Language is not just a medium of communication but also a reflection of culture and society. One of the most interesting aspects of learning a new language is understanding how different occupations and professions are described. In Kannada, every profession has a unique term, and knowing them can be essential when interacting with native speakers or navigating through various job sectors in Karnataka. Below are some of the most common occupation terms in Kannada, accompanied by their definitions and usage in sentences.

Vaidya – A traditional term for doctor or physician in Kannada.
ನನ್ನ ಊರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹಳ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ವೈದ್ಯರು ಇದ್ದಾರೆ. (Nanna uurinalli bahaLa prasiddha vaidyaru iddaare.)
This means “There is a very famous physician in my town.”

Shikshaka – Teacher or educator.
ಅವರು ತುಂಬಾ ಅನುಭವಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು. (Avaru tumbaa anubhavi shikshakaru.)
In English, this states “They are very experienced teachers.”

Abhivridhi Adhikari – Development officer or official.
ಆಕೆ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಯಾಗಿ ದುಡಿಯುತ್ತಾರೆ. (Aake samudaayada abhivruddhi adhikaariyaagi duDiuyuttaare.)
Translated, it says “She works as a community development officer.”

Vakeelaru – Lawyers or attorneys.
ನನ್ನ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ ಉತ್ತಮ ವಕೀಲರು. (Nanna snehita uttama vakeelaru.)
Which translates to “My friend is an excellent lawyer.”

Kushala Karmika – Skilled worker or artisan.
ಈ ಕುಶಲ ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕರು ಚಿನ್ನದ ಆಭರಣ ತಯಾರಿಸಲು ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧರು. (Ii kushala karmikaru chinnada aabharana tayaarisalu prasiddharu.)
This translates as “These skilled workers are famous for making gold jewelry.”

Yanthra Shilpi – Engineer or mechanic.
ಅವರು ಬಹು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಯಂತ್ರ ಶಿಲ್ಪಿಗಳಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. (Avaru bahu varshagala yanthra shilpigaLagiddaare.)
The English meaning is “They have been engineers for many years.”

Krishik – Farmer or agriculturist.
ನಮ್ಮ ಕುಟುಂಬದಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಂಪರಾಗತ ಕೃಷಿಕರಿದ್ದಾರೆ. (Namma kutumbadalli parampagaata krushikariddaare.)
This translates to “Our family has traditional farmers.”

Nagarakartru – City planner or urban designer.
ಆತ ಒಬ್ಬ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಿತ ನಗರಕಾರ್ತೃ. (Aata obba pratishṭhita nagarakartru.)
In English, it reads as “He is a distinguished city planner.”

Pattugara – Weaver or textile worker.
ಈ ಪಟ್ಟುಗಾರರು ಅದ್ಭುತ ಸೀರೆಗಳನ್ನು ನೇಯ್ದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. (Ii pattugaararu adbhuta seeregaLannu neydidDaare.)
This means “These weavers have fabricated amazing sarees.”

Lekkaki – Accountant or bookkeeper.
ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಲೆಕ್ಕಗಳನ್ನು ಆಕೆ ಶೀಘ್ರವಾಗಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿದರು. (Ellaa lekkagaLannu aake sheeghravaagi parisheelisidaru.)
Which translates to “She quickly reviewed all the accounts.”

Learning these Kannada terms for various occupations not only enriches your vocabulary but also helps you to better understand and appreciate the diverse professional landscape of Karnataka. Whether you’re a student, a professional learning Kannada, or simply interested in the culture, knowing these terms will certainly improve your conversational skills and cultural knowledge.