25 Kannada Words To Kickstart Your Hostel Life In Bangalore

Learning basic Kannada words can really complement your new hostel life in Bangalore. And these lucid words ensure that you manage your initial days.

But if you are stuck in your preliminary plan, i.e., moving to Bangalore, then we have the magic spell. Stanza Living’s wide range and affordable listed PGs/Hostels offer state-of-the-art amenities at prominent localities in the Silicon Valley of India. Well, consider it sorted, but what about your potential of making new friendships or conversing with the locals? So, don’t you think that the Kannada language is essential to ace the game? 

The answer is yes! Once you start speaking Kannada, you will realize how seamlessly you gel with your immediate neighbors and roommates. Only then can you say goodbye to the possibility of awkward moments in the hostels.  So, start learning today!

Why Learn Basic Kannada

Basic Kannada language comes with simple Kannada daily use words, and learning them by heart is a must. Why? Well, imagine the moments when you would be using public transport or trying out new street foods at new corners of the city. Who do you think might help you best in these scenarios? The locals, right? So, there you go; learning Kannada simple words is your ultimate solution for a holistic living experience in Bangalore.

Make Your Stay Smoother with Basic Kannada Words

Living a seamless PG/hostel lifestyle is actually easy in Bangalore. You will have several options in terms of residences that are well connected in and around the city. Subsequently, all of them would have hospitals, schools, colleges, and IT hubs within proximity. Moreover, a favourable climate and greenery also help. And no doubt that Stanza Living’s smart platform will cement your rental living solution too, but you need to learn Kannada to converse with your immediate neighbors/ roommates. Otherwise, how will you make memories in the new city? 

We organize movie screenings, festive celebrations, and other engagements to foster community building. But in the end, it’s up to you to initiate the conversation with your peers and probable friends. So yeah, from greetings to emergencies, learning Kannada basic sentences is a non-negotiable factor. 

Speak Kannada with Confidence and Master Essential Words for Daily Life

Speaking Kannada with confidence will take some time. And it is completely okay. But catching up with the basics won’t take long. You can master those Kannada daily use words within a few days, which will help you deal with your day-to-day lifestyle. Moreover, you will start comprehending the words when the Kannadigas speak to you. This will not only enhance your cognitive sense within your community but will generally foster new friendships and craft memorable moments. And this will be reflective in both your hostel and place of study/company.

How to Greet and Respond in Kannada

Learning how to greet and respond to someone in Kannada is no big deal. It will take a day or two to master the pronunciation of the basic Kannada words. But with time, you need to go to the advanced level where you ask people about their health and the following conversations that start with a subtle greeting. Only then will you feel inclusive among your immediate neighbours and Kannada-speaking friends. 

Here are some of the words that Kannadigas use while greeting or responding to their folks-

Kannada Words	English Translation
Namaskara	Hello
Hegiddera	How are you?
Channagidini	I’m fine
Shubhodaya	Good morning
Shubha Dinagavali	Have a good day
Subha Ratri	Good night
Shubhashaya	Congratulations

Useful Words for Travel and Directions

Travelling in and around Bangalore can feel like a daunting task at first. Which auto to board or which metro route to take to reach a particular station might feel like solving a puzzle if you struggle in both English and Kannada. So, it’s best that you learn the essential Kannada words relative to travel and directions. Given below are some of the basic Kannada words in English that will be required in this type of scenario-

Kannada Words	English Translation
Yelli?	Where?
Illi	Here
Alli	There
Vilaasa	Address
Turn right	Balakke tirugi
Turn left	Edakke tirugi
Go straight	Neravagi hogi
Go down	Kelage hogu
Go up	Melakke hogu
Give me one ticket	Nanage ondu ticket kodi
Give me two tickets	Nanage eradu ticket kodi

Essential Polite Kannada Phrases

Since courtesies and politeness go a long way, you should be incorporating that habit during your stay in Bengaluru. It makes you presentable and more approachable to people. And to best portray your classic and soft culture to your friends and colleagues, you need to learn some of the Kannada daily use words that showcase politeness. Some of the prominent ones are highlighted below-

Kannada Words	English Translation
Namaste/Namaskara	Hello, Greetings
Welcome	Swagatha
Dhanyavada	Thank You
Dayavittu	Please/Kindly
Nodikolli	Take care

Kannada Daily Use Words

Now, other types of words will vary according to the situation you will be in. In case of get-togethers, you need friendly terms, whereas in scenarios where you are in an emergency, you need those effective Kannada words to best portray the urgency. You can always add some daily use English words in Kannada to communicate with the Kannada-speaking community around you. But eventually, you need to learn the actual Kannada words and their correct pronunciation to adopt their culture and make memories. 

Given below is a brief of some of the regular Kannada words that might ease your initial days in Bangalore-

Kannada Baralla/Gottila

This is probably the first phrase you need to learn after coming to Bangalore. It simply means “I do not understand Kannada”. It’ll save you from a lot of those awkward conversations where the other person goes on rambling for ten minutes. And your reply is nothing but the look you give when facing a tough calculus problem.

Yelli/Yellige

Say you need to get to Phoenix Mall. Your phone is dead, so Google Maps can’t come to the rescue. What do you do? Easy. Simply blurt out “Yelli Phoenix?” (Where is Phoenix) a few times in all directions. And some helpful soul will give you the directions. Thank us later.

Kodu/Kodi

This one’s for the time you have to go grocery shopping. Local shopkeepers seem to have an accent of their own. Instead of standing there and trying to explain in English, just point to the item and say “Kodu/Kodi”. It means “give” and they’ll understand it in a jiffy.

Yaaru

It’s your first day in your new college. You’re in a meeting, but don’t know who the CEO is yet. Just nudge a Kannada colleague and ask them softly, “CEO yaaru?”, which means “who/which one is the CEO?”. This will surely help you out. Unless the person you’re nudging is the CEO (yikes!)

Yen/Yenu

Even after you’ve learned some from the Kannada words list, you’ll still need some time adjusting to the dialect. If someone is saying something you don’t understand, just say “Yen/Yenu”. It means “what” and don’t worry, it is not impolite at all.

Yen Guru Yen Samachar?

This one’s going to impress your newly-made local friends. Instead of “hey bro, what’s up?”, just say “Yen Guru Yen Samachar?”. And they’ll tell you what the Samachar is, but only after a few seconds of silent admiration of your basic Kannada skills.

Utta ita?

The one question that shows more love and care than even “I love you” in India. Of course, we’re talking about asking someone, “Did you eat?”. Now, here’s how to say it in Kannada: “Utta ita?”. Go text this to that special someone, now!

Hegiddera?

The most polite among all Kannada common words, this means “How are you?”. You can – and should – say this to everyone. From your boss in office to the guard at your residence.

Channagiddini

This is the next basic Kannada word you need to add to your personal dictionary. After “How are you?”, comes its response. To say “I am fine” in Kannada, just say “Channagiddini”.

Jaasti

Here’s an easy one. “Jaasti” means more. Learn it by heart. These Kannada language basics will come in extremely handy in some very critical situations. Like when you’re at your local biryani and want an extra serving. 

Naanu meter rate kodthini

Probably the most important on this Kannada words list, this phrase will help you bargain with auto wallahs who ask double the actual price. It means, “I will pay by the meter” and will save you a few bucks, as well some awkward exchanges between you and the auto wallah.

Hoggala

This Kannada word – which means “Not going” – will be your BFF when you want to ditch a boring office party. Just hold up your hands, shake your head and say “Hoggala” as if you really wanted to buy the Gods conspired to keep you busy. 

Ninna hesarenu?

These are some of the basic Kannada language words you’ll hear a lot, and it means “What’s your name?”. And you will use it equally as often. Plus, it’s pretty simple to remember. Easier than remembering all the names, definitely.

Shubha Dinavāgali

Talking of exchanging pleasantries, this is another important phrase in Kannada. It means “Have a good day” and you should use it at the end of every conversation. Even if that conversation is with your least favourite professor, and the last thing you want them to have is a good day.

Namaskara

This is an easy one. Namaskara, as it means in most Indian languages, means Hello in Kannada too. Just use this Kannada common word to greet your landlord, warden or the person delivering your late-night munchies.

Baruthe

This Kannada word is for all those times when people treat you like you don’t know much about your work, just because you’re an outsider. If anyone starts mansplaining your own work to you, just say “Baruthe” (I know) in a serious tone and walk out.

Naanu/num

This Kannada word means ‘Me’ and is useful for the go-getters. Boss wants someone to volunteer for an important job? Say “Naanu”. College prof is looking for a class representative? “Naanu” again. 

Ninu/Nim/Ni

If your roomie asks who your best friend is in the city, be sure to tell him or her that it’s “ninu/nim/ni”. All of these mean “you”. And just like that, you will have won their heart.

Illa

The magic word – No. It’s already hard enough to say. Especially to someone who doesn’t even understand your language. So if someone wants you to have some sugar-loaded sweets and you’re on a strict diet, just wave your hands rapidly and say “Illa” a couple of times.

Kelsa

Say you’re at your desk, finishing off an important assignment. And your roommate is blasting some loud music (and worse still, is singing along to it, out of tune). Just point to your laptop and say the Kannada word for work: “kelsa”. Hopefully, your roommate understands you’re serious and you won’t have to find a new one.

Banni/Baraa/Barappa

Baraa doesn’t mean big in Kannada. It actually means, “come”. So if you’ve ordered a family-size pizza and realised you don’t have the stomach space to fit it all in, you don’t have to say “Hey, you want to help me finish this?” to your roommate. Just point to it and say “Baraa”.

Hogu/Horadu

Another Kannada word in English that will come in handy on multiple occasions. You can use Hogu/Horadu to tell your roommate to “go” to her classes instead of sleeping in the hostel.

Nalle

Your first week at work will be hectic. Meeting team members, group meetings, getting used to the work. Your first assignment. We get that it can be a lot. Maybe ask your Kannada senior to give you an extension on the deadline until Nalle? Yes, it means “tomorrow”. Just make sure Nalle doesn’t end up being the day after Nalle.

Yeshtu

When talking of basic Kannada, how can we forget “Yeshtu”? It means “How much?” and will be your saviour when talking to all the local vegetable and fruit vendors.

Eevu English Mathanadutthira

And the last one on this Kannada words list, but definitely not the least. This phrase means “Do you speak English?”. Ask this at the beginning of the conversation. Who knows, you might not even need to use all the words on this list.

Conclusion

Everything is favourable when it comes to holistic living in Bangalore. From soothing climatic conditions to our smart rental living spaces meeting every amenity and service. It’s just that- to get the actual feeling of the vibrant city- you need to blend with it, especially its culture. And this calls for learning the basic Kannada words, and then moving to advance. 

All Stanza Living listed PGs/hostels in Bangalore organize community events that can help you with correct pronunciation, as it gives the opportunity to rub shoulders with Kannada-speaking people. So it’s best if you start your new life in a new city with a positive tone, the Kannada language. And voila! You are all set to live a seamless lifestyle in the Silicon Valley of India. 

FAQs

What are the most commonly used Kannada greetings?

Some Kannada simple words that are used in greetings are given below with their English translation-

• Namaskara- means “hello” or “greetings”
• Namaste- same as above
• Shubhodaya- Good morning
• Subha sayankala- Good evening
• Subha ratri- Good night
• Ellarigu namaskara- “means greetings to everyone”

How can I quickly learn basic Kannada words?

There are some strategies that you can practise to learn Kannada-

• Learn the basic Kannada words and phrases at first
• Watch Kannada movies or listen to Kannada podcasts
• Practise speaking daily with the locals/neighbours

What are some easy Kannada words to start with?

Here are some of the easy yet impactful Kannada words that you can learn in the beginning-

• Yes- Haudu
• No- Illa
• Thank You- Dhanyavada
• Sorry- Ksamisi
• Please- Dyavittu
• Okay- Sariyagide
• Come- Banni
• Go- Hogi
• Eat- Tinni
• Water- Niru

How do I introduce myself in Kannada?

To introduce yourself, all you need are some Kannada basic sentences-

“Nanna hesaru [Your Name]. Naanu [Your City/Country] inda bandiddene” which translates in English to- “My name is [Your Name]. I am from [Your City/Country]. 

Or you can add- “Kannada kalithu kondu iddene” meaning “I am learning Kannada”. 

Can I survive in Bangalore without knowing Kannada?

Yes, you can lead a decent life in Bangalore without knowing Kannada. English and Hindi are widely understood, especially in offices, restaurants, and shopping complexes. However, knowing Kannada helps in navigating public transport, local markets, etc. So, yeah, once you learn basic Kannada words, you are all set.