ನಾಯಿ
nāyi/n̪aːji/
The English word 'dog' is translated into Kannada as ನಾಯಿ (nāyi).
ನಾಯಿ is the term used to refer to the animal (noun).
Meaning: animal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /n̪aːji/. The romanization is nāyi.
Did you know?
- The word ನಾಯಿ is a cognate of the word for 'dog' in several other South Indian languages, such as Malayalam നായ and Tamil நாய், because they all share the same Proto-Dravidian roots.
- Calling someone a ನಾಯಿ in a heated argument in Karnataka is considered a sharp insult, often implying the person is shameless or lacks dignity.
- In traditional Kannada storytelling, the ನಾಯಿ is often portrayed as a loyal guardian of the home, reflecting a cultural value of protection.
Examples in context
- ನಾಯಿ ಇದೆ!There is a dog!This sentence is useful for showing how to say 'There is a dog!' using ನಾಯಿ.Tatoeba #12484932 by Lumi, translation #1276432 by shekitten
- ಆ ನಾಯಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ವೇಗವಾಗಿ ಓಡುತ್ತಿದೆ.That dog is running very fast.
- ಆ ನಾಯಿ ದೊಡ್ಡದಾಗಿದೆ.ā nāyi doḍḍadāgide.That dog is big.
Example conversation
Divya and Rahul are walking in a park.
- ದಿವ್ಯಾ Divyaನೋಡು, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ನಾಯಿ ಇದೆ.nōḍu, alli ondu nāyi ide.Look, there is a dog there.
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಅದು ತುಂಬಾ ಮುದ್ದಾಗಿದೆ.adu tumbā muddāgide.It is very cute.
- ದಿವ್ಯಾ Divyaನಿನಗೆ ನಾಯಿ ಸಾಕಿದೆಯೇ?ninage nāyi sākideyē?Do you have a pet dog?
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಇಲ್ಲ, ಆದರೆ ನನಗೆ ಬೇಕು.illa, ādarē nanage bēku.No, but I want one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries ನಾಯಿ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ನಾಯಿ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
