🇮🇳 Kannada phrases

How to Say "Hi" in Kannada

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ
"Hi" in Kannada · say it like nah-mas-kah-rah

The most natural way to say "Hi" 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

ಹಾಯ್
more casual and commonly used among friends
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರಗಳು
a more formal plural greeting

When to use it

Use 'ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ' when greeting someone formally or in a respectful manner. It is suitable for both meeting someone for the first time and addressing elders. 'ಹಾಯ್' is more casual and can be used among friends or peers.

Say it out loud, get corrected

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

Examples in Kannada

KannadaEnglish
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಿ?Hello, how are you?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ' with 'ಹಾಯ್' and use them interchangeably in formal settings.

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

When should I use 'ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ'?

You should use 'ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ' in formal situations or when greeting someone you respect.

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