ನನಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ
The English phrase 'call me' is translated into Kannada as ನನಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ.
In casual conversation, speakers often replace the word ಕರೆ (call) with ಫೋನ್ (phone) to say 'call me on the phone', resulting in ನನಗೆ ಫೋನ್ ಮಾಡಿ.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ನನಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ is composed of ನನಗೆ (to me), ಕರೆ (call) and ಮಾಡಿ (do/make).
Which one should you use?
While using ನನ್ನನ್ನು (me/as an object) is grammatically possible, such as in ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ, it sounds less natural than the standard ನನಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ when referring to a phone call.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can make the request informal or use it with close friends by changing the verb ending from ಮಾಡಿ to ಮಾಡು, resulting in ನನಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡು.
Did you know?
- In some historical contexts, the same sound used for 'call' in Kannada, ಕರೆ, is related to the Old Kannada word ಕಱೆ, which meant 'to milk'.
- If you say ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ using the direct object 'me', you might accidentally sound like you are asking someone to summon you physically rather than via phone.
- The difference between the formal ಮಾಡಿ and the informal ಮಾಡು is not just about politeness, but is a crucial indicator of the social hierarchy between the speaker and the listener.
Examples in context
- ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕರೆಯಿರಿ.Please call me.
- ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕರೆ.Call me.
- ಕೆಲಸ ಮುಗಿದ ಮೇಲೆ ನನಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ.kelsa mugida mēle nanage kare māḍi.Call me after finishing work.
- ಸಮಯ ಸಿಕ್ಕಾಗ ನನಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ.samaya sikkāga nanage kare māḍi.Call me when you have time.
Example conversation
Abhishek and Anvita are talking on the phone about meeting later.
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekಅನ್ವಿತಾ, ನಾಳೆ ಸಿಗುವ ಮೊದಲು ನನಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡಿ.Anvitā, nāḷe siguva modalu nanage kare māḍi.Anvita, call me before we meet tomorrow.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಸರಿ ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್, ನಾನು ನಾಳೆ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಕರೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತೇನೆ.Sari Abhishek, nānu nāḷe beḷigge kare māḍuttene.Okay Abhishek, I will call you tomorrow morning.
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekನನಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಲು ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು.Nanage tilisalu dhanyavādagalu.Thank you for letting me know.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಪರವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ, ಬಾಯ್.Paravāilla, bye.No problem, bye.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ಕರೆ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
