ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ
namaskāra/n̪ɐmɐskaːɾɐ/
The English phrase "hi" can be expressed in Kannada using ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (namaskāra).
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is a common greeting used to say "hello" or "hi". It is a versatile term that is appropriate for almost any time of day, meaning you do not need to switch between different phrases for morning, afternoon or evening.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is derived from Sanskrit and conveys a sense of respect or salutation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the English "hi" is an informal greeting, the Kannada ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is polite and can be used in both formal and respectful informal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
namaskāra
Did you know?
- In very informal settings among close friends, speakers may skip ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ entirely and instead ask ಊಟ ಆಯ್ತಾ?, which literally means 'did you eat?'
- While ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is a standard greeting, you might see people perform a 'namaste' gesture, pressing their palms together at chest level, while saying it.
- Because of its Sanskrit roots, ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is a 'cognate' that will be instantly recognized by speakers of many other Indian languages, like Hindi or Telugu.
Examples in context
- ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.Hi.This example shows the use of ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ as a simple greeting.Tatoeba #13237337 by Lumi, translation #538123 by CM
- ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.ellarigū namaskāra.Hi to everyone.
Example conversation
Abhishek and Soumya meet at a coffee shop.
- ಸೌಮ್ಯ Soumyaನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್!Namaskāra, Abhishēk!Hi, Abhishek!
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ಸೌಮ್ಯ. ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?Namaskāra, Soumya. Hēgiddīyā?Hi, Soumya. How are you?
- ಸೌಮ್ಯ Soumyaನಾನು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೀನಿ.Nānu chennāgiddīni.I am doing well.
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekನಾನು ಕೂಡ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೀನಿ.Nānu kūḍa chennāgiddīni.I am doing well too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
