🇮🇳 Kannada phrases

How to Say "Hello" in Kannada

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ
"Hello" in Kannada · say it like nah-muh-skaa-rah

The most natural way to say "Hello" in Kannada is ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

ನಮಸ್ಕಾರಗಳು
used when greeting multiple people
ಹಾಯ್
a casual and informal greeting

When to use it

Use 'ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ' when greeting someone formally or respectfully. It is appropriate in both personal and professional settings. You can use it when meeting someone for the first time or in a formal gathering.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Hello" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Kannada

KannadaEnglish
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಿ?Hello, how are you?
Common mistake
Some learners might confuse 'ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ' with 'ಹಾಯ್' and use it in informal situations.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Kannada with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ' used in all parts of Karnataka?

'ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ' is widely used across Karnataka, though some regions may have their own local greetings.

Learn Kannada by speaking it

Two free conversations. No card needed.