ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ
namaskāra/n̪ɐmɐskaːɾɐ/
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (namaskāra) is the Kannada way to say namaskar.
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is a common and respectful greeting used to say hello when arriving or goodbye when leaving a person or a group.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from Sanskrit, where nama means bow or salutation and kara means making or doing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is a formal and respectful greeting. It is suitable for addressing elders, teachers or strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
namaskāra (/n̪ɐmɐskaːɾɐ/)
Did you know?
- Because the phrase is a Sanskrit loanword, it is recognized and understood across many different languages of India, such as Hindi or Telugu, meaning you can often be understood even if you do not speak Kannada.
- The word ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is used not only for people but also as a form of greeting to a deity when entering a temple.
- While you say ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, it is common practice to accompany the word with a 'Namaste gesture' where you press your palms together at the chest and slightly bow your head. This physical act is as much a part of the greeting as the word itself.
Examples in context
- ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.ellarigū namaskāra.Hello to everyone.
- ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಿ?namaskāra, nīvu hēgiddīri?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Kiran meets Saumya in the office hallway.
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ಸೌಮ್ಯ!namaskāra, saumya!Hello, Saumya!
- ಸೌಮ್ಯ Soumyaನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಕಿರಣ್, ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?namaskāra kiran, hēgiddīrā?Hello Kiran, how are you?
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranನಾನು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು.nānu chennāgiddēne, dhanyavādagalu.I am well, thank you.
- ಸೌಮ್ಯ Soumyaತುಂಬಾ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದು.tumbā oḷḷeyadu.That is very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
