Introduction

Some fundamental Kannada phrases are more valuable than others.

Why not concentrate on mastering these words first? We chose to write this post for you specifically for that reason.

The essential Kannada phrases and words covered in this post will help you to communicate better, if you’re just beginning to learn Kannada.

If you’re soon traveling to Karnataka, these will be especially useful to you.

Basic Kannada Words and Sentences That You Must Know

Following are the basic Kannada Words and sentences that you must know:

1.Namaste! Nānu [nim’ma hesaru].
Hi! I am [Your Name].

This is a basic greeting when you meet someone new to introduce yourself.

2.Nīvu hēgiddīri

How are you?

When you run into friends, family, or anyone you want to start a discussion with, you usually do it this way.

3.Nānu cennāgiddīni nīnu?

I’m good, you?

You can use this phrase to tell them that you are fine and ask about them in return.

4.Dhan’yavādagaḷu

Thank you

You can use this phrase to thank someone.

5.Nim’mannu bhēṭiyāgalu santōṣavāgide

Nice to meet you.

This phrase can be used to tell someone how nice you feel about meeting someone.

6.Kṣamisi

Excuse me

To excuse yourself you can use this phrase.

7.Nannannu kṣamisu

 I’m sorry

If you are looking to apologize, you can say ‘I’m sorry’.

8. Nim’ma dūravāṇi saṅkhye ēnu?

What is your phone number?

If you want to have someone’s phone number, you can use the above phrase.

9. Nīvu ellinavaru

Where are you from?

You can use this phrase to know where a person is from.

10. Śīghradallē nim’mannu bhēṭi māḍuttēve

See you soon

To tell someone you’ll meet or see someone soon you can use the above phrase.

11. Nimma hesarēnu?

What’s your name?

If you want to know someone’s name, use this phrase.

12. Idara dara eṣṭu āguttade?

How much does it cost?

You can use this phrase to know the cost of something.

13. Kannada Gottila

I don’t know Kannada.

Use this phrase to tell someone that you don’t know Kannada. This will be helpful if you have just started learning Kannada and still not comfortable in communicating fluently.

14. Idu ēnu?

What is this?

Use this phrase to know about something.

15. Hēge hōguvudu….?

How to go to…?

Use this statement to confirm the location. For instance if you are lost and you want to confirm the destination then you can use this phrase.

16. Nīvu yāru

Who are you?

Use this phrase to know about someone.

17. Ellide..?

Where is…?

If you want to ask about some particular place or thing use this phrase.

18. Nānu kaḷedu hōgiddēne

I’m lost.

Use this statement in case you are lost.

Basic Kannada Words That You Must Know

• Neenu (You), Neevu (You with respect or in plural)
• Yen/Yenu (What)
• Yaake (How)
• Yaaru (Who)
• Kodu/kodi (Give)
• Naanu (I), Naavu (We)
• Yelli/Yellige (Where/Where To)
• Hogu (Go)
• Barutte (Will come)
• Nodu/nodu (See)
• Beda/Illa (No) Here beda is used if you refuse something and illa is used if you don’t have something.
• Jaasti (Excess)
• Swalpa (little)
• Maadi (Do)
• Kelsa (Work/Do)
• Ondu, Eradu, Mooru, Nalakku, Eidu, Aaru, Yelu, Yentu, Ombattu, Hattu (Numbers from 1–10 respectively)
• Nooru (100)
• Saavira (1000)
• Anna (Elder brother)
• Akka (Elder sister)
• Appa (Father)
• Amma (Mother)
• Ajji (Grandmother)
• Ajja/Thatha (Grandfather)
• Tamma (Younger brother)
• Tangi (Younger sister)
• Akka (Elder Sister)
• Mele (Top)
• Kelage (Bottom)
• Amele (Next)

Conclusion

We hope these foundational words and phrases will improve your ability to speak Kannada confidently.

The first few times won’t be simple, so practice is the only and best option.

And always remember to prioritize the most important terms first rather than attempting to memorize all of the phrases we shared with you today.