Learn Kannada: phrases and guides
Everyday spoken Kannada for life in Bengaluru, topic by topic — written in English letters, with the Kannada script and what each phrase really means.
Getting started
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How to Learn Kannada in Bengaluru: A Practical Guide
Moved to Bengaluru? A practical guide to learning spoken Kannada: start with speech, learn by situation, practise daily and use it the same day.
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Spoken vs Written Kannada: Why Bengaluru Sounds Different
Spoken vs written Kannada: why everyday Bengaluru Kannada differs from the textbook form, with real examples of shorter verbs and English loanwords.
Kannada by topic
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Basic Kannada Phrases for Beginners: First Words for Bengaluru
Basic Kannada phrases for beginners in Bengaluru: hello, thank you, sorry, yes and no, how are you, and how to say you don't understand.
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Greetings in Kannada: Hello, How Are You and Goodbye
Learn greetings in Kannada the way Bengaluru speaks: hello, how are you, what's your name, where are you from, and how to say goodbye politely.
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Getting Around in Kannada: Auto-Rickshaw Phrases for Bengaluru
Getting around in Kannada: phrases for taking an auto in Bengaluru, from hailing one and asking for the meter to left, right, stop here and paying by UPI.
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Ordering Food in Kannada: Darshini Phrases for Bengaluru
Ordering food in Kannada at a Bengaluru darshini: how to use beku and beda, order dosa and coffee, ask for less spice, water, a parcel and the bill.
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Numbers, Time and Days in Kannada: A Bengaluru Starter Guide
Learn numbers, time and days in Kannada the way Bengaluru speaks: count to ten, say half past, ask what time it is, and plan for tomorrow or Sunday.
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Shopping in Kannada: Prices, Bargaining and Paying at the Market
Shop at a Bengaluru vegetable market in Kannada: ask how much per kilo, order half a kilo, bargain politely, walk away, and pay by UPI with confidence.
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Renting a Flat in Bengaluru: Kannada Phrases for House Hunting
Kannada phrases for renting a flat in Bengaluru: ask the rent and deposit, check water, lift and parking, answer landlord questions and report repairs.
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Kannada for Home Help, Drivers and Deliveries in Bengaluru
Practical Kannada for home help and deliveries in Bengaluru: ask for chores, agree timings, days off and pay day, and guide riders to your floor or gate.
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Office Talk and Phone Calls in Kannada: Phrases for Work
Office talk and phone calls in Kannada: answer the phone, cope with a bad line, say you're in a meeting, and ask colleagues about lunch and coffee.
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Akka, Anna, Amma: Family Words and Polite Address in Kannada
Learn family words in Kannada, how akka, anna, amma and mama politely address drivers, vendors and elders, and the family questions people ask.
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Small Talk in Kannada: Weather, Traffic, Cricket and More
Learn small talk in Kannada for Bengaluru: weather and traffic, houda and haaga to keep a chat going, saying what you like, where you work, and RCB.
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Asking for Directions in Kannada: Buses, Tickets and Distance
Asking for directions in Kannada: find the bus stop, catch the right bus, buy a ticket, ask how far it is, whether you can walk, and get a room.
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Kannada for the Doctor, Pharmacy and Emergencies: Key Phrases
Learn Kannada phrases for being unwell, describing symptoms, visiting a doctor or pharmacy, and asking for help in an emergency in Bengaluru.