Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging. Kannada, a Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Karnataka, is no exception. If you are at the A2 level, you have likely already grasped the basics and are ready to expand your vocabulary to enhance your conversational skills. This article aims to provide you with 50 essential words that are crucial for everyday communication in Kannada. These words will help you navigate various situations, from simple greetings to more complex interactions.
Greetings and Basic Phrases
1. Namaskara (ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ) – Hello
2. Hegiddira (ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರ) – How are you?
3. Dhanyavadagalu (ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು) – Thank you
4. Dayavittu (ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು) – Please
5. Yenoo (ಏನು) – What?
Numbers
6. Ondu (ಒಂದು) – One
7. Eradu (ಎರಡು) – Two
8. Mooru (ಮೂರು) – Three
9. Naalku (ನಾಲ್ಕು) – Four
10. Aidu (ಐದು) – Five
Days of the Week
11. Bhanuvara (ಭಾನುವಾರ) – Sunday
12. Somavara (ಸೋಮವಾರ) – Monday
13. Mangalavara (ಮಂಗಳವಾರ) – Tuesday
14. Budhavara (ಬುಧವಾರ) – Wednesday
15. Guruvara (ಗುರುವಾರ) – Thursday
16. Shukravara (ಶುಕ್ರವಾರ) – Friday
17. Shanivara (ಶನಿವಾರ) – Saturday
Common Verbs
18. Maadu (ಮಾಡು) – Do
19. Ba (ಬಾ) – Come
20. Hogu (ಹೋಗು) – Go
21. Kudi (ಕುಡಿ) – Drink
22. Tinnu (ತಿನ್ನು) – Eat
Family Members
23. Thande (ತಂದೆ) – Father
24. Thayi (ತಾಯಿ) – Mother
25. Anna (ಅಣ್ಣ) – Elder Brother
26. Thangi (ತಂಗಿ) – Younger Sister
27. Ajja (ಅಜ್ಜ) – Grandfather
Common Adjectives
28. Dodda (ದೊಡ್ಡ) – Big
29. Chikka (ಚಿಕ್ಕ) – Small
30. Sanna (ಸಣ್ಣ) – Little
31. Olle (ಒಳ್ಳೆ) – Good
32. Ketta (ಕೆಟ್ಟ) – Bad
Directions
33. Yede (ಎಡೆ) – Left
34. Balu (ಬಲ) – Right
35. Munde (ಮುಂದು) – Forward
36. Hinde (ಹಿಂದೆ) – Backward
37. Mel (ಮೇಲ) – Up
Time Expressions
38. Indu (ಇಂದು) – Today
39. Nale (ನಾಳೆ) – Tomorrow
40. Ninne (ನಿನ್ನೆ) – Yesterday
41. Beligge (ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ) – Morning
42. Madyahana (ಮಧ್ಯಾಹ್ನ) – Afternoon
Common Nouns
43. Bhojana (ಭೋಜನ) – Food
44. Neeru (ನೀರು) – Water
45. Mane (ಮನೆ) – House
46. Hosa (ಹೊಸ) – New
47. Hale (ಹಳೆ) – Old
Questions and Interrogatives
48. Yelli (ಎಲ್ಲಿ) – Where?
49. Yake (ಯಾಕೆ) – Why?
50. Yavaga (ಯಾವಾಗ) – When?
Using These Words in Sentences
Now that you have familiarized yourself with these essential words, it’s time to see how they can be used in sentences. Understanding the context in which these words are used will help you get a better grasp of the language.
1. **Namaskara**: “Namaskara, hegiddira?” (Hello, how are you?)
2. **Dayavittu**: “Dayavittu, idanna kodu.” (Please, give this.)
3. **Yenoo**: “Nimage yenoo beku?” (What do you want?)
4. **Ondu**: “Ondu glass neeru kodi.” (Give me one glass of water.)
5. **Mangalavara**: “Mangalavara nanna janmadina.” (Tuesday is my birthday.)
6. **Maadu**: “Ninna kelasa maadu.” (Do your work.)
7. **Ba**: “Namma manege ba.” (Come to our house.)
8. **Hogu**: “Naanu collegige hoguttini.” (I am going to college.)
9. **Kudi**: “Neeru kudi.” (Drink water.)
10. **Tinnu**: “Bhojana tinnu.” (Eat food.)
11. **Thande**: “Nanna thande doctor.” (My father is a doctor.)
12. **Thayi**: “Nanna thayi mane yalli iddare.” (My mother is at home.)
13. **Dodda**: “Dodda mane idu.” (This is a big house.)
14. **Chikka**: “Chikka pustaka nanna hathira ide.” (I have a small book.)
15. **Yede**: “Yedege tirugu.” (Turn left.)
16. **Indu**: “Indu nanna nanna kelasa mugisuttini.” (Today, I will finish my work.)
17. **Nale**: “Nale naanu market hoguttini.” (Tomorrow, I will go to the market.)
18. **Bhojana**: “Bhojana tayaaru ide.” (The food is ready.)
19. **Yelli**: “Ninna pustaka yelli ide?” (Where is your book?)
20. **Yake**: “Ninu yake barlilla?” (Why didn’t you come?)
21. **Yavaga**: “Ninu yavaga baruttira?” (When will you come?)
Practical Tips for Learning Kannada
Understanding and memorizing these words is just the beginning. To truly master Kannada, here are some practical tips:
1. **Practice Regularly**: Consistency is key. Set aside time each day to practice speaking, reading, and writing in Kannada.
2. **Use Flashcards**: Create flashcards with the Kannada word on one side and the English translation on the other. This will help reinforce your memory.
3. **Watch Kannada Movies and Shows**: Immersing yourself in the language through movies and TV shows can significantly improve your listening skills and pronunciation.
4. **Engage in Conversations**: Try to converse with native Kannada speakers as much as possible. Real-life practice is invaluable.
5. **Join Language Groups**: Look for language exchange groups or online forums where you can practice Kannada with fellow learners.
6. **Use Language Apps**: There are several language learning apps specifically designed for Kannada. These can offer interactive exercises and quizzes to test your knowledge.
7. **Label Everyday Items**: Label items around your house in Kannada. This constant visual reminder will help reinforce vocabulary.
Conclusion
Learning a new language is a journey that requires patience, practice, and perseverance. By incorporating these 50 essential words into your vocabulary, you’ll be well on your way to achieving fluency in Kannada at the A2 level. Remember, the key to mastering any language is consistent practice and real-world application. So, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and keep practicing. Namaskara and happy learning!
