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!
