Guide: How to Say Time in Kannada

Greetings! In this guide, we will explore the various ways to express time in Kannada, both formally and informally. Kannada is a rich language spoken by millions of people primarily in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of time expressions in Kannada!

Formal Time Expressions

When it comes to formal situations or when interacting with older individuals, it is important to use proper and respectful expressions. Here are some formal ways to say time in Kannada:

1. Ondu ghante: One hour
2. EraDu gaMTe: Two hours
3. NaDige: Minutes
4. Dinakke: Days
5. Varsakke: Years

For example, if you want to say “two hours,” you can simply say “EraDu gaMTe.” Similarly, for “ten minutes,” you can say “haTTu naDige.”

Informal Time Expressions

Informal conversations allow for more relaxed and casual expressions. Here are some common ways to express time informally in Kannada:

1. GaMTe onDu: One hour
2. GaMTe idu: Two hours
3. NaDegaLu: Minutes
4. Dinagalu: Days
5. Varsha: Years

For instance, if you want to say “one hour” informally, you can simply say “GaMTe onDu.” Similarly, for “five minutes,” you can say “aidu naDegaLu.”

Time Phrases for Regional Variations

Kannada is a language with various regional dialects. Time expressions may vary slightly across regions. However, for the sake of simplicity, we will predominantly focus on the standard Kannada expressions mentioned above, which are widely understood across the state of Karnataka.

It is important to note that Kannada is a highly flexible language, allowing for variations and adaptations. Therefore, it is always beneficial to learn from native speakers or locals when visiting specific regions in Karnataka.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you practice time expressions in Kannada:

• 1. Time of the Day: To specify the time of day, you can use the phrases “beLigge” (morning), “maDige” (noon), “saaYankaala” (evening), or “raatri” (night). For example, “ten o’clock in the morning” can be expressed as “beLigge haTTu gaMTe.”
• 2. Quarter Hours: In Kannada, a quarter of an hour is called a “pahar.” So, 15 minutes past the hour can be expressed as “pahara haNNu” (lit. quarter past), and 45 minutes past the hour as “munnaDi pahar” (lit. three-quarters past).
• 3. Half Hours: Half-past the hour can be expressed as “adhe ghante” or “adhikaara gaMTe.” For example, “half-past three” can be stated as “adhe ghante muuru” or “adhikaara gaMTe mooru.”
• 4. Expressing Minutes: When expressing minutes, it is common to use the word “beka” (pronounced like ‘beck-a’) after the number. For example, “twenty minutes” can be expressed as “ippaTtu beka.”
• 5. Asking for the Time: When inquiring about the time, you can ask “egalige yestu gaNTu?” (What is the time?) or simply “egalige?”. This is a common and friendly way to ask for the time in Kannada.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t hesitate to engage in conversations with native Kannada speakers to further enhance your understanding and fluency.

With these expressions, you are off to a great start in mastering the art of telling time in Kannada. Time is a fundamental aspect of communication, and expressing it accurately and confidently will tremendously enrich your language skills. So, enjoy your Kannada language journey, and may you have a wonderful time expressing yourself in Kannada!