If you’re visiting Karnataka or starting to learn Kannada, greetings are the best place to begin. These simple phrases will help you start conversations, build respect, and connect with locals in a friendly way.
Here are 10 must-know Kannada greetings — with pronunciation tips and usage examples.
Top Kannada Greetings Table
| English | Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡ) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Namaste | ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ | namaskaara |
| How are you? | ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ? | neevu hegiddeera? |
| I’m fine | ನಾನು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ | naanu chennagiddēne |
| Thank you | ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು | dhanyavaadagalu |
| Welcome | ಸ್ವಾಗತ | swaagata |
| Good morning | ಶುಭೋದಯ | shubhodaya |
| Good night | ಶುಭರಾತ್ರಿ | shubharaatri |
| What is your name? | ನಿಮ್ಮ ಹೆಸರೇನು? | nimma hesarēnu? |
| My name is… | ನನ್ನ ಹೆಸರು … | nanna hesaru… |
| Bye / See you | ಹೋಗಿ ಬರುವೆ/ ಮತ್ತೆ ಸಿಗೋಣ | Hogi Baruve/ Matthe sigona |
Practice Tips
- Try using 3 greetings per day with family, friends, or while watching Kannada shows.
- Pair it with gestures — a smile, nod, or folded hands (Namaskara gesture).
- Practice pronouncing “dh”, “ṭh”, and “ṇ” sounds clearly — Kannada is phonetic.
Next Lesson Teaser
Next, we’ll explore common Kannada words for everyday conversation – asking directions, shopping, and basic verbs.
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು!
Namaskara mattu Dhanyavaadagalu!
(Hello and Thank you!)