ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ
śikṣaka
The English word teacher is translated into Kannada as ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ (śikṣaka). Wiktionary also lists ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕ (adhyāpaka) and ಗುರು (guru).
Meaning: person who teaches (noun)
Ways to say it
| Kannada | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ | śikṣaka | |
| ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕ | adhyāpaka | /ɐd̪ʱjaːpɐkɐ/ |
| ಗುರು | guru |
The term ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ is the most common, neutral term used for a general teacher in a school setting.
Which one should you use?
While ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ is a general term, ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕ is typically used for higher education instructors or lecturers in a formal academic setting. The term ಗುರು carries a deeper, more respectful connotation often used for spiritual mentors or highly revered masters.
How do you pronounce it?
śikṣaka
Did you know?
- While ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ means 'teacher', the root word ಶಿಕ್ಷೆ means 'punishment', reflecting an older educational tradition where discipline was central to learning.
- The word ಗುರು is used in Kannada to describe the planet Jupiter, the 'teacher of the gods' in Indian astronomy.
- In traditional Kannada settings, students might address a teacher as ಗುರುಗಳು by adding a plural suffix to show extreme respect rather than to indicate multiple people.
Examples in context
- ಅವರು ನನ್ನ ಶಾಲೆಯ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ.avaru nanna shāleya shikshaka.He is my school teacher.
- ನನ್ನ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ ತುಂಬಾ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯವರು.nanna shikshaka tumbā oḷḷeyavaru.My teacher is very kind.
- ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ ಪಾಠ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ.shikshaka pāṭha māḍuttiddāre.The teacher is teaching the lesson.
Example conversation
Abhishek and Anvitha are discussing their new school teacher.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಅಭಿಷೇಕ್, ಹೊಸ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು ಯಾರು?Abhishek, hosa shikshakaru yaru?Abhishek, who is the new teacher?
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekಅವರು ಗಣಿತದ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ.Avaru ganitada shikshaka.He is a mathematics teacher.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಅವರು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಕಲಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆಯೇ?Avaru chennagi kalisuttareyē?Do they teach well?
- ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ Abhishekಹೌದು, ಅವರು ಅದ್ಭುತ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ.Haudu, avaru adbhuta shikshaka.Yes, he is a wonderful teacher.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teacher” translations and entries ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕ, ಗುರು, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
