నాకు తెలుగు తెలుసు
naaku telugu telusu
The English phrase "I know telugu" is translated into Telugu as నాకు తెలుగు తెలుసు (naaku telugu telusu).
This phrase is used to express that a person has the ability to speak or understand the Telugu language. If you wish to say you know the language very well, you can use the adverb చాలా (very).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to To me, Telugu is known. It is composed of నాకు (to me), తెలుగు (Telugu) and తెలుసు (is known).
Which one should you use?
Use నాకు తెలుగు తెలుసు to express the general ability to understand or speak the language. In contrast, the phrase nenu telugu matladutunnanu would specifically mean "I am speaking Telugu".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb తెలుసు is used to express knowledge or familiarity and functions with a dative subject rather than a nominative one. Because of this, you must use the dative form నాకు (to me) instead of the standard word for "I" (nenu).
How do you pronounce it?
naaku telugu telusu
Did you know?
- Telugu is often called the 'Italian of the East' because almost every word ends in a vowel sound.
- While English uses one word for 'know', Telugu distinguishes between 'knowing' a fact or language (తెలుసు) and 'knowing' a person or place.
- The origin of the name తెలుగు is debated, with some linguists suggesting it may stem from a Proto-Dravidian word meaning 'south'.
Examples in context
- అమ్మగారికి నాకు తెలుగు తెలుసు అని చెప్పాను.ammagāriki nāku telugu telusu ani cheppānu.I told my mother that I know Telugu.
Example conversation
Ravi asks Kavya if she understands the local language.
- రవి Raviకావ్యా, నీకు తెలుగు తెలుసా?Kāvyā, nīku telugu telusā?Kavya, do you know Telugu?
- కావ్య Kavyaఅవును రవి, నాకు తెలుగు తెలుసు.Avunu Ravi, nāku telugu telusu.Yes Ravi, I know Telugu.
- రవి Raviమరి నాతో తెలుగులో మాట్లాడు.Mari nātō telugulō mātlāḍu.Then speak with me in Telugu.
- కావ్య Kavyaసరే, ప్రయత్నిస్తాను.Sarē, prayatnistānu.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries తెలుగు, నాకు, CC BY-SA 4.0.
