Growing your language skills and learning how to say “baby” in different languages is always a delightful experience. Kannada, a South Indian language spoken predominantly in the state of Karnataka, has its unique ways to express the term “baby” both formally and informally.
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Formal Ways to Say Baby in Kannada
If you want to express “baby” in a formal manner, you can use the Kannada term “maga” or “magu” depending on the gender of the baby. It is important to note that “maga” is used for a baby boy, while “magu” is used for a baby girl. Here are a few examples:
Example 1: ಆ ಮಗ ಚಿಕ್ಕವಾಗಿ ಇದ್ದಾನೆ. (A maga chikkavaagi iddaane.)
Translation: That baby boy is very small.
Example 2: ಆ ಮಗು ಗೊಬ್ಬವಾಗಿ ಇದೆ. (A magu gobbavaagi ide.)
Translation: That baby girl is very cute.
In formal contexts, such as addressing someone’s baby or discussing babies in general, using “maga” or “magu” is the appropriate choice in Kannada.
Informal Ways to Say Baby in Kannada
When it comes to informal or colloquial ways of referring to a baby in Kannada, different terms are commonly used. These terms are more endearing and suitable for use among family members, close friends, or in casual conversations.
One such term is “kuruLi,” which means “baby” or “child.” Although it can be used for both genders, it is often used to refer to a baby girl more affectionately. Some examples are:
Example 3: ಅವರ ಕುರುಳಿ ತುಂಬಾ ಮರೆತಿದ್ದದ್ದು. (Avara kuruli tumba maretidaddu.)
Translation: They have lost their baby (girl).
Example 4: ಚಿನ್ನದ ಕುರುಳಿಗೆ ಬಹುದೂರ ಹೋಗಲು ಸಿದ್ಧಳಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ. (Chinnada kurulige bahudura hogalu siddhalaagide.)
Translation: I am ready to go far for my little baby (girl).
Another informal term used for babies in Kannada is “bannada kaki” or simply “kaki.” It is a colloquial term which directly translates to “little crow” due to its association with the bird known for its cute and lively behavior. Here are a couple of examples:
Example 5: ನೀನು ಯಾವುದೇ ಕೂಲಿಯ ಹೊರಗೆ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದರೂ ಪಾಳುಕೋರಿಗೆ ನಿಂತರೆಂದು ನಾನು ತಿಳಿಯದು. ನನ್ನ ಬಾಲ ಕಾಕಿ ಕೂಲಿಯೇ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ. (Nīnu yāvudē kūliya horage hogiddarū pāḷukōrige niṁtarēndu nānu tiḷiyadu. Nanna bāla kāki kūliyē hōguttade.)
Translation: I wouldn’t know if you went outside the school compound. My baby crow takes care of my child.
Example 6: ನೀನು ನನ್ನ ಗೆಳದು, ನೆಣಗುಗೆ, ಜೋಡಿಮಣೆ, ಬಣ್ಣದ ಕಾಕಿ ಎಂದು ಡೇರುವ ಒಂದು ಮೆಟ್ಟಿಲು. (Nīnu nanna geḷadu, neṇaguge, jōḍimaṇe, baṇṇada kāki endu ḍēruva oṇḍu meṭṭilu.)
Translation: You are my shoulder to lean on, my companion, partner in crime, my colorful little crow.
These informal terms are commonly used among Kannada-speaking families and friends to express affection towards a baby. They add a touch of endearment and create a warm atmosphere while addressing or talking about a baby.
Regional Variations
While it is always helpful to be aware of regional variations in language, expressing “baby” in Kannada does not significantly vary across different regions within Karnataka. The formal and informal terms discussed above are used widely across the state, regardless of specific regional dialects.
To maintain clarity and avoid confusion, it is recommended to use the universally understood formal and informal words for “baby” in Kannada as discussed earlier.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “baby” in different languages is not only informative but also adds a personal touch to conversations. In Kannada, the formal terms “maga” (for baby boy) and “magu” (for baby girl) are commonly used, while the informal terms “kuruLi” and “bannada kaki” add a warm and affectionate tone when referring to babies.
Whether you are speaking with Kannada-speaking friends, family members, or visiting Karnataka, using these phrases will surely bring a smile and create a special bond when discussing or addressing babies in Kannada.
