🧳 Newcomer Guides

Must-Know Kannada Phrases for Bangalore Newcomers

Moving to Bengaluru? You can get by with English, but a handful of Kannada phrases instantly change how people treat you — auto drivers quote fairer fares, shopkeepers warm up, and daily errands get easier. Here are the ones worth knowing on day one, each written in simple Roman letters with audio.

15 phrases · with audio · roman pronunciation

Greetings & wellbeing

Open any conversation on the right foot.

Oota Aytha Did you have lunch? → Chanage idhira? Are you doing well? → Chanagiddini I am good → Hegiddira? How are you? →

The polite words locals love

Thank you, okay, no problem — small words, big difference.

Dhanyavaada Thank you → Sari Okay → Parvagilla It's fine → Enu Illa Nothing much →

Yes, no & "I don't understand"

Buy yourself time when you get stuck.

Gothu I know → Gothilla I don't know → Arthagilla I didn't understand →

Getting around by auto

The two phrases every newcomer uses first.

Eshtu Majestic ge? How much to Majestic? → Indiranagar ge ondu ticket kodi One ticket to Indiranagar, please →

Paying the modern way

UPI is everywhere in Bengaluru.

UPI ideya Do you have UPI? → Tomato Eshtu? How much is tomato? →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to learn the Kannada script to get around Bangalore?

No. Every phrase here is written in Roman pronunciation so you can read and say it immediately. The script is optional and comes later.

Will locals appreciate a newcomer trying Kannada?

Yes — even a little Kannada is genuinely appreciated in Bengaluru and usually gets you a warmer, more helpful response.