50+ Practical Kannada Words For Daily Use In Bangalore

Kannada words

Knowing essential Kannada words enables improved communication during travel as well as dialogue with Kannada speakers because it enhances your interactions. Kannada is the official language of Karnataka and represents one of the ancient Dravidian languages that possesses a storied literary and cultural foundation. 

If you want to learn Kannada words in a simple and effective way, Hindustani Tongue offers a unique immersion-based learning method that helps you pick up Kannada naturally—without relying on complex grammar rules. They also provide free trial classes, allowing you to experience their teaching approach before enrolling.

The guide features more than 50+ essential Kannada words and vocabulary elements which include standard phrases alongside numbers and introductory statements as well as common everyday expressions. The acquisition of these Kannada words allows you to increase your Kannada comprehension skills for natural daily conversation.

 Basic Kannada words and Phrases for Beginners

Here are some basic Kannada words and phrases to help you start your conversations together with their corresponding English definitions:

Meaning in Kannada

Essential Kannada Words and Greetings for Beginners

Common Kannada Words for Asking Questions

Common Relationship Words in Kannada

Common Daily-Use Kannada Words and Phrases

Common Kannada Words and Verbs with Sentenses

Kannada Words for Asking Directions

Basic Kannada Numbers

Common Kannada words and everyday Slangs You’ll Often Hear in Bangalore

Yen maadi?

    • Meaning: What to do? (casual)
    • Example Sentence: “Yen maadi, yaaru baralla!” (What to do, no one is coming?) – Yen maa-dee?
    • Context: Used in casual situations when someone is unsure or frustrated about what to do next.

Beku

      • Meaning: Want (used to express desire)
      • Example Sentence: “Naanu beku coffee.” (I want coffee.) – Be-koo
      • Context: Commonly used when expressing a desire for something (food, drink, etc.).

Naanu ondu coffee kodtini

        • Meaning: I will give you a coffee
        • Example Sentence: “Naanu ondu coffee kodtini.” (I will give you a coffee.) – Naa-noo on-doo cof-fee ko-dti-nee
        • Context: Used in casual conversation, especially when offering to get someone something like coffee.

Sakkath

    • Meaning: Awesome/Great
    • Example Sentence: “Sakkath idea ide.” (It’s an awesome idea.) – Sak-kath
    • Context: Used to express excitement or approval for something.

Hegiddira?

    • Meaning: How are you?
    • Example Sentence: “Hegiddira? Naanu chennagide.” (How are you? I am fine.) – He-gid-dee-raa?
    • Context: Common greeting when meeting someone or asking about their well-being.

Kottu

    • Meaning: A popular street food dish (Chopped roti)
    • Example Sentence: “Kottu aagide.” (Kottu is ready.) – Kot-too
    • Context: Refers to a popular street food, often enjoyed by locals in the evening or at night.

Traffic aagide

    • Meaning: There’s traffic
    • Example Sentence: “Traffic aagide, late aagidhe.” (There’s traffic, we are late.) – Traf-fic aa-gee-day
    • Context: Common phrase to acknowledge heavy traffic, often used in Bangalore due to its notorious jams.

Majama

    • Meaning: I’m good/I’m fine
    • Example Sentence: “Majama, neevu hegiddira?” (I’m good, how are you?) – Maa-ja-ma
    • Context: A casual response to “How are you?”, often used in everyday conversations.

Pakka local

    • Meaning: Completely local (authentically Bangalorean)
    • Example Sentence: “I love pakka local food!” (I love authentic Bangalorean food!) – Pak-ka loe-kal
    • Context: Used to describe something that is truly local, especially food or culture specific to Bangalore.

Dabba

    • Meaning: Useless
    • Example Sentence: “Aadmele dabba idea, mathe try maadi.” (Later, the idea is useless, try again.) – Dab-ba
    • Context: Used to describe something that is of no value or useless, often in a lighthearted or casual manner.

Kalchko

    • Meaning: Leave the place/Get lost
    • Example Sentence: “Kalchko hogi!” (Get lost, go away!) – Kal-ch-ko
    • Context: Used to tell someone to leave or go away in a casual or playful way.

Gaanchali

    • Meaning: Attitude
    • Example Sentence: “Ava kanneenu gaanchali.” (She has attitude.) – Gaan-cha-lee
    • Context: Refers to someone’s attitude or personality, often used to describe someone with confidence or swagger.

Maga/Macha/Guru

    • Meaning: Bro/Best friend (college slang)
    • Example Sentence: “Ba maga, eNNe hoDiyaNa!” (Come bro, let’s booze!) – Ma-ga/ Ma-cha / Gu-ru
    • Context: Used to refer to a close friend, mostly used in informal, friendly conversations.

Machi

    • Meaning: Female equivalent of Maga/Macha (used for girls)
    • Example Sentence: “Machi, eNne baralla!” (Girl, you are not coming?) – Ma-chi
    • Context: A term of endearment used among close female friends.

PuTTa/PuTTi

    • Meaning: Kid (for kids)
    • Example Sentence: “PuTTa, nin hesrenu?” (What’s your name, kiddo?) – Poo-tta / Poo-tti
    • Context: Used for referring to children in a playful or affectionate manner.

Saaar

    • Meaning: Sir (polite/formal address, flattering)
    • Example Sentence: “Saaar, please help me.” (Sir, please help me.) – Saar
    • Context: Used to show respect or politeness when addressing someone, often used to get things done or to be respectful.

Amma

    • Meaning: Mother (used as a flattering word for older women)
    • Example Sentence: “Amma, nimma soppu ivu.” (Amma, here’s your greens.) – Am-ma
    • Context: A respectful and affectionate term used for older women, often evoking a warm or emotional response.

Conclusion

Mastering Kannada creates a positive learning journey which allows you to discover both language and cultural heritage of Karnataka. Your communication in Kannada becomes more effective once you learn key words together with phrases which enables better interactions with native speakers. Hindustani Tongue offers organized learning opportunities through their trial sessions while providing entertaining education for those who want to learn Kannada.

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If you’re struggling with Kannada grammar and traditional learning methods, Hindustani Tongue provides a revolutionary way to learn Kannada effortlessly.

Why Choose Hindustani Tongue?

  • Immersion-Based Learning: Instead of memorizing complex rules, you’ll learn Kannada like a child—through visuals, conversations, and natural practice.
  • No Grammar Stress: You won’t be burdened with technical grammar. Instead, you’ll focus on understanding and speaking Kannada fluently.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. How can I learn Kannada quickly?
    You can start by learning basic Kannada words and phrases. Hindustani Tongue offers an immersive learning approach that helps you pick up Kannada naturally, without complex grammar rules.
  2. What are some common Kannada greetings?
    Some common Kannada greetings include:
  • Namaskara (Hello)
  • Hegiddera? (How are you?)
  • Channagidini (I am fine)
  • Dhanyavada (Thank you)
  1. Where can I find a free Kannada learning course?
    Hindustani Tongue offers free trial classes to help beginners experience their unique learning method before enrolling.
  2. How do I say ‘I don’t know’ in Kannada?
    You can say Nanage gottilla in Kannada, which means I don’t know.
  3. What is the best way to practice Kannada daily?
    You can practice Kannada by using it in daily conversations, watching Kannada movies, listening to Kannada songs, and enrolling in online courses like Hindustani Tongue for structured learning.

If you are serious about learning Kannada, don’t miss out on the free trial classes from Hindustani Tongue and start your Kannada journey today!