If you are moving to Bangalore for your new job or higher studies, we have got your back. Knowing some basic Kannada words will save your life here.
Whether it’s asking for directions or making new friends, you will be more confident after knowing these 30 simple Kannada words.
| Kannada | English |
|---|---|
| Kodu Hegiddera Yen Guru Yen Samachar Yen Channagidini Jaasti Naanu Meter rate koodthine Hogalla Shubha Dinagavali Namaskara Illa Nalle Yeshtu Baruthi Ninna hesarenu Kannada Gottilla Eevu Inglish mathanadutthida Yaaru Ninu Banni Hogu Kelsa Naanu Vilaasa Sari Keli Hidi Koli mari Kode | Give How are you? Hey bro, what’s up? What? I’m fine More I’ll pay by the meter Not going Have a good day! Hello No Tomorrow How much I know What is your name? I don’t understand Kannada Do you speak English? Who You Come Go Work Me Address Ok listen Hold Chicken Umbrella |
1. Yelli
It’s one of the most useful Kannada words. Why? Because you will never get lost if you know it. Suppose you want to go to Church Street and Google Maps isn’t working. Just ask, “ Yelli Churchstreet?” Someone will surely show you the way.
2. Kodu
Suppose you have visited the bank and forgotten to take your pen. Don’t worry. You can simply point to someone’s pen and politely tell them “Kodu”. They will surely solve your problem. This word is also super useful when you go grocery shopping. You might not know the Kanna name of every item. Just point towards it and say “Kodu.” The shopkeeper will get you instantly.
3. Hegiddera
It is one of the most common Kannada words. And it’s super useful too. You can use it with anyone from your boss to the delivery guy. They will be impressed with your politeness. Now you will no longer fumble for conversation starters. Just smile and say “Hegiddera” when you meet your new Kannada friend.
4. Yen Guru Yen Samachar
It is the most common phrase in Kannada. And you can impress your Kannadigan friends with it. Whether you are meeting your colleagues or having a chat with your friends, this phrase fits perfectly everywhere. However, it’s better not to use it with your office boss or a complete stranger. It’s only for informal situations.
5. Yen
You can’t miss it on the list of common Kannada words. It can be a savior in many situations. Suppose you want someone to repeat what they said. You can politely say”Yen”. They will surely understand your problem. You can also use this word when you can’t hear what the other person said.
6. Channagidini
When someone asks you Heigiderra ( how are you?), reply ‘Channagidini.’ You will get to hear this word a lot in your hostel or PG. Next time your landlord or office colleague asks you how you are, you know what to say.
7. Jaasti
It’s one of those simple words in Kannada that can help you in your daily life. Let’s say you are having your favorite food at a local restaurant. You can call the waiter and tell ‘Jaasti’ if you want more of the dish. You can also use this word when you go grocery shopping. For instance, if you want more rice or biscuits, this word will have your back.
8. Naanu Meter rate koodthine
This phrase in Kannada can be a life saver. Let’s say you are new to Bangalore and the auto driver tries to cheat you. You can simply tell him”Naanu meter rate kodthine!” He will understand it’s hard to fool you and not ask for extra charges. You may also need this phrase after months of living in the city.
9. Hogalla
What if your auto-rickshaw driver insists on paying extra? Just say ‘Hogalla’ and move on. ( Don’t worry. You will get another one). Let’s say you aren’t feeling like going to university. Call up your friend and say, “Hogalla University!” But don’t play a spoilsport by telling’hogalla’ when your friends are making a weekend plan!
10. Shubha Dinagavali
What to tell your roommate when you are leaving for the office? Just say “Shubha Dinagavali” to bring a smile on their face. You can also wish your office guard or colleagues with this Kannada phrase. The next time a random stranger helps you with directions on the road, you know what to say.
11. Namaskara
It is one of the basic Kannada words you should know. It’s super easy and can be used anywhere. Whether you are meeting your friend’s parents for the first time or wishio g your boss, Namaskara can do a great job.
12. Illa
This simple Kannada word can have several applications. When the waiter asks if you need any extra rice, say ‘illa’ if you don’t. Feeling lazy on a Sunday afternoon? Say ‘illa’ tp all your friends’ plans and enjoy your favorite TV show.
13. Nalle
When your boss asks when you will submit the presentation, you can tell ‘Nalle’ if you haven’t completed it yet. You can also use this word when your friend asks you out for a movie.
14. Yeshtu
It is one of the most useful Kannada words when you go to the market. Don’t forget to ask “Yeshtu?” before buying your fruits and vegetables. You can also use it at the grocery store. Let’s say you have gone to check out a new PG. This word will help you ask about the rent from the owner.
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15. Baruthi
Do you have that one annoying colleague who always gives lectures because you are an outsider? The next time they start explaining something you already know, just say “ Baruthi.” That will be enough to make them quiet. Also, use this word when your hostel warden asks if you are aware of the rules.
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16. Ninna hesarenu
This phrase is one of the Kannada language basics. You can use it while meeting anyone for the first time. Now you won’t fumble for words when a new Kannadiga guy joins your office. You can ask them their name just after greeting them with a “Namaskara!”
17. Kannada Gottilla
Even after knowing a list of Kannada words in English, you won’t understand a few things. That’s when this phrase will come to your rescue. When your colleague or roommate starts telling a long story in Kannada. Cut them short politely and say “ Kannada Gottilla.” That will make them realize their mistake. And they will surely tell you the story in Hindi or English.
18. Eevu Inglish mathanadutthida
No matter how many basic Kannada words you learn, you won’t be able to converse like a native. So, it’s better to ask this while talking with the locals. Otherwise, you might have to stand with a blank face. You can ask this just after telling “Kannada Gothilla” . They will try to use some other way to explain things to you even if they don’t speak English.
19. Yaaru
Let’s say it’s your first day at the office. And you want to know who the marketing manager is. You can simply ask the guy next to you “ Yaaru marketing manager?” Just make sure the person you are asking isn’t the marketing manager!
20. Ninu
This word can help you while having a one-to-one conversation with your friend. You might not want to use their name multiple times. You can also use it when your roommate asks, ‘Who will pay for the pizza?” Just make sure you don’t end up fighting.
21. Banni
When your colleagues want to visit your place, just say “Banni’. They will bring wide smiles to their faces. Also, don’t keep your hostel warden waiting at the door if they come to tell you something. Use this word to call them inside and offer a seat. ( if your room isn’t messy)
22. Hogu
Let’s say you are on a diet. But, your roommate is luring you with your favorite brownie! Just tell them to ‘hogu!’
23. Kelsa
You might have a lot of ‘kelsa’ at your office. Sadly, you can use this word to cancel your weekend plans with your friends.
24. Naanu
Knowing this Kannada word in English can be super helpful. When your boss asks for volunteers for an event, you can say ‘Naanu’ to impress them. Your team members might be looking for someone to help them with a project. Show your enthusiasm and say ’Naanu.’ They will be grateful.
25. Vilaasa
You won’t get lost on the streets if you know this word. Just point to the address on your phone and ask “ Yelli Vilaasa?” That means ‘Where’s the address?”
26. Sari
Use this word to show you agree with someone. Whether it’s your boss making an announcement or your friends making a plan, just say ‘Sari’! ( Of course, if you agree)
27. Keli
Suppose you have something important to discuss with your roommate. You can use this word to draw their attention.
28. Hidi
Let’s say you can’t find the keys after returning from work. You can ask your roommate to ‘hidi’ your phone while you search for the keys in your bag.
29. Koli mari
Now you know how to order your favorite chicken at your local restaurant! Your Kannadiga friends will be impressed with your vocabulary.
30. Kode
You can’t exclude it from your Kannada words list. You might have to use it during the rainy season. Let’s say you are at your friend’s place and it starts raining. You can ask for their ‘kode’ so that you can return home.
Knowing these basic Kannada language words will let you navigate the place with confidence. All the best!
