ಇಲ್ಲ
illa
The Kannada word for "no" is ಇಲ್ಲ (illa).
The particle ಇಲ್ಲ is used to show disagreement or negation. It specifically functions to negate the existence or presence of something, meaning "is not" or "there is not".
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While ಇಲ್ಲ can be translated as "no", it is specifically used to negate the existence of a noun or the presence of a quality. If you are refusing an offer, you should not use ಇಲ್ಲ. Instead, use ಬೇಡ to express "I don't want it".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ಇಲ್ಲ is used to negate the existence of a noun or the presence of a quality.
How do you pronounce it?
illa
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ಇಲ್ಲ when you want to say you do not want something. Use ಬೇಡ instead.
Did you know?
- A polite 'no' in Kannada is often accompanied by a slight side-to-side tilt of the head. An English speaker might mistake this gesture for a nod of agreement, leading to a misunderstanding.
- The negation in a Kannada sentence is often placed at the very end. This makes the 'no' the final, most decisive word of the entire thought.
- Because ಇಲ್ಲ negates existence, it is more closely related to the phrase 'there is not' than the English 'no' used for refusing an offer.
Examples in context
- ಮೂರ್ಖತನಕ್ಕೆ ಯಾವ ಕ್ಷಮೆಯು ಇಲ್ಲ.Stupidity is no excuse.This sentence shows the use of ಇಲ್ಲ to negate the existence of an excuse.Tatoeba #4776855 by legalghost, translation #3733501 by CK
- ಇಲ್ಲNo.This sentence provides a simple example of the word ಇಲ್ಲ used on its own.Tatoeba #8902979 by satez416, translation #477061 by Ricardo14
- ರಾಜೇಶ್, ನಾನು ಈ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಲಾಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲRajesh, I cannot do this work.
- ನನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಪೆನ್ ಇಲ್ಲ.nanna hattira pen illa.I do not have a pen.
Example conversation
Rahul and Anvitha are discussing whether to go to the store.
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulನೀನು ಅಂಗಡಿಗೆ ಬರುತ್ತೀಯಾ?Neenu angadige barutteeya?Are you coming to the store?
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಇಲ್ಲ, ನಾನು ಬರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.Illa, naanu baruvudilla.No, I will not come.
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಯಾಕೆ ಬರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ?Yaake baruvudilla?Why won't you come?
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaನನಗೆ ಸಮಯ ಇಲ್ಲ.Nanage samaya illa.I have no time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
