರ (Chandra – Moon)
42. ನಕ್ಷತ್ರ (Nakshatra – Star)
43. ನೀರಿನ ಬಟ್ಟಲು (Neerina battalu – Water bottle)
44. ನಾಯಿ (Naayi – Dog)
45. ಬೆಕ್ಕು (Bekku – Cat)
46. ಹುಲಿ (Huli – Tiger)
47. ಆನೆ (Aane – Elephant)
48. ಹುಲಿ (Huli – Lion)
49. ಕುರಿ (Kuri – Sheep)
50. ಎಲೆಕೋಣ (Elekona – Deer)
51. ಪಕ್ಷಿ (Pakshi – Bird)
52. ಹೂ (Hoo – Flower)
53. ಮರ (Mar – Tree)
54. ಗೋಧಿ (Godhi – Wheat)
55. ಮೆಣಸು (Menasu – Pepper)
56. ಕಪ್ಪು (Kappu – Black)
57. ಬಿಳಿ (Bili – White)
58. ಹಸು (Hasu – Cow)
59. ಆಟ (Aata – Game)
60. ಕೊಡು (Kodu – Give)
61. ತಕ್ಷಣ (Takshana – Immediately)
62. ಸಾಗು (Saagu – Cook)
63. ಆನೆ (Aane – Big)
64. ಚಿಕ್ಕ (Chikka – Small)
65. ನಿಮಿಷ (Nimisha – Minute)
66. ಗಂಟೆ (Gante – Hour)
67. ದಿನಾಂಕ (Dinanka – Date)
68. ವಾರ (Vaara – Week)
69. ತಿಂಗಳು (Thingalu – Month)
70. ವರ್ಷ (Varsha – Year)
71. ಚೆಂಡಾಟ (Chendata – Play)
72. ಗೂಡು (Goodu – Room)
73. ಮನೆ (Mane – Home)
74. ಕೈ (Kai – Hand)
75. ಕಾಲು (Kaalu – Leg)
76. ಮುಖ (Mukha – Face)
77. ಕಣ್ಣು (Kannu – Eye)
78. ಕಿವಿ (Kivi – Ear)
79. ಮೂಗು (Moogu – Nose)
80. ಬಾಯಿ (Baayi – Mouth)
81. ನಗು (Nagu – Teeth)
82. ನಾಲಿಗೆ (Naalige – Tongue)
83. ಕೊಪ್ಪು (Koppu – Head)
84. ಹೃದಯ (Hrudaya – Heart)
85. ಕೈ (Kai – Finger)
86. ಪಾದ (Paada – Foot)
87. ನೆತ್ರ (Netra – Eyebrow)
88. ಮುಖಪ್ರಸನ್ನ (Mukhaprasanna – Smile)
89. ಮುಖವರಣ (Mukhavarana – Expression)
90. ಮನಸ್ಸು (Manassu – Mind)
91. ಹಸು (Hasu – Calf)
92. ಕಬ್ಬು (Kabbu – Neck)
93. ಬಚ್ಚು (Bacchu – Child)
94. ಸಹೋದರ (Sahodara – Brother)
95. ಸಹೋದರಿ (Sahodari – Sister)
96. ತಾಯಿ (Taayi – Mother)
97. ಅಪ್ಪ (Appa – Father)
98. ಸೂಪರ್ (Super – Super)
99. ಮುಕ್ಕಾಟಿ (Mukkati – Fight)
100. ಮೃದು (Mrudu – Soft)
101. ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ (Shikshana – Education)
102. ಪಠ್ಯಪುಸ್ತಕ (Pathyapustaka – Textbook)
103. ಶಿಕ್ಷಣಕೇಂದ್ರ (Shikshanakendra – School)
104. ವಿದ್ಯಾನಿಲಯ (Vidyanaalaya – College)
105. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿನಿ (Vidyarthini – Female student)
106. ಪುರುಷ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ (Purusha vidyarthi – Male student)
107. ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕ (Adhyapaka – Professor)
108. ಪಠ್ಯಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ (Pathyakshetra – Classroom)
109. ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಕೇಂದ್ರ (Shikshana kendra – Educational institution)
110. ಗ್ರಂಥಾಲಯ (Granthalaya – Library)
111. ಪಠ್ಯಗ್ರಂಥ (Pathyagrantha – Textbook)
112. ಗಣಿತ (Ganitha – Mathematics)
113. ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ (Vignana – Science)
114. ಭೂಗೋಳ (Bhugola – Geography)
115. ಇತಿಹಾಸ (Itihasa – History)
116. ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ (Sahitya – Literature)
117. ಕಲೆ (Kale – Art)
118. ಸಂಗೀತ (Sangeetha – Music)
119. ವಾದಕಲೆ (Vadakale – Dance)
120. ಶರೀರಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ (Shareerashastra – Anatomy)
121. ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ (Vaidyakiya – Medical)
122. ಮಾತೃಭಾಷೆ (Matrubhasha – Mother tongue)
123. ವಿದೇಶಭಾಷೆ (Videsha bhasha – Foreign language)
124. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಜೀವನ (Vidyarthi jeevana – Student life)
125. ಪುಸ್ತಕಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ (Pustakalayadalli – In the library)
126. ಪಠ್ಯಾನುವಾದ (Pathyanuvada – Translation)
127. ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ (Parikshe – Examination)
128. ಅಧ್ಯಾಯ (Adhyaya – Chapter)
129. ಗಣಿತ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ (Ganitha samasye – Math problem)
130. ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ ಪ್ರಯೋಗ (Vignana prayoga – Science experiment)
131. ಆಕಲನ (Akalana – Measurement)
132. ಲೇಖನ (Lekhana – Writing)
133. ಪ್ರಕಟನ (Prakatana – Presentation)
134. ಕಟ್ಟಡ (Kattada – Building)
135. ನಗರ (Nagara – City)
136. ಗ್ರಾಮ (Grama – Village)
137. ಬೆಳಕು (Belaku – Light)
138. ಬಿಳಿಯ (Biliya – Shadow)
139. ಸ್ಥಳ (Sthala – Place)
140. ದೇಶ (Desh – Country)
141. ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯಾ (Janasankhya – Population)
142. ನಗರಾಧಿಪತಿ (Nagaraadhipathi – Mayor)
143. ಸರ್ಕಾರ (Sarkara – Government)
144. ವಿಧಾನಸಭೆ (Vidhanasabhe – Legislature)
145. ಮಂತ್ರಿ (Mantri – Minister)
146. ನ್ಯಾಯಾಧಿಪತಿ (Nyayadhipathi – Judge)
147. ಪೊಲಿಸ್ (Polis – Police)
148. ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ (Vanijya – Commerce)
149. ಆಪತ್ಕಾಲ (Aapatkala – Emergency)
150. ಸರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಪರಿವಹನ (Sarvajanika parivahana – Public transportation)

How to wish someone in Kannada

1. ಶುಭೋದಯ (Shubhodaya) – Good morning.
2. ಶುಭ ದಿನ (Shubha dina) – Good day.
3. ಶುಭ ಸಂಜೆ (Shubha sanje) – Good evening.
4. ಶುಭ ರಾತ್ರಿ (Shubha raatri) – Good night.
5. ಶುಭ ಸಂಧ್ಯಾ (Shubha sandhya) – Good twilight.
6. ಹುಟ್ಟು ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು (Huttu habbada shubhashayagalu) – Happy birthday.
7. ಆನಂದಮಯವಾಗಿ ಕಳಪೆಗೋಡೆ (Anandamayavagi kalapegode) – Congratulations.
8. ಶುಭಕಾರ್ಯ (Shubhakarya) – Good work.
9. ಶುಭೋಪಚಾರ (Shubhopachara) – Best wishes.
10. ಸದಾ ಖುಷಿಯಾಗಿರು (Sada khushiyaagiru) – Always be happy.
11. ಆನಂದ ಸಿಗಲಿ (Ananda sigali) – May you find joy.
12. ಸುಖಮಯವಾಗಿರಿ (Sukhamayavagiri) – Be happy.
13. ನಿಮಗೆ ಯಶಸ್ಸು (Nimage yashassu) – Success to you.
14. ಸುಖದ ಬೆಳಕು ಬೀರಲಿ (Sukhada belaku beerali) – Spread the light of happiness.
15. ಸುಖಾಯ (Sukhaya) – For happiness.
16. ಸೌಖ್ಯಮಾಡಿ (Saukhyamadi) – Take care.

How to talk to a cab driver in Kannada

When you are travelling in a cab and the driver speaks only Kannada , then knowing about basic kannada words to communicate with the driver is very important. Words like – Hi , Hello , asking about trip details and money related details in kannada is good while travelling in a cab. These words in Kannada will help you talk to your driver easily and smoothen your ride.

1. Hello / Hi – ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (Namaskara) / ಹಾಯ್ (Haay)You can start the conversation with a friendly greeting.
2. I want to go to… – ನಾನು … ಹೋಗಬೇಕಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ (… hogabekeagiddene)Replace the ellipsis with your destination or address.
3. How much will it cost? – ಇದು ಎಷ್ಟು ಖರ್ಚು ಆಗುತ್ತದೆ? (Idu eshtu kharchu aguttade?)You can ask about the estimated fare.
4. Please go here – ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗಿ (Dayavittu illi hogi)Use this phrase to give them directions.
5. Please stop here – ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಲ್ಲಿ (Dayavittu illi nili)To ask the driver to stop at a specific location.
6. Turn left – ಎಡಕ್ಕೆ ಬಾ (Edakke baa)When giving them directions.
7. Turn right – ಬಲಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರು (Balakke tiru)To indicate a right turn.
8. Slow down – ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಹಾರು (Nidhanavagi haaru)If you feel the driver is going too fast.
9. Thank you – ಧನ್ಯವಾದ (Dhanyavada)Always express your gratitude at the end of the ride.
10. I will pay with cash/card – ನಾನು ನಕದಿ/ಕಾರ್ಡ್ ಬಳಸುತ್ತೇನೆ (Naanu nakadi/kaardu balasuttene)

Inform them how you intend to pay.

11. Could you please turn on the air conditioning? – ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಕೂಲಿ ಚಾಲನೆ ಆಗಿಸಿ (Dayavittu kooli chaalane aagisi)

If you want to adjust the temperature inside the vehicle.

12. Could you please go faster/slower? – ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಹೆಚ್ಚು/ಕಡಿವಾಣ ಹಾರಿ (Dayavittu hecchu/kadivana haari)

How to talk a shopkeeper in Kannada

People often go out to shop in a grocery store. Greeting the shop owners in there local language will cheer them up. It will create a long lasting bond with your grocer shop owner. Below are the basic words in Kannada that will you communicate efficiently with a shop owner.

1. Greeting:

• Begin your interaction with a friendly greeting such as “ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ” (Namaskara) which means “Hello” or “Greetings.”

2. Ask for Help:

• If you need assistance or have a question, you can say “ಸಹಾಯ ಬೇಕು” (Sahaya beku), which means “I need help.”

3. Request Information:

• If you’re looking for a specific item, you can ask “ಇಲ್ಲಿ … ಇದ್ದದೆನ್ನುವು?” (Illi … idadanennuvu?), which means “Do you have … here?”

4. Bargaining:

• Bargaining is common in many shops in India. You can ask, “ಈ ಬೇಲಿ ಕಡಿಯಬಹುದೇ?” (Ee bali kadiyabahude?), which means “Can you reduce the price?”

5. Expressing Interest:

• If you like something, you can say “ಇದು ನನಗೆ ಇಷ್ಟವಾಯಿತು” (Idu nanage ishtavayitu), which means “I like this.”

6. Request to See the Product:

• If you want to examine an item more closely, you can ask “ಇದನ್ನು ನೋಡಬಹುದೇ?” (Idannu nodabahude?), which means “Can I see this?”

7. Ask About the Price:

• You can inquire about the price by asking, “ಇದು ಎಷ್ಟು ಖರೀದಿಸಬೇಕು?” (Idu eshtu khareedisabeku?), which means “How much does this cost?”

8. Payment Method:

• Inform the shopkeeper about your preferred payment method, such as “ನಾನು ನಕದಿ/ಕಾರ್ಡ್ ಬಳಸುತ್ತೇನೆ” (Naanu nakadi/kaardu balasuttene), which means “I will pay with cash/card.”

9. Express Gratitude:

• Always say “ಧನ್ಯವಾದ” (Dhanyavada) when leaving the shop, which means “Thank you.”

10. Farewell:

• End your interaction with a polite “ಸುಮಾರ್ಗಿ” (Sumargi), which means “Goodbye.”

How to finalise a pg or house rent deal with your landlord in Kannada

Finding a pg or a rented house is a difficult process. Talking and negotiating is even more difficult if you dont know the right words. This part of the article contains basic phrases and kannada sentences that will help you talk and negotiate with your pg or house landlord efficiently.

1. Schedule an Appointment:

• Contact your landlord to arrange a convenient time for a meeting to discuss the rental agreement. You can say, “ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಭೇಟಿಯನ್ನು ನಿಯಮಿಸಿ” (Dayavittu bhetiyanu niyamisi), which means “Please schedule a meeting.”

2. Be Prepared:

• Before the meeting, gather all necessary documents such as proof of income, references, and any questions you have about the rental terms.

3. Introduce Yourself:

• Start the conversation by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in renting the house. You can say, “ನಾನು [ನಿಮ್ಮ ಹೆಸರು] ಆಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ” (Naanu [nimma hesaru] aagiddene), which means “I am [your name].”

4. Ask Questions:

• Inquire about important details such as the monthly rent, security deposit, lease duration, and any maintenance responsibilities. For instance, “ಪ್ರತಿ ತಿಂಗಳದ ಬಾಕಿ ವಾದೆ ಎಷ್ಟು?” (Prati tingalada baki vadhe eshtu?), which means “How much is the monthly rent?”

5. Negotiate Terms:

• If you have specific requests or need to negotiate certain terms, do so politely and professionally. For example, “ನಾನು ಸಂಕೋಚಪಡುತ್ತೇನೆ, ಕಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಬರುವಂತಹ ಅಂಶಗಳನ್ನು ಚಾಚಿಸಬಹುದೇ?” (Naanu sankochapadtene, kannige baruvantaha amshagalanu chaachisabahude?), which means “I’m hesitant, can we discuss certain aspects that concern me?”

6. Clarify Expectations:

• Make sure both parties have a clear understanding of expectations. You can say, “ನನಗೆ ಯಾವುದೇ ಸಂಶಯವಿಲ್ಲ” (Nanage yavude sanashayavilla), which means “I have no doubts.”

7. Review the Lease Agreement:

• Ask for a copy of the lease agreement and review it thoroughly. If you have any questions or concerns about the terms, discuss them with your landlord.

8. Confirm the Deal:

• Once you’re satisfied with the terms, confirm the deal with your landlord and ask about the next steps, including the signing of the lease.

9. Express Gratitude:

• Thank your landlord for their time and consideration. You can say, “ಧನ್ಯವಾದ” (Dhanyavada), which means “Thank you.”

10. Follow Up:

• After the meeting, follow up with any additional information or documentation requested by your landlord.

Questions to ask before finalising the house

Some of the very important questions that needs to be asked before you finalise the pg or rent.

Is the water connection working?

ನೀರಿನ ಸಂಪರ್ಕವು ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆಯೇ?
Nīrina samparkavu kāryanirvahisuttideyē?

Is the electricity working?

ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆಯೇ
Vidyut kāryanirvahisuttideyē

What is average monthly electricity bill?

ಸರಾಸರಿ ಮಾಸಿಕ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಬಿಲ್ ಏನು?
Sarāsari māsika vidyut bil ēnu?

What is the monthly rent of the house?

ಮನೆಯ ಮಾಸಿಕ ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ಎಷ್ಟು?
Maneya māsika bāḍige eṣṭu?

Is electricity bill included in monthly bill?

ಮಾಸಿಕ ಬಿಲ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಬಿಲ್ ಸೇರಿದೆಯೇ?
Māsika bil‌nalli vidyut bil sērideyē?

How to do monthly rent payment?

ಮಾಸಿಕ ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ಪಾವತಿ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಹೇಗೆ?
Māsika bāḍige pāvati māḍuvudu hēge?

Is there any grocery store nearby ?

ಹತ್ತಿರದಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದಾದರೂ ಕಿರಾಣಿ ಅಂಗಡಿ ಇದೆಯೇ?

Hattiradalli yāvudādarū kirāṇi aṅgaḍi ideyē?

Basic Kannada Words and Phrases 1

Basic Kannada Words and Phrases 2

Basic Kannada Words and Phrases 3

Basic Kannada Phrases

Basic Kannada Phrases 2

Basic Kannada Phrases 3

Conclusion

This article is very important for people who are coming to Bangalore or Karnataka for the first time. Bookmark this article on basic kannada words so that your communication with people in Bangalore becomes easy.

Also read

Learn Kannada Scripts

Beginner’s Guide: Learn Kannada Simple Words

Most spoken 100 Kannada words traslated into English