Language/Kannada/Grammar/Past-Tense

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Kannada → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verb Conjugation → Past Tense

Introduction

In this lesson, we will dive into the topic of verb conjugation in the past tense in the Kannada language. Understanding how to conjugate verbs correctly is essential for effective communication in Kannada. The past tense allows us to talk about actions, events, or states that have already occurred. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in conjugating regular and irregular verbs in the past tense, enabling you to express yourself fluently in Kannada.

Regular Verbs

Regular verbs in Kannada follow a predictable pattern in their conjugation. To form the past tense, we use the root form of the verb and add the appropriate suffix based on the subject. Let's explore the conjugation of regular verbs in the past tense using a few examples:

Example 1: To eat

Kannada	Pronunciation	English
ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ	Tinnuttiddēne	I ate
ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದೀಯೆ	Tinnuttiddīye	You ate
ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾನೆ	Tinnuttiddāne	He ate
ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಳೆ	Tinnuttiddāḷe	She ate
ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆವು	Tinnuttiddevu	We ate
ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದೀರಿ	Tinnuttiddīri	You all ate
ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ	Tinnuttiddāre	They ate

Example 2: To sleep

Kannada	Pronunciation	English
ನಿದ್ದೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ	Nidde hōguttiddēne	I slept
ನಿದ್ದೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೀಯೆ	Nidde hōguttiddīye	You slept
ನಿದ್ದೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾನೆ	Nidde hōguttiddāne	He slept
ನಿದ್ದೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಳೆ	Nidde hōguttiddāḷe	She slept
ನಿದ್ದೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆವು	Nidde hōguttiddevu	We slept
ನಿದ್ದೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ್ವಿರಿ	Nidde hōguttiddviri	You all slept
ನಿದ್ದೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು	Nidde hōguttiddaru	They slept

As you can see from the examples above, the suffixes change based on the subject of the verb. Pay attention to the pronunciation and practice these conjugations to improve your fluency in Kannada.

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs in Kannada do not follow the same pattern as regular verbs in their conjugation. Each irregular verb has its own unique conjugation in the past tense. Let's take a look at a few examples of irregular verb conjugation in the past tense:

Example 1: To go

Kannada	Pronunciation	English
ಹೋದೆನು	Hōdenu	I went
ಹೋದೆನೆ	Hōdene	You went
ಹೋದ	Hōda	He went
ಹೋದಳೆ	Hōdaḷe	She went
ಹೋದೆವರೆ	Hōdevare	We went
ಹೋದೆವರು	Hōdevaru	You all went
ಹೋದರು	Hōdaru	They went

Example 2: To come

Kannada	Pronunciation	English
ಬಂದೆನು	Bandenu	I came
ಬಂದೆನೆ	Bandene	You came
ಬಂದ	Banda	He came
ಬಂದಳೆ	Bandaḷe	She came
ಬಂದೆವರೆ	Bandevare	We came
ಬಂದೆವರು	Bandevaru	You all came
ಬಂದರು	Bandaru	They came

As you can see, irregular verbs have unique conjugations that need to be memorized. Practice these conjugations regularly to become comfortable with using irregular verbs in the past tense.

Cultural Insights

The Kannada language has evolved over centuries and has been influenced by various cultures and historical events. The usage and understanding of the past tense in different regions of Karnataka may vary slightly due to these cultural influences. For example, in certain rural regions, the past tense is used more frequently in daily conversations, while in urban areas, it may be more common to use the present tense to describe past events. Understanding these regional variations can help you adapt your language usage to different contexts and connect with native Kannada speakers on a deeper level.

Interesting Fact: Kannada is one of the oldest Dravidian languages and has a rich literary tradition dating back to the 9th century. It is also the official language of the state of Karnataka in India and is spoken by millions of people worldwide.

Kannada Past Tense Verb Conjugation Quiz

Instructions

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in past tense in Kannada.

Questions

1. ನಾನು ನಿನ್ನೆ _______ (to read).
2. ಅವಳು ಮಾರ್ಕೆಟ್‌ಗೆ _______ (to go).
3. ನಾವು ಹಾಡು _______ (to sing).
4. ಅವನು ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನು _______ (to write).
5. ನೀವು ಸುದ್ದಿಯನ್ನು _______ (to hear).

Solutions

1. ನಾನು ನಿನ್ನೆ ಓದಿದೆನು (Ōdideṇu).
2. ಅವಳು ಮಾರ್ಕೆಟ್‌ಗೆ ಹೋದಳು (Hōdaḷu).
3. ನಾವು ಹಾಡು ಹಾಡಿದೆವು (Hāḍidevu).
4. ಅವನು ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನು ಬರೆದನು (Baredanu).
5. ನೀವು ಸು

Table of Contents - Kannada Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Basic Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings
• Introductions

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Vowels
• Consonants
• Conjuncts

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers
• Days and Months
• Telling Time

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns
• Pronouns

  ---

Common Verbs and Actions

• Basic Verbs
• Everyday Actions

  ---

Verb Conjugation

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing People
• Describing Places
• Adverbs

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Food and Drink

• Meals and Ingredients
• Ordering at a Restaurant

  ---

Kannada Customs and Festivals

• Customs
• Festivals

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

  ---

Kannada Literature and Cinema

• Literature
• Cinema

Sources

• Verbs in Kannada | Learn past tense verbs ... - Learn Kannada Online
• Kannada grammar - Wikipedia
• Kannada Tenses - Past Tense with Root ... - Learn Kannada with me

Other Lessons

• Conjuncts
• Vowels
• How to Use Have
• Adjectives
• Gender
• Prepositions
• 0 to A1 Course
• Consonants
• Conjunctions
• Future Tense

◀️ Present Tense — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Future Tense ▶️