ಹದ್ದು
haddu/hɐd̪d̪u/
The Kannada word for eagle is ಹದ್ದು (haddu). Wiktionary also lists ಗರುಡ (garuḍa).
Meaning: any of several large carnivorous birds in the family Accipitridae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Kannada | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ಹದ್ದು | haddu | /hɐd̪d̪u/ |
| ಗರುಡ | garuḍa |
Both terms are used to refer to large carnivorous birds in the family Accipitridae.
Which one should you use?
haddu is the standard, everyday term used for the biological bird, whereas garuḍa is used to refer to a divine eagle or a legendary bird in mythological or highly formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is haddu and the IPA is /hɐd̪d̪u/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Indian art and temple architecture in Karnataka, garuḍa is depicted as a humanoid figure with an eagle's beak and wings.
- In Kannada folklore and idioms, haddu is often used to describe someone with an extremely keen eye or a predatory nature.
- Because of its mythological weight, using garuḍa to describe a real bird in casual conversation might sound overly poetic or even sarcastic.
Examples in context
- ಆಕಾಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಹದ್ದು ಹಾರುತ್ತಿದೆ.ākāśadalli haddu hāruttide.An eagle is flying in the sky.
Example conversation
Rahul and Kavya are looking at birds in a park.
- ಕಾವ್ಯ Kavyaರಾಹುಲ್, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಿ!Rāhul, alli nōḍi!Rahul, look over there!
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಅದು ಹದ್ದೇ?adu haddē?Is that an eagle?
- ಕಾವ್ಯ Kavyaಹೌದು, ಅದು ಹದ್ದು.haudu, adu haddu.Yes, it is an eagle.
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಅದು ತುಂಬಾ ಸುಂದರವಾಗಿದೆ.adu tumbā sundaravāgide.It is very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eagle” translations and entries ಹದ್ದು, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
