ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ
namaskāra/n̪ɐmɐskaːɾɐ/
The English phrase 'namaste' is translated into Kannada as ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (namaskāra).
While 'namaste' is a common greeting in Hindi, ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is the standard and most natural way to express a respectful greeting in Kannada.
Meaning: a greeting (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is a polite and respectful greeting. It is suitable for formal settings, as well as when meeting elders or strangers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Coastal Karnataka, ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is used for both formal and informal greetings.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is namaskāra.
Did you know?
- In some traditional settings in Karnataka, instead of just saying ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, people may use the phrase ಶರಣು (sharanu), which carries a deep religious and humble connotation of 'surrender'.
- The word ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ is etymologically rooted in Sanskrit, where 'nama' means 'bow' and 'kara' means 'making', literally translating to 'making a bow'.
- When saying ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, people often join their palms together and bow slightly, a gesture called 'Anjali Mudra' which symbolizes the meeting of two souls.
Examples in context
- ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?namaskāra, hēgiddīrā?Hello, how are you?
- ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ನನ್ನ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ.ellarigū nanna namaskāra.My greetings to everyone.
- ಅವರು ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಮಾಡಿದರು.avaru namaskāra māḍidaru.They gave a greeting.
Example conversation
Anvita and Kiran meet in a park.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಕಿರಣ್!namaskāra kiṟaṇ!Hello, Kiran!
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಅನ್ವಿತಾ, ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?namaskāra anvitā, hēgiddīrā?Hello Anvita, how are you?
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaನಾನು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು.nānu chennāgiddēne, dhanyavādagalu.I am fine, thank you.
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranನಾನು ಕೂಡ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ.nānu kūḍa chennāgiddēne.I am also fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
