How to Speak in Kannada

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Start with the basic greetings.

   As is the case with most languages, it is useful to begin with greetings and pleasantries that are the most likely to come up in brief interactions with Kannada speakers.
   
   Here are some ways to greet, as well as replies to greetings, in Kannada:
   Hello
   - namaste or namaskāra Welcome
   - susvāgata Long time no see
   - tumba divasagalinda kānisalilla How are you?
   - hegiddērā? All is well? – athavā kshemanā? I am fine.
   
   How are you?
   - nā calō adīni, nīvu hyāngadīr'ri? or nān cennagiddēne, nīvu hēg'iddīra? Pleased to meet you
   - nimmannu bheti mādiddakke santosha
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   Step 2: Use time-specific greetings.

   In most languages, greetings and salutations change based on the time of day.
   
   Kannada is no different.
   
   Here are some useful phrases that take the time of the day into account.Good morning
   - shubhodaya Good afternoon- shubha madhyahna Good evening- shubha sāyankāla Good night – shubharātri Introduce yourself.
   
   Introducing yourself to strangers is a critical skill to acquire.
   
   People will be more willing to help you once you have explained who you are.
   
   Here are some ways to do that in Kannada.
   
   What is your name? (singular)
   - ninna hesarēnu? What is your name? (plural)
   - nimma hesarēnu? My name is …
   - nanna hesaru ...
   
   Where are you from? (singular)
   - nimma ooru yāvudu? Where are you from? (plural)
   - athavā nēvu yāva kadeyavaru? I am from …
   - nā .... linda bandiddīni We are from …
   - nā .... linda bandēni Pleased to meet you
   - nimmannu bheti mādiddakke santosha , Here are a few different ways to end a conversation in Kannada.
   
   Goodbye
   - hogi banni athavā hogi bartēra? Good luck
   - olleyadāgali athavā shubhavāgali Have a nice day
   - shubha dinavāgali Bon voyage
   - prayana sukhakaravaagirali hogi banni See you again
   - matte sigona , When entering a new area with a different culture and language, it is wise to learn the basic pleasantries and phrases of gratitude so that you can show good manners to your hosts.
   
   Here are some Kannada phrases that can help you do just that.
   
   Excuse me – kshamisi Sorry
   - kshamisi Please
   - dayaviṭṭu Thank you – dhanyavāda or dhanyavādagaḷu Your welcome- yāke summane ṭhanksu? or parwagilla biḍi I love you
   - naa ninna preetisteeni Get well soon
   - bega gunamukharaagi anta haaraisuttene Cheers or good health
   - tumba santosha athavā khushiyāytu Enjoy your meal
   - shubha bhojana athavaa oota enjaay maadi
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   Step 3: Use parting phrases.

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   Step 4: Be polite.

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