ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ
teṅginakāyi
The English word coconut is translated into Kannada as ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ (teṅginakāyi). Wiktionary also lists ತೆಂಗು (teṅgu) and ನಾರಿಕೇಳ (nārikēḷa).
Meaning: fruit of coco palm (noun)
Ways to say it
| Kannada | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ | teṅginakāyi |
| ತೆಂಗು | teṅgu |
| ನಾರಿಕೇಳ | nārikēḷa |
The term refers to the fruit of the coco palm.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the tree and the fruit. The word ತೆಂಗು refers specifically to the coconut palm tree, whereas ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ refers to the fruit itself. ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ is the standard term used for the coconut fruit.
How do you pronounce it?
teṅginakāyi
Did you know?
- The word ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ is a compound where ಕಾಯಿ specifically refers to an unripe or raw fruit, reflecting how the coconut is most commonly used in South Indian cooking.
- During traditional Kannada weddings and housewarmings, breaking a coconut is a ritual act used to remove obstacles and signify the beginning of a new chapter.
- While ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ is the standard term, the word ನಾರಿಕೇಳ is often used in a religious or ritualistic context, particularly in prayers and offerings to deities.
Examples in context
- ನನಗೆ ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ ಬೇಕು.nanage teṅginakāyi bēku.I want a coconut.
- ಈ ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ ತುಂಬಾ ಹಸಿರಾಗಿದೆ.ī teṅginakāyi tumbā hasirāgide.This coconut is very green.
- ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ ಬೆಲೆ ಎಷ್ಟಿದೆ?mārukaṭṭeyalli teṅginakāyi bele eṣṭide?What is the price of a coconut in the market?
Example conversation
At a grocery store, Anvita asks Rahul to buy something.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaರಾಹುಲ್, ಒಂದು ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ ತರುತ್ತೀರಾ?Rāhul, ondu teṅginakāyi taruttīrā?Rahul, will you bring a coconut?
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಖಂಡಿತ, ಅನ್ವಿತಾ, ಈಗ ತರುತ್ತೇನೆ.khaṇḍita, Anvitā, īga taruttēne.Sure, Anvita, I will bring it now.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು.dhanyavādagaḷu.Thank you.
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಪರವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ.paravāilla.No problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coconut” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
