ಸಣ್ಣ
sanna
The Kannada word for little is ಸಣ್ಣ (sanna).
ಸಣ್ಣ is an adjective used to describe something that is small in size.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ಸಣ್ಣ is the standard term, Chikka is another way to express the concept of little.
How do you pronounce it?
sanna
Did you know?
- The word ಸಣ್ಣ (sanna) shares its ancestry with the Sanskrit word ślakṣṇá, which originally meant something 'smooth' or 'slippery' rather than just small.
- If you are in Karnataka, you might hear the word Chikka used as a nickname for a younger brother or a beloved younger person.
- While ಸಣ್ಣ describes smallness, Kannada has a distinct way of using ಕಡಿಮೆ (kadime) for 'little' when referring to quantity or amount.
Examples in context
- ಆ ಮನೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಸಣ್ಣದು.ā mane tumbā saṇṇadu.That house is very small.
- ನನಗೆ ಒಂದು ಸಣ್ಣ ಬ್ಯಾಗ್ ಬೇಕು.nanage ondu saṇṇa byāg bēku.I want a small bag.
Example conversation
Soumya and Rahul are looking at a puppy.
- ಸೌಮ್ಯ Soumyaರಾಹುಲ್, ಈ ನಾಯಿ ಎಷ್ಟು ಸಣ್ಣ ಆಗಿದೆ!Rāhul, ī nāyi eṣṭu sanna āgide!Rahul, this dog is so little!
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಹೌದು, ಅದು ತುಂಬಾ ಕ್ಯೂಟ್ ಆಗಿದೆ.Haudu, adu tumbā kyūṭ āgide.Yes, it is very cute.
- ಸೌಮ್ಯ Soumyaನಮಗೆ ಸಣ್ಣ ನಾಯಿ ಬೇಕಿತ್ತಲ್ಲವೇ?Namage sanna nāyi bēkittallavē?We wanted a little dog, right?
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಹೌದು, ಇದೇ ನಮಗೆ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ.Haudu, idē namage sariyāgide.Yes, this one is perfect for us.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ಸಣ್ಣ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
