ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ
namaskāra/n̪ɐmɐskaːɾɐ/
In Kannada, hello and goodbye is ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (namaskāra).
The word ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is versatile. It functions as a general greeting to welcome someone upon arrival and can also be used to bid someone farewell when they depart. Depending on the time of day, you might use other specific greetings such as Shubhodaya for Good morning, Shubha madhyahna for Good afternoon, Shubha sandhya for Good evening or Shubha raatri for Good night.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is a polite and formal term. It is appropriate for professional settings or when you are speaking to elders.
How do you pronounce it?
namaskāra (nɐmɐskaːɾɐ)
Did you know?
- When saying ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, it is common to perform the 'Anjali Mudra' by joining your palms together in front of your chest. This physical gesture accompanies the spoken word to show sincerity and respect.
- Because ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ has Sanskrit origins, it functions as a linguistic bridge that is understood by speakers of many different Indian languages outside of Karnataka.
- The linguistic root of ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ actually describes the physical act of 'bowing' or 'saluting' rather than the abstract concept of 'hello'.
Examples in context
- ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಿ?namaskāra, nīvu hēgiddīri?Hello, how are you?
- ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನನ್ನ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.ellarigū nanna namaskāra.My greetings to everyone.
- ಹೋಗಿ ಬರುತ್ತೇನೆ, ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.hōgi baruttēne, namaskāra.I'll be going now, goodbye.
Example conversation
Kiran and Anvitha meet at a store.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಕಿರಣ್!Namaskāra Kiran!Hello Kiran!
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಅನ್ವಿತಾ, ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?Namaskāra Anvitā, hēgiddīrā?Hello Anvitha, how are you?
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaನಾನು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೀನಿ, ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು.Nānu cennāgiddīni, dhanyavādagaḷu.I am doing well, thank you.
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranಸರಿ, ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.Sari, namaskāra.Okay, goodbye.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
