When you visit Karnataka in India, shopping can be an exciting experience rich with a blend of traditional and modern. To make your shopping even more enjoyable, understanding some basic Kannada phrases can be very useful. This will not only help you connect with the local vendors but also could aid in getting a better deal through effective negotiations. Here’s a collection of Kannada phrases that will come handy during your shopping spree.

ಎಷ್ಟು? (Eṣṭu?)
– How much?
This question is essential when inquiring about the price of an item.
“ಈ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಒಡವೆ ಎಷ್ಟು?” (“Ī cinnada oḍave eṣṭu?”) – “How much is this gold jewelry?”

ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡಿ (Kaḍime māḍi)
– Reduce the price
Used when you are trying to negotiate the price down.
“ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು, ಬೆಲೆ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡಿ.” (“Dayaviṭṭu, bele kaḍime māḍi.”) – “Please, reduce the price.”

ನಿಮ್ಮ ಕೊನೆಯ ಬೆಲೆ ಏನು? (Nimma koneya bele ēnu?)
– What is your final price?
When you’ve gone back and forth and want to know the vendor’s last offer.
“ನಾನು ಇನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಕೊನೆಯ ಬೆಲೆ ಏನು?” (“Nānu innu hecchu kaḍime māḍuvudilla, nimma koneya bele ēnu?”) – “I won’t ask for more reduction, what is your final price?”

ಇದು ಬಹಳ ದುಬಾರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ (Idu bahaḷa dubāriyāgide)
– This is very expensive
Expressing that something is beyond reasonably priced to hint that you expect a better offer.
“ಈ ಉಡುಗೆ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ, ಆದರೆ ಇದು ಬಹಳ ದುಬಾರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ.” (“Ī uḍuge cennāgide, ādare idu bahaḷa dubāriyāgide.”) – “This dress looks nice, but it is very expensive.”

ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ಏನಾದರೂ ಬಂದಿದೆಯೇ? (Illi hosadāgi ēnādarū bandideyē?)
– Is there anything new that has come in?
Great for starting a conversation with the shopkeeper and may lead to discovering unique items.
“ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ಯಾವುದಾದರೂ ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಉಡುಗೆ ಬಂದಿದೆಯೇ?” (“Illi hosadāgi yāvudādarū cikka uḍuge bandideyē?”) – “Have any new small-sized dresses arrived here?”

ನನಗೆ ಬೇರೆ ಕಲರ್ ಇದೆಯಾ? (Nanage bere kalar idēyā?)
– Do you have another color?
When the item of interest is not in the desired color.
“ಈ ಚಪ್ಪಲಿ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ, ಆದರೆ ನನಗೆ ಬೇರೆ ಕಲರ್ ಇದೆಯಾ?” (“Ī cappali cennāgide, ādare nanage bere kalar idēyā?”) – “This sandal is good, but do you have it in another color?”

ಇದು ನಿಜವಾದ ಅಲ್ಲವಾ? (Idu nijavāda allavā?)
– Is this genuine?
Questioning the authenticity of a product.
“ಈ ಶಿಲ್ಪಕಲೆ ಸುಂದರವಾಗಿದೆ, ಇದು ನಿಜವಾದ ಚಿನ್ನವಲ್ಲವಾ?” (“Ī śilpakale sundaravāgide, idu nijavāda cinnavallavā?”) – “The craftwork is beautiful; is it real gold?”

ಹೌದು / ಇಲ್ಲ (Haudu / Illa)
– Yes / No
Simple affirmations or negations can be helpful in any shopping context.
“ನೀವು ಈ ಬೆಲೆಗೆ ಮಾರಲು ಸಿದ್ಧರಾಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ? ಹೌದು ಅಥವಾ ಇಲ್ಲ?” (“Nīvu ī belege māralu siddharāgiddīrā? Haudu athavā illa?”) – “Are you willing to sell it at this price? Yes or no?”

Armed with these useful Kannada phrases, you’re now ready to tackle the vibrant markets and shops of Karnataka with confidence. Remember that a smile and a polite attitude go a long way in any transaction. Happy shopping!