ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ
namaskāra/n̪ɐmɐskaːɾɐ/
namaskara is the Kannada phrase for a respectful greeting used to say hello or goodbye.
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is a versatile greeting that can be used both when arriving to say hello and when leaving to say goodbye.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from Sanskrit, where nama means bow or salutation and skaara relates to the act of making or doing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is a polite and respectful way to greet someone. It is suitable for formal settings, when addressing elders or when you wish to greet someone in a deferential manner.
How do you pronounce it?
namaskāra (IPA: /n̪ɐmɐskaːɾɐ/)
Did you know?
- While namaskara is the standard formal greeting, in very casual Kannada settings, people may omit it entirely and instead start a conversation by asking oota ayta, which means 'did you eat'.
- While many people associate the word with a verbal greeting, it is also used as a name for certain classical dance postures or sequences in traditional Indian performing arts.
- The greeting namaskara is used not only for people but also as a way to show reverence to deities or sacred objects in temples.
Examples in context
- ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.Ellarigū namaskāra.Hello to everyone.
- ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?Namaskāra, hēgiddīrā?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Divya meets Pranav at a local park.
- ದಿವ್ಯಾ Divyaನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಪ್ರಣವ್!Namaskāra Praṇav!Hello Pranav!
- ಪ್ರಣವ್ Pranavನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ದಿವ್ಯಾ, ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?Namaskāra Divyā, hēgiddīrā?Hello Divya, how are you?
- ದಿವ್ಯಾ Divyaನಾನು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು.Nānu chennāgiddēne, dhanyavādagaḷu.I am fine, thank you.
- ಪ್ರಣವ್ Pranavತುಂಬಾ ಸಂತೋಷ.Tumbā santōṣa.Very happy to hear that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
