ಹೌದು
haudu/hɐu̯d̪u/
The English word "yes" is translated into Kannada as ಹೌದು (haudu).
ಹೌದು is primarily used to confirm that a statement is true or to agree with a fact.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While ಹೌದು means 'yes' in terms of truth, ಸರಿ (sari) is often used to mean 'okay' or 'alright' to signal agreement to a suggestion or instruction.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is haudu. The IPA is /hɐu̯d̪u/.
Did you know?
- A common non-verbal 'yes' in Karnataka involves a subtle side-to-side head bobble, which can confuse English speakers who associate that movement with 'no'.
- The word ಸರಿ (sari), used for agreement, is also the same word used to describe something that is 'equal' or 'correct' in a mathematical sense.
- When answering a question in a formal setting, one might avoid saying ಹೌದು directly and instead repeat the verb used in the question to show respect.
Examples in context
- ಹೌದು, ಇದು ತುಂಬಾ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ.haudu, idu tumba chennagide.Yes, this is very good.
- ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮಾತು ಹೌದು.nimma maatu haudu.Your word is true (Yes, you are right).
- ಹೌದು, ನಾನು ನಾಳೆ ಬರುತ್ತೇನೆ.haudu, naanu naale baruttene.Yes, I will come tomorrow.
Example conversation
Divya and Kiran are discussing a movie.
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranಈ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ, ಅಲ್ವಾ?ī sinimā cennāgide, alvā?This movie is good, right?
- ದಿವ್ಯಾ Divyaಹೌದು, ತುಂಬಾ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ.haudu, tumbā cennāgide.Yes, it is very good.
- ಕಿರಣ್ Kiranನಿನಗೆ ಕಥೆ ಇಷ್ಟವಾಯಿತಾ?ninage kathe iṣṭavāyitā?Did you like the story?
- ದಿವ್ಯಾ Divyaಹೌದು, ಕಥೆ ಅದ್ಭುತವಾಗಿದೆ.haudu, kathe adbhutavāgide.Yes, the story is wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries ಹೌದು, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
