Traveling to Karnataka in India? Knowing some simple phrases in Kannada, the local language, can greatly enhance your travel experience. Here are some essential Kannada phrases that every tourist should learn to navigate the beautiful landscapes and cultures of Karnataka.

Namaskara – Hello
A traditional and respectful way to greet anyone in Karnataka.
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಿ? (Namaskara, hegiddeeri?) – Hello, how are you?

Dhanyavadagalu – Thank you
Express gratitude with this word. It’s polite and widely appreciated.
ನನ್ನ ಸಹಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು. (Nanna sahaayakke dhanyavadagalu.) – Thank you for your help.

Yeshtu – How much?
When shopping or using services, knowing how to ask the price is essential.
ಈ ಉಡುಗೊರೆಯ ಬೆಲೆ ಎಷ್ಟು? (Ee udugoreya bele yeshtu?) – How much is this gift?

Kshamisi – Sorry/Excuse me
Whether you’re apologizing or getting someone’s attention, ‘kshamisi’ is the word to use.
ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ, ನಾನು ಅದನ್ನು ತಡೆಯಲು ಮಾಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ. (Kshamisi, naanu adannu tadeyalu maadidene.) – Excuse me, I made a mistake.

Ellide? – Where is…?
Asking for directions is much easier if you know this phrase.
ಹೋಟೆಲ್ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ? (Hotel ellide?) – Where is the hotel?

Hegiddeera? – How are you?
A friendly question to ask any local person you meet.
ಸಂಜೆ ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಿ? (Sanje hegiddeeri?) – How are you this evening?

Hoda Bartaane? – Will you come?
When inviting someone or making plans, use this phrase.
ನೀವು ನನಗೆ ಜೊತೆಗಾರರಾಗಿ ಹೋಗ ಬರ್ತಾನೇ? (Neevu nanage jothegaaragi hoda bartaane?) – Will you come with me as my companion?

Nanna hesaru… – My name is…
Introduce yourself using this simple sentence structure.
ನನ್ನ ಹೆಸರು ಜಾನ್. (Nanna hesaru John.) – My name is John.

Sweekarisi – Please accept
Used when offering something to someone or giving a compliment.
ಈ ಸಣ್ಣ ಉಡುಗೊರೆಯನ್ನು ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಿ. (Ee sanna udugoreyannu sweekarisi.) – Please accept this small gift.

Aaytu – Okay/Agreed
A way to agree or show that you understand something.
ನಾನು ಅದನ್ನು ಮಾಡಲು ಆಯ್ತು. (Naanu adannu maadalu aaytu.) – It’s okay for me to do that.

Sahayamadi – Help
Use this word when you need assistance.
ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಸಹಾಯಮಾಡಿ! (Dayavittu sahayamadi!) – Please help!

Hege Iri – Take care
When parting ways with someone, use this phrase to show you care.
ನೀವು ಹೋಗುವಾಗ ಹೇಗೆ ಇರಿ. (Neevu hoguvaaga hege iri.) – Take care when you leave.

Matte Sigona – See you again
Say goodbye with this friendly and hopeful expression.
ನಾನು ಮರುಪೆಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಬರುತ್ತೇನೆ, ಮತ್ತೆ ಸಿಗೋಣ. (Naanu marupettige baruttene, matte sigona.) – I will return, see you again.

Knowing these essential Kannada phrases will not only make your trip smoother but also help you connect with the local population on a more personal level. Every effort you make to speak Kannada is likely to be met with smiles and appreciation from the friendly people of Karnataka. Bon voyage and happy learning!