ಕಲಿ
kali/kɐli/
The English phrase 'learn' is translated to Kannada as ಕಲಿ (kali).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to say 'I am learning' in the first person singular, use the continuous form ಕಲಿಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ (kaliyuttiddēne).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced [kali].
Did you know?
- In Kannada, the word for 'learning' something through rote memorization is often expressed using the term ಕಂಠಪಾಠ (kaṇṭhapāṭha), which literally translates to 'memorizing by heart'.
- In poetic Kannada, the process of 'learning' is often metaphorically described as 'drinking' the nectar of knowledge.
- In traditional Kannada education, the act of learning was often tied to the concept of ಗುರುಶಿಷ್ಯ, describing a spiritual and academic bond between a teacher and a student that goes beyond a simple classroom setting.
Examples in context
- ನಾನು ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಲಿಯುವುದು ಬಹಳ ಇಷ್ಟವಾಗಿದೆ.I love learning Kannada.
- ಕನ್ನಡ ವನ್ನು ಕಲಿಯುವುದು ಸುಲಭ.Learning Kannada is easy.
- ಈ ಸಂಗತಿಯು ಕಲಿಕೆಗೆ ಮಹತ್ವವಿದೆ.This matter is important for learning.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಅಭಿಷೇಕ್, ನೀನು ಏನು ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೀಯ?Abhishek, nīnu ēnu māḍuttiddīya?Abhishek, what are you doing?
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekನಾನು ಹೊಸ ಭಾಷೆ ಕಲಿ.nānu hosa bhāṣe kali.I learn a new language.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಅದು ತುಂಬಾ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದು.adu tumbā oḷḷeyadu.That is very good.
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು ಅನ್ವಿತಾ.dhanyavādagaḷu Anvitā.Thank you, Anvita.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ಕಲಿ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
