Understanding numbers is a valuable skill. Numbers are an important part of any language since they are used in daily conversations for general and monetary purposes. Likewise, numbers in Kannada play a vital role in the southern state of Karnataka.
Traveling to Karnataka by any chance and wanna bargain the auto or tax fairs in Kannada? Consider it done! This blog will guide you in learning and understanding basic Kannada numbers so that you can flaunt your Kannada skills when required!
Table Of Contents
What Are Numbers In Kannada Called?
Numbers in Kannada are called Sankhyegalu (ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಗಳು). It is no rocket science. Just like English, Kannada numbers were also created primarily focusing on the digits 1-9. However, it is important to learn their pronunciations because that is where the crux of this topic lies. Dont worry! It’s pretty simple, and with some practice, you will eventually get the hang of it!
How To Write Basic Kannada Numbers
As mentioned above, learning the basics first is extremely important to master the numerals of any language.
With the help of a table, let’s learn the basic numbers in Kannada as well as their number names:
| Numerals | English Number Names | Kannada Numerals | Kannada Number Names | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Zero | ೦ | ಸೊನ್ನೆ | Sonne |
| 1 | One | ೧ | ಒಂದು | Ondu |
| 2 | Two | ೨ | ಎರಡು | Eradu |
| 3 | Three | ೩ | ಮೂರು | Mooru |
| 4 | Four | ೪ | ನಾಲ್ಕು | Naalku |
| 5 | Five | ೫ | ಐದು | Aidu |
| 6 | Six | ೬ | ಆರು | Aaru |
| 7 | Seven | ೭ | ಏಳು | Elu |
| 8 | Eight | ೮ | ಎಂಟು | Entu |
| 9 | Nine | ೯ | ಒಂಭತ್ತು | Ombatthu |
As shown in the table, these numbers form the basic premise of the number system in Kannada. Well, these number names are extremely important in your daily conversations and responsible for the formation of other digits too. Just like English, the pronunciation of the rest of the digits is a little different in Kannada as well. For now, practice well and master the basics!
Kannada Number Names: Multiples Of Ten
To ease things, let’s execute a hack so that we can learn and memorize the Kannada numbers and their number names quickly! Firstly, let’s only focus on the multiples of 10. It is because, once we get familiar with those number names, the rest of the digits in the middle and their names become a little more simpler to learn. Let’s create a table for the same:
| Numerals | English Number Names | Kannada Numerals | Kannada Number Names | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Ten | ೧೦ | ಹತ್ತು | Hatthu |
| 20 | Twenty | ೨೦ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು | Ippatthu |
| 30 | Thirty | ೩೦ | ಮೂವತ್ತು | Moovatthu |
| 40 | Forty | ೪೦ | ನಲವತ್ತು | Nalavatthu |
| 50 | Fifty | ೫೦ | ಐವತ್ತು | Aivatthu |
| 60 | Sixty | ೬೦ | ಅರವತ್ತು | Aravatthu |
| 70 | Seventy | ೭೦ | ಎಪ್ಪತ್ತು | Eppatthu |
| 80 | Eighty | ೮೦ | ಎಂಬತ್ತು | Embatthu |
| 90 | Ninety | ೯೦ | ತೊಂಬತ್ತು | Thombatthu |
| 100 | Hundred | ೧೦೦ | ನೂರು | Nooru |
If you observe, all the above words have tthu (ತ್ತು) placed at the end, just like numbers in English where all the multiples of ten end with “ty”. The logic is quite similar. Since they are all the multiples of 10, and the number 10 is called hatthu (ಹತ್ತು) in Kannada, eventually, it blends with its multiples and their number names. For example, say ‘twenty’, if we break down the number name:
Eradu (ಎರಡು) also means ‘twice’ in the adverbial sense + of Hatthu (ಹತ್ತು), which means ‘Ten’= Ippatthu (ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು), Twice of Ten – twenty.
All the numbers in Kannada, which come in between these multiples, since they all end with the digits 1-9, are pronounced the same. It’s a little different only in the case of digits from 11-19. Just like in English, where these digits are pronounced quite differently than the ones starting from twenty, Kannada numbers follow the same pattern.
Counting Numbers In Kannada Till Fifty
Firstly, let’s learn the numbers in Kannada starting from 11 to 20, along with their number names since there is a slight difference in their pronunciation:
| Numerals | English | Kannada Numerals | Kannada Number Names | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Eleven | ೧೧ | ಹನ್ನೊಂದು | Hannondu |
| 12 | Twelve | ೧೨ | ಹನ್ನೆರೆಡು | Hanneradu |
| 13 | Thirteen | ೧೩ | ಹದಿಮೂರು | Hadimooru |
| 14 | Fourteen | ೧೪ | ಹದಿನಾಲ್ಕು | Hadinaalku |
| 15 | Fifteen | ೧೫ | ಹದಿನೈದು | Hadinaidu |
| 16 | Sixteen | ೧೬ | ಹದಿನಾರು | Hadinaaru |
| 17 | Seventeen | ೧೭ | ಹದಿನೇಳು | Hadinelu |
| 18 | Eighteen | ೧೮ | ಹದಿನೆಂಟು | Hadinentu |
| 19 | Nineteen | ೧೯ | ಹತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು | Hatthommbatthu |
| 20 | Twenty | ೨೦ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು | Ippatthu |
Like the numerals in English from eleven to nineteen mostly end with “teen”, in Kannada the number names of these digits begin with Hadi (ಹದಿ). Hence “Teenage” is called Hadihareya (ಹದಿಹರೆಯ) in Kannada.
However, the rest of the number names in Kannada are very simple, as all you have to do is pronounce both number names of multiples of ten followed by the basic digits together. To understand it better, let’s create a table till 50:
| Numerals | English | Kannada Numerals | Kannada | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Twenty-one | ೨೧ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೊಂದು | Ippatth ondu |
| 22 | Twenty-two | ೨೨ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೆರಡು | Ippatth eradu |
| 23 | Twenty-three | ೨೩ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ಮೂರು | Ippatth mooru |
| 24 | Twenty-four | ೨೪ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ನಾಲ್ಕು | Ippatth naalku |
| 25 | Twenty-five | ೨೫ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೈದು | Ippathh aidu |
| 26 | Twenty-six | ೨೬ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತಾರು | Ippathh aaru |
| 27 | Twenty-seven | ೨೭ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೇಳು | Ippathh elu |
| 28 | Twenty-eight | ೨೮ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೆಂಟು | Ippatth entu |
| 29 | Twenty-nine | ೨೯ | ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು | Ippatth ombatthu |
| 30 | Thirty | ೩೦ | ಮೂವತ್ತು | Moovatthu |
| 31 | Thirty-one | ೩೧ | ಮೂವತ್ತೊಂದು | Movatth ondu |
| 32 | Thirty-two | ೩೨ | ಮೂವತ್ತೆರಡು | Movatth eradu |
| 33 | Thirty-three | ೩೩ | ಮೂವತ್ಮೂರು | Movatth mooru |
| 34 | Thirty-four | ೩೪ | ಮೂವತ್ನಾಲ್ಕು | Movatth naalku |
| 35 | Thirty-five | ೩೫ | ಮೂವತ್ತೈದು | Movatth aidu |
| 36 | Thirty-six | ೩೬ | ಮೂವತ್ತಾರು | Movatth aaru |
| 37 | Thirty-seven | ೩೭ | ಮೂವತ್ತೇಳು | Movatth elu |
| 38 | Thirty-eight | ೩೮ | ಮೂವತ್ತೆಂಟು | Movatth entu |
| 39 | Thirty-nine | ೩೯ | ಮೂವತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು | Movatth ombatthu |
| 40 | Forty | ೪೦ | ನಲವತ್ತು | Nalavatthu |
| 41 | Forty-one | ೪೧ | ನಲವತ್ತೊಂದು | Nalavatth ondu |
| 42 | Forty-two | ೪೨ | ನಲವತ್ತೆರಡು | Nalavatth eradu |
| 43 | Forty-three | ೪೩ | ನಲವತ್ಮೂರು | Nalavatth mooru |
| 44 | Forty-four | ೪೪ | ನಲವತ್ತು ನಾಲ್ಕು | Nalavatth naalku |
| 45 | Forty-five | ೪೫ | ನಲವತ್ತೈದು | Nalavatth aidu |
| 46 | Forty-six | ೪೬ | ನಲವತ್ತಾರು | Nalavatth aaru |
| 47 | Forty-seven | ೪೭ | ನಲವತ್ತೇಳು | Nalavatth elu |
| 48 | Forty-eight | ೪೮ | ನಲವತ್ತೆಂಟು | Nalavatth entu |
| 49 | Forty-nine | ೪೯ | ನಲವತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು | Nalavatth ombatthu |
| 50 | Fifty | ೫೦ | ಐವತ್ತು | Aivatthu |
Like shown in the above table, the rest of the digits from 51-100 follow exactly the same pattern.
Counting Numbers From One Hundred And Beyond
Once we reach the number Hundred, which is called Nooru (ನೂರು) in Kannada, it is important to note that the rest of the digits are pronounced with a case marker called ra (ರ) in Kannada.
For example, the number hundred and one is pronounced as Noora Ondu (ನೂರೊಂದು). This can be used only if we understand how the multiples of 100 are pronounced in Kannada with the help of a table:
| Numerals | English | Kannada Numerals | Kannada | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | One Hundred | ೧೦೦ | ಒಂದು ನೂರು | Ondu nooru |
| 200 | Two Hundred | ೨೦೦ | ಇನ್ನೂರು | Innooru |
| 300 | Three Hundred | ೩೦೦ | ಮುನ್ನೂರು | Munnooru |
| 400 | Four Hundred | ೪೦೦ | ನಾಲ್ಕುನೂರು | Naalknooru |
| 500 | Five Hundred | ೫೦೦ | ಐನೂರು | Ainooru |
| 600 | Six Hundred | ೬೦೦ | ಆರ್ನೂರು | Aarnooru |
| 700 | Seven Hundred | ೭೦೦ | ಏಳ್ನೂರು | Elnooru |
| 800 | Eight Hundred | ೮೦೦ | ಎಂಟ್ನೂರು | Entnooru |
| 900 | Nine Hundred | ೯೦೦ | ಒಂಬೈನೂರು | Ombainooru |
| 1000 | One Thousand | ೧೦೦೦ | ಒಂದುಸಾವಿರ | Ondu Saavira |
Lakhs in Kannada are called Laksha (ಲಕ್ಷ), and crores in Kannada are called Koti (ಕೋಟಿ).
Just like how ra (ರ) is added in the end while pronouncing after 100, similarly, da (ದ) is added after thousand. For example:
Ondu Saavirada Ondu (ಒಂದು ಸಾವಿರದ ಒಂದು) which means ‘One Thousand and One’ in Kannada.
Similarly, the same logic applies to all the numbers beyond lakhs to crore. For numbers in Crores, ya (ಯ) is added as a case marker.
One crore Twenty-Five Lakhs Fifty Thousand is written as Ondu Kotiya Aidu Lakshada Aivattu Saavira (ಒಂದು ಕೋಟಿಯ ಐವತ್ತು ಲಕ್ಷದ ಐವತ್ತು ಸಾವಿರ) in Kannada.
It is important to add the essential case markers number names in Kannada, so always make sure to remember them. Here is a table for you to practice:
| English | Case Markers | Kannada | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hundred and one | ರ (ra) | ನೂರ ಒಂದು | Noora Ondu |
| One thousand and one | ದ (da) | ಒಂದು ಸಾವಿರದ ಒಂದು | Ondu Saavirada Ondu |
| Ten thousand and one | ದ (da) | ಹತ್ತು ಸಾವಿರದ ಒಂದು | Hatthu Saavirada Ondu |
| One hundred thousand and one | ದ (da) | ಒಂದು ಲಕ್ಷದ ಒಂದು | Ondu Lakshada Ondu |
| One crore twenty-five lakhs fifty thousand | ಯ (ya) | ಒಂದು ಕೋಟಿಯ ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೈದು ಲಕ್ಷದ ಐವತ್ತು ಸಾವಿರ | Ondu Kotiya Ippatthaidu Lakshada Aivattu Saavira |
Tips To Enhance Your Kannada Numerical Skills
- Kannada numbers are not just used for calculation purposes. For example, the date is called Dinaanka (ದಿನಾಂಕ) in Kannada, and time is called Samaya (ಸಮಯ). Likewise, a year is called Varsha (ವರ್ಷ) and Money is called Hana (ಹಣ). So, learn essential Kannada nouns and other words that are used alongside numbers regularly. That way, your communication will become easier.
- Practice the basic Kannada numbers well. These numbers are responsible for the formation of the rest of the digits.
- Always try making an effort to speak in Kannada if you are in Karnataka. The locals encourage an earnest attempt to speak Kannada more than anything!
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers In Kannada
1. How To Learn Kannada Numbers 1 To 10
Just like any other Indian Number system, Kannada too follows the same pattern. Digits 1-9 form the basic premise here. This is how you can learn counting numbers from 1 to 10 in Kannada:
- One as ೧ (Ondu)
- Two as ೨ (Eradu)
- Three as ೩ (Mooru)
- Four as ೪ (Naalku)
- Five as ೫ (Aidu)
- Six as ೬ (Aaru)
- Seven as ೭ (Elu)
- Eight as ೮ (Entu)
- Nine as ೯ (Ombatthu)
- Ten as ೧೦ (Hatthu)
2. How Do You Say 15 In Kannada?
Fifteen is called Hadinaidu in Kannada.
3. Is It Difficult To Learn Kannada?
No. Kannada is one of the simplest Indian languages to learn. Kannada vocabulary in general is very small when compared to other Dravidian Languages. Hence, Kannada has a lot of words that are extracted from Persian, Arabic and other languages. Therefore, with the right dedication, Kannada can be learned quickly.
Wrapping Up
Numbers in Kannada play a vital role in daily communication, as well as in the numerical aspect. To improve your Kannada numerical skills, it is of utmost importance to get the basics right. Since Kannada follows the Hindu-Arabic number system, practice the digits from 1-9, as shown in the above table.
Learning the basic Kannada numbers and their names is half the job done. Also, make sure to learn the multiples of ten and hundred. Begin your learning with number names, at least, as they will help you for communication purposes. Learning the rest of the digits won’t be an issue once you master the basics!
Learn The Kannada Language With Ling!
Kannada is often called Kasturi which means the Musk of Indian Languages. If the numeral aspect of Kannada interests you, then there is more to it! If you are a language learning enthusiast who wants to begin exploring new languages, Don’t wait! Try out the Ling app!
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