What Are Interrogative Words?
Interrogative words are words used to ask questions. They are fundamental in all languages and serve as the building blocks for gathering information. In Kannada, just like in English, interrogative words often begin questions and help clarify details such as who, what, where, when, why, and how.
The Most Common Interrogative Words in Kannada
Let’s look at the core question words you will encounter and use frequently in everyday Kannada conversation:
1. ಯಾರು (Yāru) – Who
This word is used when asking about a person or people. For example:
- ಯಾರು ಬಂತು? (Yāru bantu?) – Who came?
- ಅವರು ಯಾರು? (Avaru yāru?) – Who are they?
2. ಏನು (Ēnu) – What
Use this word when you want to inquire about things or actions. For example:
- ನೀವು ಏನು ಮಾಡುತ್ತೀರಿ? (Nīvu ēnu māḍuttīri?) – What are you doing?
- ಇದು ಏನು? (Idu ēnu?) – What is this?
3. ಎಲ್ಲಿ (Elli) – Where
This word is used for asking about places or locations. For example:
- ನೀವು ಎಲ್ಲಿದ್ದೀರಾ? (Nīvu elliddīrā?) – Where are you?
- ಅವರು ಎಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ? (Avaru ellige hōgiddāre?) – Where did they go?
4. ಯಾವಾಗ (Yāvāga) – When
Use this to ask about time or occasions. For example:
- ನೀವು ಯಾವಾಗ ಬರುವಿರಿ? (Nīvu yāvāga baruvīri?) – When will you come?
- ಪಾರ್ಟಿ ಯಾವಾಗ ಇದೆ? (Pārṭi yāvāga ide?) – When is the party?
5. ಏಕೆ (Ēke) – Why
This interrogative word is used to ask for reasons or explanations. For example:
- ನೀವು ಏಕೆ ಹೋದಿರಿ? (Nīvu ēke hōdiri?) – Why did you go?
- ಅದು ಏಕೆ ಅಗತ್ಯ? (Adu ēke agatya?) – Why is that necessary?
6. ಹೇಗೆ (Hēge) – How
Use this to ask about manner, method, or condition. For example:
- ನೀವು ಹೇಗೆ ಇದ್ದೀರಿ? (Nīvu hēge iddīri?) – How are you?
- ಇದು ಹೇಗೆ ಮಾಡುವುದು? (Idu hēge māḍuvudu?) – How do you do this?
7. ಯಾವುದು (Yāvudu) – Which
This helps specify a particular item or choice among many. For example:
- ಯಾವುದು ನಿಮ್ಮದು? (Yāvudu nimmadu?) – Which one is yours?
- ನೀವು ಯಾವುದು ಆಯ್ಕೆಮಾಡುತ್ತೀರಿ? (Nīvu yāvudu āyke māḍuttīri?) – Which do you choose?
Tips for Practicing Interrogative Words in Kannada
- Practice with native speakers: Engaging in real conversations helps reinforce your understanding of question words.
- Use language learning tools: Platforms like Talkpal offer AI-powered practice to help you use interrogative words in context.
- Make flashcards: Write the Kannada word on one side and the English meaning on the other to test yourself regularly.
- Try forming your own questions: Start with simple sentences and gradually make them more complex as you gain confidence.
Conclusion
Learning interrogative words is a crucial step toward fluency in Kannada. These words unlock the ability to ask questions, clarify doubts, and engage meaningfully with others in daily life. By practicing these common question words and incorporating them into your conversations, you will quickly become more comfortable and effective in your Kannada communication. For more tips, resources, and interactive exercises on mastering Kannada, visit Talkpal – your AI language learning companion.
