Learning Kannada, one of the classical languages of India, is an enriching experience that becomes even more interesting when you delve into the specifics of local expressions of time and date. Here, we will discuss some of the key words and phrases related to time and date in Kannada, complete with definitions and examples to enhance your understanding and help you sound like a native speaker.

ವರ್ಷ (Varsha) – Year
In Kannada, the word for year is “Varsha”. This term is derived from the ancient language of Sanskrit, which has influenced many Indian languages.
ಈ ವರ್ಷ ನಾನು ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರವಾಸ ಮಾಡುವೆ. (This year I will travel to India.)

ತಿಂಗಳು (Tingalu) – Month
“Tingalu” refers to the concept of a month in Kannada. Each month, as per the Gregorian calendar, has its own name in Kannada which often reflects the cultural and agricultural practices of the region.
ನನ್ನ ಹುಟ್ಟುಹಬ್ಬ ಈ ತಿಂಗಳು ಬರುತ್ತದೆ. (My birthday is coming this month.)

ದಿನ (Dina) – Day
The word “Dina” represents a day in Kannada, an essential unit of time. Daily activities and routines are often planned according to dinachari, or daily schedule.
ನಾಳೆ ನಾವು ಸಿನಿಮಾಗೆ ಹೋಗೋಣ. (Tomorrow we will go to a movie.)

ಸಮಯ (Samaya) – Time
“Samaya” means time in Kannada. It is used to ask or tell the time of the day, similar to the English ‘What time is it?’ or ‘It’s 3 o’clock.’
ಈಗ ಏನು ಸಮಯ? (What is the time now?)

ವಾರ (Vaara) – Week
The concept of a week in Kannada is expressed as “Vaara”. Each day of the week has its own Kannada name, usually associated with celestial bodies and gods from Hindu mythology.
ಮುಂದಿನ ವಾರ ನಾನು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಮಾಡುವೆ. (Next week I will travel to Bangalore.)

ಘಂಟೆ (Ghante) – Hour
“Hour” in Kannada is called “Ghante.” Kannadigas use this term to discuss time in terms of hours, be it for work hours, entertainment, or travel plans.
ನಾನು ದಿನಕ್ಕೆ ಎಂಟು ಘಂಟೆ ಕೆಲಸಮಾಡುವೆ. (I work eight hours a day.)

ನಿಮಿಷ (Nimisha) – Minute
“Nimisha” means minute in Kannada. It is a smaller measurement of time that is often used in day-to-day conversations to specify duration more precisely.
ನಾನು ಐದು ನಿಮಿಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುತ್ತೇನೆ. (I will come in five minutes.)

ಕ್ಷಣ (Kshana) – Moment/Second
A very brief unit of time, a moment or a second, is referred to as “Kshana” in Kannada. It is often used to express brief moments in time or highlight quick actions.
ಒಂದು ಕ್ಷಣ ಕಾಯಿರಿ, ನಾನು ಈಗ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಬಹಳ ಬ್ಯುಸಿ ಇದ್ದೇನೆ. (Wait a moment, I am a little busy right now.)

ದೊಡ್ಡ ದಿನ (Dodda Dina) – Date
When you’re specifically speaking about the date in Kannada, you would refer to it as “Dodda Dina.” This is useful when making appointments or talking about significant events.
ನೀನು ಯಾವ ದೊಡ್ಡ ದಿನ ಬರುತ್ತೀಯ? (Which date will you come?)

ನಾಳೆ (Naale) – Tomorrow
“Naale” is the Kannada word for tomorrow, a term used when planning or discussing future events that are to occur the next day.
ನಾಳೆ ನಾನು ಮನೆಗೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತೇನೆ. (I will go home tomorrow.)

ನಿನ್ನೆ (Ninne) – Yesterday
The past is just as important as the future, and the Kannada word for yesterday is “Ninne.” It’s used when recalling events that have already occurred.
ನಿನ್ನೆ ನಾನು ಲೈಬ್ರರಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದೆ. (Yesterday I went to the library.)

By incorporating these expressions of time and date into your Kannada vocabulary, you’ll be able to converse more fluidly about schedules, plans, and past events with native speakers. The key to mastering these terms is regular practice and exposure to the language, so try using these words in your daily life as you continue to learn and embrace the beautiful Kannada language.