Learning a language involves getting to know the cultural and social nuances embedded within it, and an essential part of that is becoming familiar with the words used to describe family and relationships. When diving into Kannada, a language spoken predominantly in the state of Karnataka, India, understanding these terms can help you connect with native speakers on a personal level. Here are some Kannada words for family and relationships with their definitions and example sentences to enhance your vocabulary.

Kutumba
Kutumba means ‘family’ in Kannada, encompassing all immediate and extended family members.
Nanna kutumba ನನ್ನ ಕುಟುಂಬ ತುಂಬ ದೊಡ್ಡದು. (My family is very large.)

Tande
This word refers to ‘father’.
Nanna tandege ನನ್ನ ತಂದೆಗೆ ಇಂದು ವಯಸ್ಸಾಗಿದೆ. (My father is getting old today.)

Taayi
Taayi means ‘mother’ in Kannada.
Nanna taayi ನನ್ನ ತಾಯಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಶಕ್ತಿಶಾಲಿ ಮಹಿಳೆ. (My mother is a very strong woman.)

Maga
The word for ‘son’ in Kannada is maga.
Avala maga ಅವಳ ಮಗ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾನೆ. (Her son is learning Kannada well.)

MagaLu
MagaLu is the word used for ‘daughter’.
Avara magaLu ಅವರ ಮಗಳು ಖಾಲಿ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿತ್ರಕಲೆ ಕಲಿಯುತ್ತಾಳೆ. (Their daughter learns painting in her free time.)

Sahodara
It refers to ‘brother’.
Nanna sahodara ನನ್ನ ಸಹೋದರರನ್ನು ನಾನು ತುಂಬಾ ಪ್ರೀತಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. (I love my brothers very much.)

Sahodari
This is the Kannada word for ‘sister’.
Nanna sahodariyu ನನ್ನ ಸಹೋದರಿಯು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಸಿಸುತ್ತಾಳೆ. (My sister lives in Bangalore.)

Ajja
Ajja means ‘grandfather’ in Kannada.
Nanna ajja ನನ್ನ ಅಜ್ಜ ಹಳೆಯ ಕಥೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹೇಳಲು ಇಷ್ಟಪಡುತ್ತಾನೆ. (My grandfather likes to tell old stories.)

Ajji
The Kannada term for ‘grandmother’ is ajji.
Nanna ajjiyannu ನನ್ನ ಅಜ್ಜಿಯನ್ನು ನಾನು ತುಂಬಾ ಇಷ್ಟಪಡುತ್ತೇನೆ. (I adore my grandmother.)

Maava
This word means ‘uncle’ in Kannada and is specifically used to refer to the husband of your mother’s sister or father’s sister.
Nanna maava ನನ್ನ ಮಾವ ತುಂಬಾ ತಮಾಷೆಯ ಮನುಷ್ಯ. (My uncle is a very funny man.)

Atte
Atte is the Kannada word for ‘aunt’ and can be used for the wife of your mother’s brother or father’s brother.
Nanna atteya ನನ್ನ ಅತ್ತೆಯ ಅಡುಗೆ ತುಂಬಾ ರುಚಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. (My aunt’s cooking is very delicious.)

Sambandhi
Sambandhi refers to a ‘relative’ or ‘in-law’ in Kannada.
Nanna sambandhigalu ನನ್ನ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಗಳು ಈ ವಾರಾಂತ್ಯ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿಯಾಗಲು ಬರುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. (My relatives are coming to visit us this weekend.)

Ganda
Ganda means ‘husband’ in Kannada.
Avalina ganda ಅವಳಿನ ಗಂಡ ಮತ್ತು ಅವಳು ಸದಾ ಪಯಣದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ. (Her husband and she are always traveling.)

Hendathi
The term hendathi refers to ‘wife’.
Nanna hendathi ನನ್ನ ಹೆಂಡತಿ ಉದ್ಯೋಗಿನಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾಳೆ. (My wife is an employee.)

Putra
This is a poetic or formal term for ‘son’ in Kannada, which is often used in literary contexts.
Avala putra ಅವಳ ಪುತ್ರ ತುಂಬಾ ಪ್ರತಿಭಾವಂತ. (Her son is very talented.)

Putri
Similarly, putri is the poetic or formal term for ‘daughter’.
Avara putri ಅವರ ಪುತ್ರಿ ವಿದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಳೆ. (Their daughter is studying abroad.)

Grasping these key terms in Kannada brings you a step closer to understanding the familial framework of Kannadigas, the people who speak Kannada. Whether you are engaging in a conversation or delving into regional literature, this vocabulary will serve as a bridge towards deeper cultural immersion.