In the southern state of Karnataka, India, Kannada stands out as one of the major languages due to its rich heritage and historical importance. Among its native speakers who number in millions, Kannada employs a unique set of numerals that sets it apart from other languages. These numerals possess an inherent beauty not only in their physical form but also in their pronunciation, origins, and the cultural milieu that has shaped them over time.
Discovering the Kannada number names unveils an enthralling portal into the linguistic and numerical traditions of the region. This manual serves as your introduction to Kannada numeral terms, delving into their structure, pronunciation, and cultural significance. Whether you are a language enthusiast, a student immersed in South Indian heritage or simply fascinated by diverse languages, grasping Kannada numeral terms transports you to a lively universe brimming with auditory richness, symbolic representations, and profound historical legacies.
Basic numbers: 1 to 10 number names in Kannada
Numbers are an integral part of everyday life, enabling us to quantify and measure the world around us. In Kannada, the language spoken in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, numbers have their own unique names that add a touch of cultural richness to numerical expressions. Let’s take a dive into the fascinating world of 1 to 10 number names in Kannada.
| Number in English | Number in Kannada script | Pronunciation (transliteration) |
| 1 | ೧ | ಒಂದು (Ondu) |
| 2 | ೨ | ಎರಡು (Eradu) |
| 3 | ೩ | ಮೂರು (Mūru) |
| 4 | ೪ | ನಾಲ್ಕು (Nālku) |
| 5 | ೫ | ಐದು (Aidu) |
| 6 | ೬ | ಆರು (Āru) |
| 7 | ೭ | ಏಳು (Ēḷu) |
| 8 | ೮ | ಎಂಟು (Enṭu) |
| 9 | ೯ | ಒಂಬತ್ತು (Ombattu) |
| 10 | ೧೦ | ಹತ್ತು (Hattu) |
Beyond the basics: 11 to 20 Kannada number names
In our previous blog section, we delved into the fascinating world of Kannada number names from 1 to 10. Today, we continue this linguistic journey by exploring numbers 11 to 20 in Kannada. These number names not only provide a glimpse into the rich heritage and cultural significance of the Kannada language but also offer a unique perspective on how numbers are conceptualized.
| Number (in English) | Number (in Kannada script) | Pronunciation (transliteration) |
| 11 | ೧೧ | ಹನ್ನೊಂದು (Hannonḍu) |
| 12 | ೧೨ | ಹನ್ನೆರಡು (Hanneradu) |
| 13 | ೧೩ | ಹದಿಮೂರು (Hadimūru) |
| 14 | ೧೪ | ಹದಿನಾಲ್ಕು (Hadinālku) |
| 15 | ೧೫ | ಹದಿಐದು (Hadiaidu) |
| 16 | ೧೬ | ಹದಿಆರು (Hadiāru) |
| 17 | ೧೭ | ಹದಿಏಳು (Hadiēḷu) |
| 18 | ೧೮ | ಹದಿಎಂಟು (Hadienṭu) |
| 19 | ೧೯ | ಹತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು (Hattombattu) |
| 20 | ೨೦ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು (Ippattu) |
Thousands, lakhs, and crores: Larger numbers in Kannada
In Kannada, as in many other Indian languages, the system of large numbers differs from the Western system. After the thousands, Indian languages use the terms ‘lakhs’ and ‘crores’ rather than ‘millions’ and ‘billions’. Let’s look at how larger numbers are represented in Kannada:
| No. | English Term | Kannada Script | Pronunciation (transliteration) |
| 1 | Thousand | ಸಾವಿರ | Sāvira |
| 2 | Ten Thousand | ಹತ್ತು ಸಾವಿರ | Hattu Sāvira |
| 3 | Lakh (100,000) | ಲಕ್ಷ | Lakṣha |
| 4 | Ten Lakh (1,000,000) | ಹತ್ತು ಲಕ್ಷ | Hattu Lakṣha |
| 5 | Crore (10,000,000) | ಕೋಟಿ | Kōṭi |
| 6 | Ten Crore | ಹತ್ತು ಕೋಟಿ | Hattu Kōṭi |
List of 1 to 100 number names in Kannada
Kannada has a rich numerical vocabulary that adds depth and character to simple numbers. From the basic one to the complex numbers reaching into the hundreds, each name carries its own unique charm and cultural significance.
In Kannada, numbers are named using a combination of words. For instance, the number one is called ondu, two is eradu, three is mooru, and so on. As you progress through the list, you’ll notice how the structure of these names follows a pattern similar to that of other languages. Here is a comprehensive list of 1 to 100 number names in Kannada.
| 1 To 100 Numbers In English | 1 To 100 Numbers in Kannada | Pronunciation |
| 1 | ೧ | Oṇḍu |
| 2 | ೨ | Eraḍu |
| 3 | ೩ | Mūru |
| 4 | ೪ | Nālku |
| 5 | ೫ | Aidu |
| 6 | ೬ | Āru |
| 7 | ೭ | Ēḷu |
| 8 | ೮ | Eṇṭu |
| 9 | ೯ | Ombattu |
| 10 | ೧೦ | Hattu |
| 11 | ೧೧ | Hannondhu |
| 12 | ೧೨ | Hanneradu |
| 13 | ೧೩ | Hadimooru |
| 14 | ೧೪ | Nālukaindhu |
| 15 | ೧೫ | Aidukaindhu |
| 16 | ೧೬ | Ārukaindhu |
| 17 | ೧೭ | Ēḷukaindhu |
| 18 | ೧೮ | Hattukaindhu |
| 19 | ೧೯ | Hattombattu |
| 20 | ೨೦ | Ippattu |
| 21 | ೨೧ | Ippattondu |
| 22 | ೨೨ | Ippatteraḍu |
| 23 | ೨೩ | Ippattmūru |
| 24 | ೨೪ | Ippatnālku |
| 25 | ೨೫ | Ippaidu |
| 26 | ೨೬ | Ippaāru |
| 27 | ೨೭ | Ippaēḷu |
| 28 | ೨೮ | Ippaeṇṭu |
| 29 | ೨೯ | Ippaombattu |
| 30 | ೩೦ | Mūvatthu |
| 31 | ೩೧ | Mūvattondu |
| 32 | ೩೨ | Mūvatteraḍu |
| 33 | ೩೩ | Mūvatmūru |
| 34 | ೩೪ | Mūvatnālku |
| 35 | ೩೫ | Mūvatāidu |
| 36 | ೩೬ | Mūvatāru |
| 37 | ೩೭ | Mūvatāḷu |
| 38 | ೩೮ | Mūvatēṇṭu |
| 39 | ೩೯ | Mūvatombattu |
| 40 | ೪೦ | Nalavattu |
| 41 | ೪೧ | Nalavattondu |
| 42 | ೪೨ | Nalavatt-eraḍu |
| 43 | ೪೩ | Nalavatt-mūru |
| 44 | ೪೪ | Nalavatt-nālku |
| 45 | ೪೫ | Nalavatt-aidu |
| 46 | ೪೬ | Nalavatt-āru |
| 47 | ೪೭ | Nalavatt-āḷu |
| 48 | ೪೮ | Nalavatt-ēṇṭu |
| 49 | ೪೯ | Nalavatt-ombattu |
| 50 | ೫೦ | Aivattu |
| 51 | ೫೧ | Aivattondu |
| 52 | ೫೨ | Aivatt-eraḍu |
| 53 | ೫೩ | Aivatt-mūru |
| 54 | ೫೪ | Aivatt-nālku |
| 55 | ೫೫ | Aivatt-aidu |
| 56 | ೫೬ | Aivatt-āru |
| 57 | ೫೭ | Aivatt-āḷu |
| 58 | ೫೮ | Aivatt-ēṇṭu |
| 59 | ೫೯ | Aivatt-ombattu |
| 60 | ೬೦ | Āravattu |
| 61 | ೬೧ | Āravattondu |
| 62 | ೬೨ | Āravatt-eraḍu |
| 63 | ೬೩ | Āravatt-mūru |
| 64 | ೬೪ | Āravatt-nālku |
| 65 | ೬೫ | Āravatt-aidu |
| 66 | ೬೬ | Āravatt-āru |
| 67 | ೬೭ | Āravatt-āḷu |
| 68 | ೬೮ | Āravatt-ēṇṭu |
| 69 | ೬೯ | Āravatt-ombattu |
| 70 | ೭೦ | Ēpadu |
| 71 | ೭೧ | Ēpattondu |
| 72 | ೭೨ | Ēpat-eraḍu |
| 73 | ೭೩ | Ēpat-mūru |
| 74 | ೭೪ | Ēpat-nālku |
| 75 | ೭೫ | Ēpat-aidu |
| 76 | ೭೬ | Ēpat-āru |
| 77 | ೭೭ | Ēpat-āḷu |
| 78 | ೭೮ | Ēpat-ēṇṭu |
| 79 | ೭೯ | Ēpat-ombattu |
| 80 | ೮೦ | Embattu |
| 81 | ೮೧ | Embattondu |
| 82 | ೮೨ | Embat-eraḍu |
| 83 | ೮೩ | Embat-mūru |
| 84 | ೮೪ | Embat-nālku |
| 85 | ೮೫ | Embat-aidu |
| 86 | ೮೬ | Embat-āru |
| 87 | ೮೭ | Embat-āḷu |
| 88 | ೮೮ | Embat-ēṇṭu |
| 89 | ೮೯ | Embat-ombattu |
| 90 | ೯೦ | Tumbattu |
| 91 | ೯೧ | Tumbattondu |
| 92 | ೯೨ | Tumbatt-eraḍu |
| 93 | ೯೩ | Tumbatt-mūru |
| 94 | ೯೪ | Tumbatt-nālku |
| 95 | ೯೫ | Tumbatt-aidu |
| 96 | ೯೬ | Tumbatt-āru |
| 97 | ೯೭ | Tumbatt-āḷu |
| 98 | ೯೮ | Tumbatt-ēṇṭu |
| 99 | ೯೯ | Tumbatt-ombattu |
| 100 | ೧೦೦ | Nooru |
History: Origins and evolution of Kannada number names
The history and evolution of Kannada number names are deeply entwined with the growth and development of the Kannada language, one of the oldest Dravidian languages of India. Here’s an overview of the origins and evolution of Kannada number names:
Origins:
- Ancient Beginnings: The earliest evidence of the Kannada language dates back to approximately the 5th century CE, with inscriptions found in Karnataka. The Brahmi script, which was a precursor to many modern Indian scripts, was used in these early inscriptions, and it had its own set of numerals. These Brahmi numerals eventually evolved into the current Kannada numerals.
- Influence of Sanskrit: Kannada, like many other Indian languages, has been influenced by Sanskrit, both linguistically and culturally. This influence is visible in Kannada numbers, especially in the higher denominations like “lakṣha” (lakh) and “kōṭi” (crore), which have Sanskrit origins.
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Evolution:
- Script Evolution: Over the centuries, the Kannada script evolved from Brahmi through the intermediary phase of the Kadamba and Chalukya scripts. As the script evolved, so did the representation of numerals.
- Local Variations: Different regions of Karnataka have had minor variations in the pronunciation and even in naming certain numbers. With time, a standardized form has been accepted, especially with the influence of literature and education.
- Influence of Trade and Interaction: The rich history of trade in the southern parts of India, especially with the Western world, meant there was a necessity for a standardized numeral system for commercial purposes. This could have influenced a more streamlined and universally accepted system of numbers in Kannada.
- Modern Times: The establishment of educational institutions and the standardization of the Kannada language for academic and administrative purposes in the state of Karnataka led to the consistent use and teaching of Kannada numbers.
Tips for correctly pronouncing Kannada numbers
Pronouncing Kannada numbers accurately requires an understanding of certain phonetic nuances unique to the language. Here are some tips to guide you in the right direction:
1. Emphasis on Specific Sounds: The letter ‘ಳ’ (ḷa) is a retroflex lateral, and it’s a sound not found in English. To pronounce it, the tongue should touch the roof of the mouth. ‘ಱ’ (ṟa) is another unique sound in Kannada, which is a rolled ‘r’. It’s similar to the Spanish ‘r’ but more forceful.
2. Long vs. Short Vowels: Kannada has both long and short vowels. For instance, ‘ಉ’ is a short ‘u’ sound, while ‘ಊ’ is a long ‘u’ sound. It’s essential to differentiate between them as they can change the meaning of the word.
3. Nasal Sounds: Nasal sounds like ‘ಂ’ (anunasika) at the end of numbers like ‘ಒಂದು’ (Onḍu) should be pronounced, albeit subtly.
4. Diphthongs: Kannada has specific compound sounds like ‘ಐ’ (ai in ‘Aidu’) and ‘ಔ’ (au). Practicing these sounds will aid in accurate pronunciation.
5. Consistency in Stress: Unlike English, which has variable stress patterns, Kannada generally maintains consistent stress. Most often, the first syllable of the word receives the primary stress.
6. Practice with Native Speakers: Interacting with native Kannada speakers can be immensely beneficial. They can correct subtle mispronunciations and provide feedback.
7. Use Online Tools: There are various online tools and platforms where you can listen to the correct pronunciation of Kannada numbers. Websites, apps, or platforms dedicated to teaching Kannada will often have audio clips or tutorials.
8. Break Down Longer Numbers: For numbers above 10, which are often compound words, break them down to understand each part. For instance, ‘ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು ಒಂದು’ (Ippattu Onḍu) is 21. Here, ‘ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು’ is 20 and ‘ಒಂದು’ is 1. By separating the components, you can focus on pronouncing each part correctly.
How Kannada number names are used in everyday life
The use of Kannada number names in everyday life is a fascinating aspect of the culture and language. From counting money to telling time, these number names are used extensively and seamlessly integrated into daily conversations. For instance, when bargaining at a local market, instead of using numbers, sellers often say ondu for one, eraḍu for two, and so on. This not only adds a touch of authenticity to the transaction but also showcases the uniqueness of the language.
Moreover, Kannada number names are commonly used while expressing time. Instead of saying seven o’clock, people say yeLu which means seven in Kannada. This practice adds an interesting dimension to conversations as it infuses regional flair and cultural identity into everyday life interactions. Additionally, these number names further emphasize the importance placed on oral traditions in Kannada-speaking communities by highlighting how numbers are communicated verbally rather than relying solely on written digits.
Overall, the utilization of Kannada number names in day-to-day activities brings charm and vibrancy to everyday life. They provide a distinct identity to the language while showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Through their seamless integration into conversations about money or time-telling, these number names symbolize the significance of oral traditions and add depth to linguistic exchanges within the Kannada-speaking community.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, learning the number names in Kannada is a valuable skill that can enhance our understanding and appreciation of the language. By familiarizing ourselves with the unique number system, we can better navigate daily conversations and transactions in Karnataka. Additionally, knowing these number names can also serve as a starting point for exploring other aspects of this rich South Indian language.
Whether we are native speakers or language enthusiasts, taking the time to learn Kannada number names is a worthwhile endeavor that can bring us closer to the vibrant culture and heritage of Karnataka. So why wait? Let’s embark on this exciting linguistic journey today!
FAQs
How many number names are there in Kannada?
Kannada has unique number names up to 100, after which it follows a pattern to form larger numbers.
What is 40 called in Kannada?
The number 40 is called “ನಲವತ್ತು” (Nalavattu).
What is the Kannada word for 200?
The word for 200 is “ಇರ್ನೂರು” (Irnooru).
How much is 1 million in Kannada?
1 million is equivalent to 10 lakhs. In Kannada, lakh is called “ಲಕ್ಷ” (Lakṣha). So, 1 million would be “ಹತ್ತು ಲಕ್ಷ” (Hattu Lakṣha).
How can I learn and memorize Kannada number names quickly?
Repeating the numbers out loud, writing them down repeatedly, and using flashcards or mnemonic techniques can help with quick memorization of Kannada number names.
Where can I find resources to learn and practice Kannada number names?
There are several online platforms that provide resources like audio recordings, videos, flashcards, and practice exercises specifically designed for learning and practicing Kannada number names.