Learning a new language can be an exciting and enriching experience, and for those embarking on the journey of learning Kannada, starting with basic vocabulary is a great first step. Kannada is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the state of Karnataka in South India. Below, we explore some essential Kannada words that beginners can start incorporating into their daily conversations.

Namaste
Meaning: A greeting that translates to “Hello” or “Hi.”
Namaste, hegiddira?

Hegiddira?
Meaning: How are you?
Nanna hesaru Rita. Neevu hegiddira?

Chennagiddene
Meaning: I am fine.
Hegiddira? Chennagiddene, dhanyavadagalu.

Dhanyavadagalu
Meaning: Thank you.
Nimma sahayada elli, dhanyavadagalu.

Kshamisi
Meaning: Excuse me or Sorry.
Kshamisi, nanna puTTa bagege hogabeku.

Howdu
Meaning: Yes.
Neenu baruveya? Howdu, nA bAruttene.

Illa
Meaning: No.
Neevu oota mAdidakke illa?

Hesaru
Meaning: Name.
Nanna hesaru Suresh. Nimma hesaru enu?

Oota
Meaning: Meal/Food.
Oota maadona? Howdu, nAnu oota mAdutiddene.

Nanna
Meaning: My.
Idu nanna puSTaka.

Neevu
Meaning: You (respectful/formal).
Neevu yavaga baruve?

Neenu
Meaning: You (informal).
Neenu yAvAga manege bartIya?

Neevu/Nodu
Meaning: Look (imperative, respectful/formal).
Dayavittu neevu nodu, ahudhu sundara drishya.

Naanu
Meaning: I or me.
Naanu oota maduthiddene.

Hogu
Meaning: Go.
Manege hogu.

Baa
Meaning: Come.
Illi baa, maatanaadi.

Hannu
Meaning: Fruit.
Nanage hannu tinnalu ishta.

Haalu
Meaning: Milk
Haalu kudiyona? Howdu, naanu prati dinavu haalu kudiuttene.

These starters for Kannada vocabulary should help any beginner engage in simple conversations and help lay the foundation for more advanced language skills. Remember, practice is key to learning any new language, so don’t hesitate to use these words often. Uttama bhagyavagi kaliyiri (happy learning)!