enu
(ಏನು)
What
Namma Kannada Circle
Learn Kannada in a calm, simple, welcoming way.
No classroom, no pressure — just small, friendly steps. Each word comes with an easy-to-read English spelling right below it, so you never need to know the script to get started. A little every day, and everyday Kannada will start to feel natural.
Chapter 1
Pronouns
Pronouns are everyday words used to refer to people without repeating names again and again.
| Kannada | English | Use |
|---|---|---|
naanu (ನಾನು) | I | Used for self |
neenu (ನೀನು) | You (informal) | Used with friends or children |
neevu (ನೀವು) | You (respectful/plural) | Used politely or for many people |
avanu (ಅವನು) | He | Male singular |
avalu (ಅವಳು) | She | Female singular |
avaru (ಅವರು) | They / He / She (respectful) | Plural or respectful singular |
Chapter 2
Question Words
These words help learners start short conversations at home, in the lift, in the shop, or with neighbours.
yaaru
(ಯಾರು)
Who
elli
(ಎಲ್ಲಿ)
Where
yaavaga
(ಯಾವಾಗ)
When
eke
(ಏಕೆ)
Why
hege
(ಹೇಗೆ)
How
andare?
(ಅಂದರೆ?)
Meaning? / You mean?
nimma mane ellide? (ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮನೆ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ?)
means Where is your house?
Chapter 3
Verbs
Verbs are action words. They help learners form useful small sentences very quickly.
baa
(ಬಾ)
To come
hogu
(ಹೋಗು)
To go
maataadu
(ಮಾತಾಡು)
To speak
kulituko
(ಕುಳಿತುಕೊ)
To sit
nillu
(ನಿಲ್ಲು)
To stand
tinnu
(ತಿನ್ನು)
To eat
kudi
(ಕುಡಿ)
To drink
nodu
(ನೋಡು)
To see / look
naanu kannada maataaduttene. (ನಾನು ಕನ್ನಡ ಮಾತಾಡುತ್ತೇನೆ.)
means I speak Kannada.
Chapter 4
Numbers
Start with the first ten numbers, then learn the tens, the hundreds, and finally the larger values used in everyday Indian counting (thousand, lakh, crore).
1 to 10
| Number | Kannada | English |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
ondu (ಒಂದು) | One |
| 2 |
eradu (ಎರಡು) | Two |
| 3 |
mooru (ಮೂರು) | Three |
| 4 |
naalku (ನಾಲ್ಕು) | Four |
| 5 |
aidu (ಐದು) | Five |
| 6 |
aaru (ಆರು) | Six |
| 7 |
elu (ಏಳು) | Seven |
| 8 |
entu (ಎಂಟು) | Eight |
| 9 |
ombattu (ಒಂಬತ್ತು) | Nine |
| 10 |
hattu (ಹತ್ತು) | Ten |
Tens (10 to 100)
| Number | Kannada | English |
|---|---|---|
| 10 |
hattu (ಹತ್ತು) | Ten |
| 20 |
ippattu (ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು) | Twenty |
| 30 |
moovattu (ಮೂವತ್ತು) | Thirty |
| 40 |
nalavattu (ನಲವತ್ತು) | Forty |
| 50 |
aivattu (ಐವತ್ತು) | Fifty |
| 60 |
aravattu (ಅರವತ್ತು) | Sixty |
| 70 |
eppattu (ಎಪ್ಪತ್ತು) | Seventy |
| 80 |
embattu (ಎಂಬತ್ತು) | Eighty |
| 90 |
tombattu (ತೊಂಬತ್ತು) | Ninety |
| 100 |
nooru (ನೂರು) | Hundred |
Hundreds (100 to 1,000)
| Number | Kannada | English |
|---|---|---|
| 100 |
nooru (ನೂರು) | Hundred |
| 200 |
innooru (ಇನ್ನೂರು) | Two hundred |
| 300 |
munnooru (ಮುನ್ನೂರು) | Three hundred |
| 400 |
naanooru (ನಾನೂರು) | Four hundred |
| 500 |
ainooru (ಐನೂರು) | Five hundred |
| 600 |
aarunooru (ಆರುನೂರು) | Six hundred |
| 700 |
elunooru (ಏಳುನೂರು) | Seven hundred |
| 800 |
entunooru (ಎಂಟುನೂರು) | Eight hundred |
| 900 |
ombainooru (ಒಂಬೈನೂರು) | Nine hundred |
| 1,000 |
saavira (ಸಾವಿರ) | Thousand |
Bigger numbers
| Number | Kannada | English |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 |
saavira (ಸಾವಿರ) | Thousand |
| 5,000 |
aidu saavira (ಐದು ಸಾವಿರ) | Five thousand |
| 10,000 |
hattu saavira (ಹತ್ತು ಸಾವಿರ) | Ten thousand |
| 50,000 |
aivattu saavira (ಐವತ್ತು ಸಾವಿರ) | Fifty thousand |
| 1,00,000 |
laksha (ಲಕ್ಷ) | One lakh (100,000) |
| 5,00,000 |
aidu laksha (ಐದು ಲಕ್ಷ) | Five lakh (500,000) |
| 10,00,000 |
hattu laksha (ಹತ್ತು ಲಕ್ಷ) | Ten lakh (1 million) |
| 50,00,000 |
aivattu laksha (ಐವತ್ತು ಲಕ್ಷ) | Fifty lakh (5 million) |
| 1,00,00,000 |
koti (ಕೋಟಿ) | One crore (10 million) |
mooru saavira (ಮೂರು ಸಾವಿರ)
means three thousand.
Chapter 5
Genders
Kannada commonly teaches gender in three broad groups for beginner understanding: masculine, feminine, and neuter.
pullinga
(ಪುಲ್ಲಿಂಗ)
Masculine gender.
- avanu (ಅವನು) — he
- huduga (ಹುಡುಗ) — boy
streelinga
(ಸ್ತ್ರೀಲಿಂಗ)
Feminine gender.
- avalu (ಅವಳು) — she
- hudugi (ಹುಡುಗಿ) — girl
napumsakalinga
(ನಪುಂಸಕಲಿಂಗ)
Neuter gender.
- adu (ಅದು) — it
- mane (ಮನೆ) — house
Chapter 6
Common Things
Use names of daily objects so learners can connect the language to everyday life and home conversations.
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
mane (ಮನೆ) | House |
baagilu (ಬಾಗಿಲು) | Door |
kitaki (ಕಿಟಕಿ) | Window |
kurchi (ಕುರ್ಚಿ) | Chair |
meju (ಮೇಜು) | Table |
neeru (ನೀರು) | Water |
akki (ಅಕ್ಕಿ) | Rice |
haalu (ಹಾಲು) | Milk |
pustaka (ಪುಸ್ತಕ) | Book |
gadiyaara (ಗಡಿಯಾರ) | Clock |
tindi (ತಿಂಡಿ) | Breakfast / light snack |
oota (ಊಟ) | Meal (lunch or dinner) |
kelasa (ಕೆಲಸ) | Work |
aduge (ಅಡುಗೆ) | Cooking |
Chapter 7
Possessive Pronouns
A quick-reference sheet for saying "my," "your," "his," "her," and more — the words that show who something belongs to.
| Kannada | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
nanna (ನನ್ನ) | My | |
ninna (ನಿನ್ನ) | Your (informal) | idu ninna pennaa? (ಇದು ನಿನ್ನ ಪೆನ್ನಾ?) Is this your pen? |
nimma (ನಿಮ್ಮ) | Your (respectful / plural) | idu nimma seetu (ಇದು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸೀಟು) This is your seat |
avana (ಅವನ) | His | adu avana laptop (ಅದು ಅವನ ಲ್ಯಾಪ್ಟಾಪ್) That is his laptop |
avala (ಅವಳ) | Her | adu avala chatri (ಅದು ಅವಳ ಛತ್ರಿ) That is her umbrella |
adara (ಅದರ) | Its | adara banna chennaagide (ಅದರ ಬಣ್ಣ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ) Its color is nice |
namma (ನಮ್ಮ) | Our | idu namma office (ಇದು ನಮ್ಮ ಆಫೀಸ್) This is our office |
avara (ಅವರ) | Their | adu avara kaaru (ಅದು ಅವರ ಕಾರು) That is their car |
Chapter 8
Addressing
How to say and use 'I', 'you', 'he', 'she', and 'they' in everyday conversation. Once you are familiar with the usage patterns, building your own sentences gets much easier.
I
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
naanu (ನಾನು) | I |
nanage (ನನಗೆ) | Me / to me |
nanna (ನನ್ನ) | My |
nannadu (ನನ್ನದು) | Mine |
nanninda (ನನ್ನಿಂದ) | From me |
nanagaagi (ನನಗಾಗಿ) | For me |
nanna haage (ನನ್ನ ಹಾಗೆ) | Like me |
We
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
naavu (ನಾವು) | We |
namage (ನಮಗೆ) | Us / to us |
namma (ನಮ್ಮ) | Our |
nammadu (ನಮ್ಮದು) | Ours |
namminda (ನಮ್ಮಿಂದ) | From us |
namagaagi (ನಮಗಾಗಿ) | For us |
namma haage (ನಮ್ಮ ಹಾಗೆ) | Like us |
You — informal
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
neenu (ನೀನು) | You |
ninage (ನಿನಗೆ) | You / to you |
ninna (ನಿನ್ನ) | Your |
ninnadu (ನಿನ್ನದು) | Yours |
ninninda (ನಿನ್ನಿಂದ) | From you |
ninagaagi (ನಿನಗಾಗಿ) | For you |
ninna haage (ನಿನ್ನ ಹಾಗೆ) | Like you |
You — respectful / plural
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
neevu (ನೀವು) | You |
nimage (ನಿಮಗೆ) | You / to you |
nimma (ನಿಮ್ಮ) | Your |
nimmadu (ನಿಮ್ಮದು) | Yours |
nimminda (ನಿಮ್ಮಿಂದ) | From you |
nimagaagi (ನಿಮಗಾಗಿ) | For you |
nimma haage (ನಿಮ್ಮ ಹಾಗೆ) | Like you |
He
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
avanu (ಅವನು) | He |
avanige (ಅವನಿಗೆ) | Him / to him |
avana (ಅವನ) | His |
avanadu (ಅವನದು) | His (possession) |
avaninda (ಅವನಿಂದ) | From him |
avanigaagi (ಅವನಿಗಾಗಿ) | For him |
avana haage (ಅವನ ಹಾಗೆ) | Like him |
She
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
avalu (ಅವಳು) | She |
avalige (ಅವಳಿಗೆ) | Her / to her |
avala (ಅವಳ) | Her |
avaladu (ಅವಳದು) | Hers |
avalinda (ಅವಳಿಂದ) | From her |
avaligaagi (ಅವಳಿಗಾಗಿ) | For her |
avala haage (ಅವಳ ಹಾಗೆ) | Like her |
They
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
avaru (ಅವರು) | They / He / She (respectful) |
avarige (ಅವರಿಗೆ) | Them / to them |
avara (ಅವರ) | Their |
avaradu (ಅವರದು) | Theirs |
avarinda (ಅವರಿಂದ) | From them |
avarigaagi (ಅವರಿಗಾಗಿ) | For them |
avara haage (ಅವರ ಹಾಗೆ) | Like them |
naanu naale market-ge hoguttene (ನಾನು ನಾಳೆ ಮಾರ್ಕೆಟ್ಗೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತೇನೆ)
means I will go to the market tomorrow
idu nimma phone aa? (ಇದು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಫೋನ್ ಆ?)
means Is this your phone?
avalu ninna bagge kelidalu (ಅವಳು ನಿನ್ನ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಕೇಳಿದಳು)
means She asked about you
Chapter 9
Time (Days, Weeks, Months)
Everything you need to talk about 'when' something happens — the seven days of the week, today/yesterday/tomorrow, and how to refer to weeks, months, and years.
Days of the Week
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
somavaara (ಸೋಮವಾರ) | Monday |
mangalavaara (ಮಂಗಳವಾರ) | Tuesday |
budhavaara (ಬುಧವಾರ) | Wednesday |
guruvaara (ಗುರುವಾರ) | Thursday |
shukravaara (ಶುಕ್ರವಾರ) | Friday |
shanivaara (ಶನಿವಾರ) | Saturday |
bhaanuvaara / ravivaara / aadityavaara (ಭಾನುವಾರ / ರವಿವಾರ / ಆದಿತ್ಯವಾರ) | Sunday |
Talking About Today
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
ivattu (ಇವತ್ತು) | Today |
ninne (ನಿನ್ನೆ) | Yesterday |
naale (ನಾಳೆ) | Tomorrow |
monne (ಮೊನ್ನೆ) | Day before yesterday |
naadiddu (ನಾಡಿದ್ದು) | Day after tomorrow |
eega (ಈಗ) | Now |
aamele (ಆಮೇಲೆ) | Later |
bega (ಬೇಗ) | Soon |
nidhaana (ನಿಧಾನ) | Slow |
Weeks, Months, Years
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
vaara (ವಾರ) | Week |
tingalu (ತಿಂಗಳು) | Month |
varsha (ವರ್ಷ) | Year |
ee vaara (ಈ ವಾರ) | This week |
ee tingalu (ಈ ತಿಂಗಳು) | This month |
ee varsha (ಈ ವರ್ಷ) | This year |
kaleda vaara (ಕಳೆದ ವಾರ) | Last week |
kaleda tingalu (ಕಳೆದ ತಿಂಗಳು) | Last month |
kaleda varsha (ಕಳೆದ ವರ್ಷ) | Last year |
mundina vaara (ಮುಂದಿನ ವಾರ) | Next week |
mundina tingalu (ಮುಂದಿನ ತಿಂಗಳು) | Next month |
mundina varsha (ಮುಂದಿನ ವರ್ಷ) | Next year |
Parts of the Day
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
beligge (ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ) | Morning |
madhyaahna (ಮಧ್ಯಾಹ್ನ) | Afternoon |
sanje (ಸಂಜೆ) | Evening |
raatri (ರಾತ್ರಿ) | Night |
Chapter 10
Fruits & Vegetables
Names you'll use every time you're at the vegetable cart or fruit stall.
Categories
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
hannu (ಹಣ್ಣು) | Fruit |
hannugalu (ಹಣ್ಣುಗಳು) | Fruits |
tarakaari (ತರಕಾರಿ) | Vegetable |
tarakaarigalu (ತರಕಾರಿಗಳು) | Vegetables |
Fruits
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
sebu (ಸೇಬು) | Apple |
baalehannu (ಬಾಳೆಹಣ್ಣು) | Banana |
maavinahannu (ಮಾವಿನಹಣ್ಣು) | Mango |
kittale (ಕಿತ್ತಳೆ) | Orange |
draakshi (ದ್ರಾಕ್ಷಿ) | Grapes |
pappaayi (ಪಪ್ಪಾಯಿ) | Papaya |
kallangadi (ಕಲ್ಲಂಗಡಿ) | Watermelon |
ananasu (ಅನಾನಸ್) | Pineapple |
Vegetables
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
aalugadde (ಆಲೂಗಡ್ಡೆ) | Potato |
eerulli (ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ) | Onion |
badanekaayi (ಬದನೆಕಾಯಿ) | Brinjal / Eggplant |
moolangi (ಮೂಲಂಗಿ) | Radish |
heerekaayi (ಹೀರೆಕಾಯಿ) | Ridge gourd |
sautekaayi (ಸೌತೆಕಾಯಿ) | Cucumber |
elekosu (ಎಲೆಕೋಸು) | Cabbage |
hookosu (ಹೂಕೋಸು) | Cauliflower |
bendekaayi (ಬೆಂಡೆಕಾಯಿ) | Okra / Ladies finger |
menasinakaayi (ಮೆಣಸಿನಕಾಯಿ) | Green chili |
soppu (ಸೊಪ್ಪು) | Leafy greens |
eerulli eshtakke? (ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ ಎಷ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ?)
means How much for the onions?
Chapter 11
Body Parts
Useful for describing pain, injuries, or just talking about how you look and feel.
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
tale (ತಲೆ) | Head |
koodalu (ಕೂದಲು) | Hair |
kannu (ಕಣ್ಣು) | Eye |
kivi (ಕಿವಿ) | Ear |
moogu (ಮೂಗು) | Nose |
baayi (ಬಾಯಿ) | Mouth |
hallu (ಹಲ್ಲು) | Teeth |
kuttige / kattu (ಕುತ್ತಿಗೆ / ಕತ್ತು) | Neck |
kai (ಕೈ) | Hand / Arm |
kaalu (ಕಾಲು) | Leg / Foot |
bennu (ಬೆನ್ನು) | Back |
hotte (ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ) | Stomach |
hrudaya (ಹೃದಯ) | Heart |
beralu (ಬೆರಳು) | Finger |
uguru (ಉಗುರು) | Nail |
nanna hotte noyuttide (ನನ್ನ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ನೋಯುತ್ತಿದೆ)
means My stomach hurts.
Chapter 12
Household & Kitchen Items
Furniture, kitchen tools, and everyday groceries you'll talk about at home.
Furniture
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
mancha (ಮಂಚ) | Bed |
kapaatu (ಕಪಾಟು) | Cupboard |
dimbu (ದಿಂಬು) | Pillow |
Kitchen Items
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
paatre (ಪಾತ್ರೆ) | Vessel / Utensil |
chamacha (ಚಮಚ) | Spoon |
tatte (ತಟ್ಟೆ) | Plate |
lota (ಲೋಟ) | Glass / Tumbler |
ole (ಒಲೆ) | Stove |
kaavali (ಕಾವಲಿ) | Griddle / Tawa |
chaaku (ಚಾಕು) | Knife |
Groceries
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
uppu (ಉಪ್ಪು) | Salt |
sakkare (ಸಕ್ಕರೆ) | Sugar |
enne (ಎಣ್ಣೆ) | Oil |
akki (ಅಕ್ಕಿ) | Rice (raw) |
anna (ಅನ್ನ) | Rice (cooked) |
hittu / pudi / hudi (ಹಿಟ್ಟು / ಪುಡಿ / ಹುಡಿ) | Flour |
bele (ಬೇಳೆ) | Lentils / Dal |
bella (ಬೆಲ್ಲ) | Jaggery |
Other Household Items
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
batte (ಬಟ್ಟೆ) | Cloth / Dress |
ondu chamacha mattu tatte tagondu baa (ಒಂದು ಚಮಚ ಮತ್ತು ತಟ್ಟೆ ತಗೊಂಡು ಬಾ)
means Bring a spoon and a plate.
Chapter 13
Relationships
Family words you'll use constantly once people start asking about your home.
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
amma (ಅಮ್ಮ) | Mother / Mom |
appa (ಅಪ್ಪ) | Father / Dad |
anna (ಅಣ್ಣ) | Elder brother |
akka (ಅಕ್ಕ) | Elder sister |
tamma (ತಮ್ಮ) | Younger brother |
tangi (ತಂಗಿ) | Younger sister |
ajja / thaatha (ಅಜ್ಜ / ಥಾತ) | Grandfather (paternal or maternal) |
ajji (ಅಜ್ಜಿ) | Grandmother (paternal or maternal) |
ganda (ಗಂಡ) | Husband |
hendati (ಹೆಂಡತಿ) | Wife |
maga (ಮಗ) | Son |
magalu (ಮಗಳು) | Daughter |
chikkappa (ಚಿಕ್ಕಪ್ಪ) | Uncle |
chikkamma (ಚಿಕ್ಕಮ್ಮ) | Aunt |
maava (ಮಾವ) | Father-in-law |
atte (ಅತ್ತೆ) | Mother-in-law |
snehita / geleya (ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ / ಗೆಳೆಯ) | Friend (male) |
snehite / gelati (ಸ್ನೇಹಿತೆ / ಗೆಳತಿ) | Friend (female) |
ivanu nanna anna (ಇವನು ನನ್ನ ಅಣ್ಣ)
means This is my elder brother.
Chapter 14
Prepositions
Words that describe where something is — on, under, near, behind, and more — using objects already familiar from Common Things.
| Kannada | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
mele (ಮೇಲೆ) | On / Above / Up | pustaka mejina mele ide (ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಮೇಜಿನ ಮೇಲೆ ಇದೆ) The book is on the table |
kelage (ಕೆಳಗೆ) | Below / Down | chila kurchiya kelage ide (ಚೀಲ ಕುರ್ಚಿಯ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಇದೆ) The bag is below the chair |
edakke (ಎಡಕ್ಕೆ) | To the left of | gadiyaara baagilina edakke ide (ಗಡಿಯಾರ ಬಾಗಿಲಿನ ಎಡಕ್ಕೆ ಇದೆ) The clock is to the left of the door |
balakke (ಬಲಕ್ಕೆ) | To the right of | baagilu kitakiya balakke ide (ಬಾಗಿಲು ಕಿಟಕಿಯ ಬಲಕ್ಕೆ ಇದೆ) The door is to the right of the window |
munde (ಮುಂದೆ) | In front of | kaaru maneya munde ide (ಕಾರು ಮನೆಯ ಮುಂದೆ ಇದೆ) The car is in front of the house |
hinde (ಹಿಂದೆ) | Behind | tota maneya hinde ide (ತೋಟ ಮನೆಯ ಹಿಂದೆ ಇದೆ) The garden is behind the house |
madhya (ಮಧ್ಯ) | In between | kurchi eradu mejugala madhya ide (ಕುರ್ಚಿ ಎರಡು ಮೇಜುಗಳ ಮಧ್ಯ ಇದೆ) The chair is between the two tables |
olage (ಒಳಗೆ) | Inside | akki dabbada olage ide (ಅಕ್ಕಿ ಡಬ್ಬದ ಒಳಗೆ ಇದೆ) The rice is inside the box |
horage (ಹೊರಗೆ) | Outside | chila maneya horage ide (ಚೀಲ ಮನೆಯ ಹೊರಗೆ ಇದೆ) The bag is outside the house |
illi (ಇಲ್ಲಿ) | Here | naanu illi iddene (ನಾನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಇದ್ದೇನೆ) I am here |
alli (ಅಲ್ಲಿ) | There | pustaka alli ide (ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೆ) The book is there |
ee kade (ಈ ಕಡೆ) | This side | dayavittu ee kade banni (ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಈ ಕಡೆ ಬನ್ನಿ) Please come this side |
aa kade (ಆ ಕಡೆ) | That side | angadi aa kade ide (ಅಂಗಡಿ ಆ ಕಡೆ ಇದೆ) The shop is that side |
hattira (ಹತ್ತಿರ) | Near | angadi nanna maneya hattira ide (ಅಂಗಡಿ ನನ್ನ ಮನೆಯ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಇದೆ) The shop is near my house |
doora (ದೂರ) | Far | shaale maneyinda doora ide (ಶಾಲೆ ಮನೆಯಿಂದ ದೂರ ಇದೆ) The school is far from the house |
Chapter 15
Conjunctions
Small connector words that link ideas together — and, but, or, because — so you can speak in longer, more natural sentences.
| Kannada | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
mattu (ಮತ್ತು) | And | akki mattu haalu (ಅಕ್ಕಿ ಮತ್ತು ಹಾಲು) Rice and milk |
aadare (ಆದರೆ) | But | naanu hoguttene, aadare neenu illa (ನಾನು ಹೋಗುತ್ತೇನೆ, ಆದರೆ ನೀನು ಇಲ್ಲ) I will go, but you won't |
athavaa (ಅಥವಾ) | Or | chaha athavaa coffee? (ಚಹಾ ಅಥವಾ ಕಾಫಿ?) Tea or coffee? |
ekendare (ಏಕೆಂದರೆ) | Because | naanu baralilla, ekendare male bantu (ನಾನು ಬರಲಿಲ್ಲ, ಏಕೆಂದರೆ ಮಳೆ ಬಂತು) I didn't come because it rained |
addarinda / adakkoskara / haagaagi (ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ / ಅದಕ್ಕೋಸ್ಕರ / ಹಾಗಾಗಿ) | So / Therefore / Hence | male bantu, addarinda naanu baralilla (ಮಳೆ ಬಂತು, ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ನಾನು ಬರಲಿಲ್ಲ) It rained, so I didn't come |
kooda (ಕೂಡ) | Also / Too | naanu kooda baruttene (ನಾನು ಕೂಡ ಬರುತ್ತೇನೆ) I will come too |
aadaroo (ಆದರೂ) | Although / Even so | male bantu, aadaroo naanu hode (ಮಳೆ ಬಂತು, ಆದರೂ ನಾನು ಹೋದೆ) It rained, but I went anyway |
Chapter 16
Wishes & Greetings
Warm words for the right moment — morning greetings, birthdays, festivals, and well wishes.
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
shubhodaya (ಶುಭೋದಯ) | Good morning |
shubha madhyaahna (ಶುಭ ಮಧ್ಯಾಹ್ನ) | Good afternoon |
shubha sanje (ಶುಭ ಸಂಜೆ) | Good evening |
shubha raatri (ಶುಭ ರಾತ್ರಿ) | Good night |
huttuhabbada shubhashayagalu (ಹುಟ್ಟುಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು) | Happy birthday |
hosa varshada shubhashayagalu (ಹೊಸ ವರ್ಷದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು) | Happy New Year |
ugadi habbada shubhashayagalu (ಯುಗಾದಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು) | Happy Ugadi (Kannada New Year) |
deepaavali habbada shubhashayagalu (ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು) | Happy Diwali |
swaatantrya dinaacharaneya shubhashayagalu (ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ದಿನಾಚರಣೆಯ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು) | Happy Independence Day |
ganarajyotsavada shubhashayagalu (ಗಣರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು) | Happy Republic Day |
abhinandanegalu (ಅಭಿನಂದನೆಗಳು) | Congratulations |
shubhavaagali (ಶುಭವಾಗಲಿ) | Best wishes / All the best |
bega gunamukharaagi (ಬೇಗ ಗುಣಮುಖರಾಗಿ) | Get well soon |
vivaaha vaarshikotsavada shubhashayagalu (ವಿವಾಹ ವಾರ್ಷಿಕೋತ್ಸವದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು) | Happy anniversary |
swaagata (ಸ್ವಾಗತ) | Welcome |
jopaana (ಜೋಪಾನ) | Take care |
prayaana shubhavaagali (ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಶುಭವಾಗಲಿ) | Have a safe journey |
dhanyavaadagalu (ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು) | Thank you |
Chapter 17
Day-to-Day Sentences
Short, practical sentences for the market, the road, shopping, and school or office — the kind of Kannada you'll actually reach for.
Market & Shopping
idu eshtu?
(ಇದು ಎಷ್ಟು?)
How much does this cost?
dayavittu discount kodi
(ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಡಿಸ್ಕೌಂಟ್ ಕೊಡಿ)
Please give me a discount
nanage idu beku
(ನನಗೆ ಇದು ಬೇಕು)
I want this
idu bere bannadalli ideyaa?
(ಇದು ಬೇರೆ ಬಣ್ಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೆಯಾ?)
Do you have this in another color?
billing counter ellide?
(ಬಿಲ್ಲಿಂಗ್ ಕೌಂಟರ್ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ?)
Where is the billing counter?
dayavittu pack maadi
(ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಪ್ಯಾಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ)
Please pack it
On the Road
bus nildaana ellide?
(ಬಸ್ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ?)
Where is the bus stop?
edakke tirugi
(ಎಡಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿ)
Turn left
balakke tirugi
(ಬಲಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿ)
Turn right
neravaagi hogi
(ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಹೋಗಿ)
Go straight
nanage daari gottilla
(ನನಗೆ ದಾರಿ ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ)
I don't know the way
neevu nanage sahaaya maadtheeraa?
(ನೀವು ನನಗೆ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡ್ತೀರಾ?)
Can you help me?
School & Office
naanu office-ge hoguttiddene
(ನಾನು ಆಫೀಸಿಗೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ)
I am going to the office
naanu olage barabahude?
(ನಾನು ಒಳಗೆ ಬರಬಹುದೇ?)
May I come in?
dayavittu ondu nimisha kaayiri
(ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಒಂದು ನಿಮಿಷ ಕಾಯಿರಿ)
Please wait a minute
illi tumba jana iddare
(ಇಲ್ಲಿ ತುಂಬಾ ಜನ ಇದ್ದಾರೆ)
It's very crowded here
washroom ellide?
(ವಾಶ್ರೂಮ್ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ?)
Where is the washroom?
angadi eshtu gantege tereyuttade?
(ಅಂಗಡಿ ಎಷ್ಟು ಗಂಟೆಗೆ ತೆರೆಯುತ್ತದೆ?)
What time does the shop open?
Greetings & Small Talk
ellarigu shubhodaya
(ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಶುಭೋದಯ)
Good morning to all
hegiddeeraa?
(ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?)
How are you? (respectful)
tindi aayitaa?
(ತಿಂಡಿ ಆಯಿತಾ?)
Have you had breakfast?
oota aayitaa?
(ಊಟ ಆಯಿತಾ?)
Have you had your meal?
neenu enu maaduttiddeeyaa?
(ನೀನು ಏನು ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?)
What are you doing? (informal)
naanu kelasa maaduttiddene
(ನಾನು ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ)
I am working
naanu aduge maaduttiddene
(ನಾನು ಅಡುಗೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ)
I am cooking
illi banni
(ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಬನ್ನಿ)
Come here (respectful)
naanu baruttiddene
(ನಾನು ಬರುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ)
I am coming
neevu baruttheeraa?
(ನೀವು ಬರುತ್ತೀರಾ?)
Are you coming?
Chapter 18
Pronunciation: The Two "La" Sounds
Kannada has two different consonants that both get written as "la" in simple transliteration, but they sound distinct and can completely change a word's meaning.
ಲ (la) is a soft, regular "l" — like the "l" in the English word "love."
ಳ (ḷa) is a retroflex "l" — the tongue curls back and touches higher up on the roof of the mouth. English doesn't really have this sound, but it's common across South Indian languages.
ಳ (ḷa) is a retroflex "l" — the tongue curls back and touches higher up on the roof of the mouth. English doesn't really have this sound, but it's common across South Indian languages.
Hear the Difference
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
aala (soft la) (ಆಲ) | Banyan tree |
aaLa (retroflex la) (ಆಳ) | Deep / a laborer |
bele (soft la) (ಬೆಲೆ) | Price |
bēḷe (retroflex la) (ಬೇಳೆ) | Lentils / Dal |
Don't worry about getting this perfect right away — even a slightly "wrong" la is usually still understood from context. But if a word ever gets a confused reaction, this is often why!
Chapter 19
Kannada Script — Reading & Writing
Everything so far has been about speaking. This chapter is about the script itself — the vowels, consonants, and combination signs that let you read and write Kannada. The full alphabet (vowels + consonants together) is called varnamale (ವರ್ಣಮಾಲೆ).
Vowels — ಸ್ವರಗಳು (Swaragalu)
| Kannada | Sound |
|---|---|
a (ಅ) | a (short) |
aa (ಆ) | aa (long) |
i (ಇ) | i (short) |
ee (ಈ) | ee (long) |
u (ಉ) | u (short) |
oo (ಊ) | oo (long) |
ru (ಋ) | ru |
e (ಎ) | e (short) |
ae (ಏ) | ae (long e) |
ai (ಐ) | ai |
o (ಒ) | o (short) |
oa (ಓ) | oa (long o) |
au (ಔ) | au |
am (ಅಂ) | am (anusvara — nasal sound) |
aha (ಅಃ) | aha (visarga — breathy sound) |
Consonants — ವ್ಯಂಜನಗಳು (Vyanjanagalu)
Consonants are grouped by where the tongue touches when you say them — this is exactly how they're taught in Kannada schools. Capital letters below (Ta, Da, Na...) mark the retroflex sounds, where the tongue curls back; lowercase marks the regular dental sounds.
Ka Group
| Kannada | Sound |
|---|---|
ka (ಕ) | ka |
kha (ಖ) | kha |
ga (ಗ) | ga |
gha (ಘ) | gha |
nga (ಙ) | nga |
Cha Group
| Kannada | Sound |
|---|---|
cha (ಚ) | cha |
chha (ಛ) | chha |
ja (ಜ) | ja |
jha (ಝ) | jha |
nya (ಞ) | nya |
Ta Group (retroflex)
| Kannada | Sound |
|---|---|
Ta (ಟ) | Ta |
Tha (ಠ) | Tha |
Da (ಡ) | Da |
Dha (ಢ) | Dha |
Na (ಣ) | Na |
ta Group (dental)
| Kannada | Sound |
|---|---|
ta (ತ) | ta |
tha (ಥ) | tha |
da (ದ) | da |
dha (ಧ) | dha |
na (ನ) | na |
Pa Group
| Kannada | Sound |
|---|---|
pa (ಪ) | pa |
pha (ಫ) | pha |
ba (ಬ) | ba |
bha (ಭ) | bha |
ma (ಮ) | ma |
Semivowels & Others
| Kannada | Sound |
|---|---|
ya (ಯ) | ya |
ra (ರ) | ra |
la (ಲ) | la |
va (ವ) | va |
sha (ಶ) | sha |
Sha (ಷ) | Sha (retroflex) |
sa (ಸ) | sa |
ha (ಹ) | ha |
La (ಳ) | La (retroflex — see Chapter 18) |
ksha (ಕ್ಷ) | ksha (ಕ + ಷ combined) |
jna (ಜ್ಞ) | jna (ಜ + ಞ combined) |
Vowel Signs — ಗುಣಿತಾಕ್ಷರ (Gunithakshara)
Every consonant already carries a hidden "a" sound. To make a different vowel sound, you attach a small mark — a vowel sign — to the consonant instead of writing the vowel separately. Here's the full set shown on ka (ಕ) as a worked example — the same signs attach the same way to every other consonant.
| Kannada | Sound |
|---|---|
ka (ಕ) | ka (no sign — the hidden "a") |
kaa (ಕಾ) | kaa |
ki (ಕಿ) | ki |
kee (ಕೀ) | kee |
ku (ಕು) | ku |
koo (ಕೂ) | koo |
kru (ಕೃ) | kru |
ke (ಕೆ) | ke |
kae (ಕೇ) | kae |
kai (ಕೈ) | kai |
ko (ಕೊ) | ko |
koa (ಕೋ) | koa |
kau (ಕೌ) | kau |
kam (ಕಂ) | kam |
kaha (ಕಃ) | kaha |
Conjunct Consonants — ಒತ್ತಕ್ಷರ (Ottakshara)
When two consonants sit together with no vowel between them, the first one drops its hidden "a" and attaches directly under the second, forming a compact conjunct. You've already been reading these without realizing it — words like ಅಕ್ಕ and ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ both use one.
| Conjunct | Example word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
kka (ಕ್ಕ) | akka (ಅಕ್ಕ) | Elder sister |
lla (ಳ್ಳ) | eerulli (ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ) | Onion |
sta (ಸ್ತ) | namaste (ನಮಸ್ತೆ) | Hello / greetings |
dda (ದ್ದ) | maddu (ಮದ್ದು) | Medicine |
nna (ನ್ನ) | chinna (ಚಿನ್ನ) | Gold |
ksha (ಕ್ಷ) | pariksha (ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ) | Exam |
jna (ಜ್ಞ) | jnana (ಜ್ಞಾನ) | Knowledge |
Kannada Numerals — ಅಂಕಿಗಳು (Ankigalu)
These are the digit symbols used in writing — different from the number words you learned in Chapter 4.
| Digit | Value |
|---|---|
೦ | 0 |
೧ | 1 |
೨ | 2 |
೩ | 3 |
೪ | 4 |
೫ | 5 |
೬ | 6 |
೭ | 7 |
೮ | 8 |
೯ | 9 |
Chapter 20
Grammar — Noun Cases
Kannada builds meaning by changing the ending of a pronoun or noun, instead of adding separate words like English does. These endings are called cases (vibhakti in Kannada grammar). Here is "I" and "we" shown across six common cases.
Singular — "I" (Naanu)
| Kannada | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
naanu (ನಾನು) | I — the subject | naanu office-ge hoguttene (ನಾನು ಆಫೀಸಿಗೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತೇನೆ) I go to the office |
nannannu (ನನ್ನನ್ನು) | Me — the object | avaru nannannu karedaru (ಅವರು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕರೆದರು) They called me |
nanninda (ನನ್ನಿಂದ) | By me / from me | idu nanninda aagalilla (ಇದು ನನ್ನಿಂದ ಆಗಲಿಲ್ಲ) This couldn't be done by me |
nanage (ನನಗೆ) | To me | dayavittu nanage kodi (ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ನನಗೆ ಕೊಡಿ) Please give it to me |
nanna (ನನ್ನ) | My | nanna hesaru Ajay (ನನ್ನ ಹೆಸರು ಅಜಯ್) My name is Ajay |
nannalli (ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ) | With me / I have | hana nannalli ide (ಹಣ ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೆ) I have the money |
Plural — "We" (Naavu)
| Kannada | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
naavu (ನಾವು) | We — the subject | naavu sanje sigona (ನಾವು ಸಂಜೆ ಸಿಗೋಣ) Let's meet in the evening |
nammannu (ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು) | Us — the object | avaru nammannu manege karedaru (ಅವರು ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಮನೆಗೆ ಕರೆದರು) They invited us home |
namminda (ನಮ್ಮಿಂದ) | By us / from us | idu namminda aaguttade (ಇದು ನಮ್ಮಿಂದ ಆಗುತ್ತದೆ) This can be done by us |
namage (ನಮಗೆ) | To us | idannu namage kalisi (ಇದನ್ನು ನಮಗೆ ಕಳಿಸಿ) Please send this to us |
namma (ನಮ್ಮ) | Our | namma mane bengaluralli ide (ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೆ) Our house is in Bengaluru |
nammalli (ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ) | With us / we have | samaya nammalli ide (ಸಮಯ ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೆ) We have time |
More chapters are on the way — we'll keep adding new words, phrases, and little tips as we go, so check back often.
Right now, it might feel like all you can say is "Kannad gottilla" — "I don't know Kannad." Keep coming back a little at a time, and one day soon, you'll get to say it with a smile: "Nange Kannada gottu" — "I know Kannada."