Kannada Words with Meaning: Expert 95+ Real Words with Slang, Soul & Audio

Get 100+ essential Kannada words with meaning and authentic audio 🔊. This list goes beyond basics to include real local slang, deep emotions, and proverbs.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Kannada words with meaning

The first time someone in Bangalore said “sankocha” to me, I was confused. The dictionary said “hesitation,” but the feeling was so much deeper—a mix of politeness, kindness, and awkwardness all at once. I learned that day that to truly find Kannada words with meaning, you can’t just use a translator; you have to understand the soul of the language.

That’s why I created this list. This isn’t just another dictionary. These are the 100 words that helped me connect with Karnataka, from the deep-felt “Viraha” (separation) to the fun, everyday slang like “Sakath” (awesome).

To make this list truly special, you will find audio pronunciation for every single word. Forget Google Translate’s robot voice. This is how the words actually sound. Let’s get started.

Part A: Deep Emotions & Concepts

Viraha (ವಿರಹ):

The profound, painful feeling of separation from a loved one.
Sauhārda (ಸೌಹಾರ್ದ):

More than “friendship,” it implies a deep harmony and amity between people or groups.
Anubandha (ಅನುಬಂಧ):

The deep, unseen bond or connection that ties people, families, or places together.
Sankocha (ಸಂಕೋಚ):

A unique hesitation or holding back, often from excessive politeness or feeling indebted.
Abhimana (ಅಭಿಮಾನ):

A powerful sense of pride and protective love for one’s language, people, or team.
Karuna (ಕರುಣೆ):

A deep, heartfelt compassion or mercy.
Spandane (ಸ್ಪಂದನೆ):

More than a “reaction,” it means a heartfelt response or an emotional resonance.
Bayake (ಬಯಕೆ):

A deep wish, desire, or longing.
Aathma (ಆತ್ಮ):

Soul or self.
Asha (ಆಶ):

Hope.

Part B: Modern Slang & Bangalore Lingo

Sakath (ಸಖತ್):

Awesome, amazing, or “very” (e.g., “Sakath hot!”).
Macha (ಮಚಾ):

“Bro” or “dude,” a warm term of endearment between friends.
Chindi (ಚಿಂದಿ):

Literally “rag,” but slang for “superb” or “mind-blowing.”
Bombat (ಬೊಂಬಾಟ್):

“Superb,” “excellent,” or “fantastic.”
Ganchali (ಗಾಂಚಾಲಿ):

A playful word for someone who is hyperactive, fidgety, or can’t sit still.
Jugaad (ಜುಗಾಡ್):

A clever, low-cost, temporary fix or “life hack.”
Chitranna (ಚಿತ್ರಾನ್ನ):

Slang for “finished” or “done for” (from the lemon rice dish).
Guruve (ಗುರುವೇ):

“Teacher” or “master,” used like “boss” or “chief” to address friends or strangers respectfully.
Khaali (ಖಾಲಿ):

“Empty,” but also used to mean “useless” or “person with no work.”
Scene (ಸೀನ್):

Used to describe a “situation,” often a dramatic or problematic one.

Part C: Essential Daily Words & Phrases

Banni (ಬನ್ನಿ):

“Come” (plural/respectful). A very welcoming word.
Nodi (ನೋಡಿ):

“Look” or “see” (respectful).
Oota (ಊಟ):

A full, proper meal (lunch or dinner).
Thindi (ತಿಂಡಿ):

A light meal, snack, or breakfast.
Habba (ಹಬ್ಬ):

A festival.
Chennagide (ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ):

“It is good.” (All-purpose phrase for food, health, movies).
Kurchi (ಕುರ್ಚಿ):

Chair.
Baagilu (ಬಾಗಿಲು):

Door.
Mane (ಮನೆ):

House or home.
Angadi (ಅಂಗಡಿ):

A shop or store.
Hegiddira? (ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?):

“How are you?” (respectful).
Yen Samachara? (ಏನ್ ಸಮಾಚಾರ?):

“What’s the news?” (Informal “What’s up?”).
Bēḍa (ಬೇಡ):

“Don’t want” or “No” (a refusal).
Bēku (ಬೇಕು):

“Want” or “Need.”
Yeshtu? (ಎಷ್ಟು?):

“How much?”
Naale (ನಾಳೆ):

Tomorrow.
Houdhu (ಹೌದು):

Yes.
Alla (ಅಲ್ಲ):

No (negation, “not that”).
Gothilla (ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ):

“I don’t know.”
Dayaavittu (ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು):

Please.

Part D: Family & People

Amma (ಅಮ್ಮ):

Mother.
Appa (ಅಪ್ಪ):

Father.
Magu (ಮಗು):

Baby or child.
Anna (ಅಣ್ಣ):

Elder brother.
Thamma (ತಮ್ಮ):

Younger brother.
Akka (ಅಕ್ಕ):

Elder sister.
Thangi (ತಂಗಿ):

Younger sister.
Sneha (ಸ್ನೇಹ):

Friendship.
Snehitha (ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ):

Friend (male).
Snehithe (ಸ್ನೇಹಿತೆ):

Friend (female).

Read This Too: Learn Kannada Numbers

Part E: Food & Eating

Neeru (ನೀರು):

Water.
Haalu (ಹಾಲು):

Milk.
Kaafi (ಕಾಫಿ):

Coffee (a very important word in Karnataka).
Chaha (ಚಹಾ):

Tea.
Anna (ಅನ್ನ):

Cooked rice.
Saaru (ಸಾರು):

Rasam (a thin, pepper soup).
Huli (ಹುಳಿ):

Sour (also the name for Sambar).
Uppu (ಉಪ್ಪು):

Salt.
Sakkare (ಸಕ್ಕರೆ):

Sugar.
Hannu (ಹಣ್ಣು):

Fruit.
Tharakaari (ತರಕಾರಿ):

Vegetables.
Khaara (ಖಾರ):

Spicy hot.
Sihi (ಸಿಹಿ):

Sweet.
Uppittu (ಉಪ್ಪಿಟ್ಟು):

Upma (a popular savory breakfast).
Dose (ದೋಸೆ):

Dosa (a savory crepe).

Part F: Places & Nature

Ooru (ಊರು):

Hometown or village.
Nagara (ನಗರ):

City.
Halli (ಹಳ್ಳಿ):

Village.
Gudi (ಗುಡಿ):

Temple.
Male (ಮಳೆ):

Rain.
Gaali (ಗಾಳಿ):

Wind or air.
Besige (ಬೇಸಿಗೆ):

Summer.
Chaligala (ಚಳಿಗಾಲ):

Winter.
Marra (ಮರ):

Tree.
Hoovu (ಹೂವು):

Flower.
Nadi (ನದಿ):

River.
Shaale (ಶಾಲೆ):

School.
Raste (ರಸ್ತೆ):

Road.
Belaku (ಬೆಳಕು):

Light.
Kattale (ಕತ್ತಲೆ):

Darkness.

Part G: Common Verbs

Maadu (ಮಾಡು):

To do.
Hogu (ಹೋಗು):

To go.
Baa (ಬಾ):

To come (informal).
Thinnu (ತಿನ್ನು):

To eat.
Kudi (ಕುಡಿ):

To drink.
Nodu (ನೋಡು):

To see or watch (informal).
Helu (ಹೇಳು):

To say or tell.
Kelu (ಕೇಳು):

To hear or to ask.
Madi (ಮಾಡಿ):

To do (respectful).
Kharidisi (ಖರೀದಿಸಿ):

To buy (respectful).

Part H: Proverbs & Wise Sayings

Haani moodidaga… (ಹನಿ ಹನಿ ಕೂಡಿದರೆ ಹಳ್ಳ):

“Drop by drop makes a puddle.” (Our “little drops of water make a mighty ocean”).
Kaikkesaru aadre… (ಕೈಗೆಸೆರಾದರೆ ಬಾಯಿ ಮೊಸರು):

“If your hands are dirty (with mud), your mouth gets curd (yogurt).” (Meaning: Hard work pays off).
Moorti chikkadaadaru… (ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಚಿಕ್ಕದಾದರೂ ಕೀರ್ತಿ ದೊಡ್ಡದು):

“Even if the idol is small, its fame is big.” (Don’t judge by size; “small package, big power”).
Uppu thinda mele… (ಉಪ್ಪು ತಿಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ನೀರು ಕುಡಿಯಲೇಬೇಕು):

“After you eat salt, you must drink water.” (As you sow, so you shall reap; actions have consequences).
Kumbalkai kalla andre… (ಕುಂಬಳಕಾಯಿ ಕಳ್ಳ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಹೆಗಲು ಮುಟ್ಟಿ ನೋಡಿಕೊಂಡ):

“When ‘pumpkin thief’ was yelled, he touched his shoulder (to check).” (A guilty conscience needs no accuser).

💬 Final Words

I hope this list of 95 words (and hearing them in a real voice!) helps you connect with the heart of the Kannada language. Whether you’re in Bangalore and want to try “Sakath” or you’re just appreciating a wise proverb, you now have a real piece of the culture. Did I miss your favorite word? Let me know!

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to learn Kannada words with meaning?
Start by learning the pronunciation *with* the meaning. Use the audio on this page to listen and repeat. Then, try to hear these words in movies, songs, and real-life conversations.

2. How can I practice my Kannada pronunciation?
The best method is “listen and repeat.” Use our audio files, record yourself on your phone saying the word, and then compare the two. It’s the fastest way to improve.

3. How many words do I need to know to be fluent in Kannada?
You don’t need a specific number, but knowing the most common 1,000 words can help you understand 80-90% of daily conversation. This list of 95 is the perfect foundation.