Planning a trip to Karnataka? Whether you’re exploring Bengaluru’s tech hubs, wandering through Mysuru Palace, trekking in Coorg, or relaxing on Gokarna’s beaches, a few Kannada phrases can make your journey smoother and far more enjoyable.
Kannada isn’t just the official language of Karnataka — it’s also a warm way to connect with locals, earn smiles, and experience the culture more deeply. You don’t have to be fluent — just knowing a few essential words and phrases will go a long way!
Why Learn a Bit of Kannada Before Visiting Karnataka?
English and Hindi are widely understood in Karnataka’s cities, but when you travel to smaller towns or villages, Kannada is the key to better communication.
Here’s why learning a few Kannada words helps:
- Locals appreciate your effort — it builds instant goodwill.
- You’ll navigate food orders, directions, and prices more easily.
- It makes your travel experience more authentic and less “touristy.”
Basic Kannada Greetings for Tourists
| English | Kannada (Romanized) | Meaning |
| Hello | Namaskāra (ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ) | A polite greeting |
| How are you? | Hēgiddīra? (ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರ?) | Formal way to ask someone’s well-being |
| I’m fine | Chennāgidēne (ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆನೆ) | I’m good |
| Thank you | Dhanyavāda (ಧನ್ಯವಾದ) | Expression of thanks |
| Yes / No | Howdu / Illa (ಹೌದು / ಇಲ್ಲ) | Simple affirmation or denial |
| Goodbye | Hoguttēne (ಹೊಗುತ್ತೇನೆ) | I’m leaving / Goodbye |
Pro tip: Add a smile when you say Namaskāra — it instantly breaks the ice!
Kannada Phrases for Food & Restaurants
| English | Kannada (Romanized) |
| I’m hungry | Nanage hasivu āgide (ನನಗೆ ಹಸಿವು ಆಗಿದೆ) |
| What is this? | Idēnu? (ಇದೇನು?) |
| Very tasty! | Tumba ruchiyāgide! (ತುಂಬ ರುಚಿಯಾಗಿದೆ!) |
| Water, please | Neeru kodi (ನೀರು ಕೊಡಿ) |
| Bill, please | Bill kodi (ಬಿಲ್ ಕೊಡಿ) |
| I don’t eat spicy food | Nanage khāra bēḍa (ನನಗೆ ಖಾರ ಬೇಡ) |
Kannada for Directions & Transportation
| English | Kannada (Romanized) |
| Where is this place? | Idu ellide? (ಇದು ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ?) |
| How much does it cost? | Estu bele? (ಎಷ್ಟು ಬೆಲೆ?) |
| Go straight | Nēravāgi hōgi (ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಹೋಗಿ) |
| Turn left/right | Eḍakke / Balakke thirugi (ಎಡಕ್ಕೆ / ಬಲಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿ) |
| Stop here | Illi nīlli (ಇಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಲ್ಲಿ) |
| Bus station | Bus niladāna (ಬಸ್ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣ) |
Phrases for Hotels & Shopping
| English | Kannada (Romanized) |
| Do you have a room? | Nimmalli room idē? (ನಿಮಲ್ಲಿ ರೂಂ ಇದೆಯೇ?) |
| How much for this? | Idakke estu? (ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಎಷ್ಟು?) |
| I like this | Nanage idu ishta (ನನಗೆ ಇದು ಇಷ್ಟ) |
| Too expensive | Bahala dubariyagide (ಬಹಳ ದುಬಾರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ) |
| Can you reduce the price? | Belē kadime māḍi (ಬೆಲೆ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡಿ) |
Kannada for Building Friendly Connections
| English | Kannada (Romanized) |
| What is your name? | Ninna hesaru ēnu? (ನಿನ್ನ ಹೆಸರು ಏನು?) |
| My name is… | Nanna hesaru… (ನನ್ನ ಹೆಸರು…) |
| Nice to meet you | Nimmannu bheṭiyāgiddu santōṣa (ನಿಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದು ಸಂತೋಷ) |
| Where are you from? | Nīvu ellinda bandiddīra? (ನೀವು ಎಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದ್ದೀರಿ?) |
Bonus: Kannada Travel Survival Tips
Download Google Translate (Kannada) for offline use. Learn basic numbers (1–10) — helps with prices and transport. Don’t hesitate to mix English + Kannada — locals understand! Practice listening — Kannada has a rhythmic, friendly tone.
Final Thoughts
Even a handful of Kannada words can transform your travel experience in Karnataka. Locals love when visitors make the effort — it shows respect and curiosity about their culture.
If you’d like to go beyond these phrases, try KannadaClass.com — we offer easy online lessons, pronunciation help, and cultural tips tailored for beginners, tourists, and expats.
Ready to say “Namaskāra” with confidence?
Start learning Kannada today and travel like a local!
