ಇದು
idu/id̪u/
The English word "this" is translated into Kannada as ಇದು (idu).
ಇದು is used to indicate a specific thing, item or concept that is close to the speaker.
Meaning: the thing, item, etc. being indicated (pron)
Which one should you use?
ಇದು is used for something near the speaker, whereas ಅದು is used for "that" to refer to something further away.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use ಇವು for the plural "these". If the word is the direct object of a verb, use the accusative form ಇದನ್ನು. Use the dative form ಇದಕ್ಕೆ to mean "to this". To indicate possession or a relationship, such as "of this", use the genitive form ಇದರ.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /id̪u/ (idu).
Did you know?
- When referring to a person, using ಇದು can sound incredibly rude or dehumanizing. To remain polite, a speaker will almost always swap it for a phrase meaning 'this person' instead.
- The word ಇದು is a direct descendant of the Proto-Dravidian word *itu, making it an ancient linguistic link shared across the southern tip of India.
- Because Kannada is an agglutinative language, the word ಇದು can have multiple suffixes attached to it, creating a single long word that functions as an entire phrase in English.
Examples in context
- ಇದು ನಿಮಗೆ ಕಷ್ಟವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ನನಗೆ ತಿಳಿದು ಬರುತ್ತದೆ.I can tell this is difficult for you.This sentence shows how to use ಇದು to refer to a situation or feeling.Tatoeba #4783914 by legalghost, translation #2301371 by CK
- ಇದು ಭಯಾನಕವಾದ ದುರಂತ.This is a horrible tragedy.This sentence demonstrates the use of ಇದು to identify a specific event.Tatoeba #4774649 by legalghost, translation #4494095 by CK
- ಇದು ಸರಿ.This is correct.This sentence shows ಇದು being used to confirm a fact.Tatoeba #12487645 by Lumi, translation #1996919 by Spamster
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Pranav and Anvitha are looking at a gift in a shop.
- ಪ್ರಣವ್ Pranavಇದು ತುಂಬಾ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ.Idu tumbā cennāgide.This is very beautiful.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaಹೌದು, ಇದು ನಿನಗೆ ಇಷ್ಟವಾಯಿತೇ?Haudu, idu ninage iṣṭavāyitē?Yes, do you like this?
- ಪ್ರಣವ್ Pranavಹೌದು, ಇದು ನನಗೇ ಬೇಕು.Haudu, idu nanagē bēku.Yes, I want this.
- ಅನ್ವಿತಾ Anvithaನಿನಗೆ ಇದು ತುಂಬಾ ಒಪ್ಪುತ್ತದೆ.Ninage idu tumbā opputtade.This suits you very well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ಇದು, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ಇದು, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
