A0 Questions 4 min read Easy

How to ask 'How are you?' (Hegiddira)

Mastering 'Hegiddira' allows you to navigate social and professional situations in Karnataka with respect and ease.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Asking 'How are you?' in Kannada is simple: use 'hegiddeera?' for formal/plural or 'hegiddeeya?' for informal.

  • Use 'hegiddeera?' (ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?) for elders or strangers (Formal).
  • Use 'hegiddeeya?' (ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?) for friends or family (Informal).
  • The word 'hege' (ಹೇಗೆ) means 'how' and is the base of these questions.
How (ಹೇಗೆ) + Are (ಇದ್ದೀರಾ/ಇದ್ದೀಯಾ) = Hegiddeera? / Hegiddeeya?

Overview

Imagine you just stepped out of a rickshaw in Bengaluru. The sun is shining. You are heading to a trendy cafe in Indiranagar. You see a friend or a colleague. What is the first thing you say? In English, it is a boring "How are you?". In Kannada, the magic word is Hegiddira. It is more than just a question. It is the ultimate social lubricant in Karnataka. Whether you are texting on WhatsApp or talking to a boss, this phrase is your best friend. It sounds smooth, polite, and instantly makes you look like a local. Just don't say it to the rickshaw driver while he is arguing about the meter. That might be awkward.

How This Grammar Works

Kannada is a language of layers. Hegiddira is actually a compound word. It combines Hege (How) and iddira (are you). The iddira part comes from the verb iru, which means "to be". Think of it like a Lego set. You take the question word and snap it onto the verb. The ending ira tells us we are being respectful. It is like the difference between a hoodie and a blazer. Both work, but one shows you mean business. If you use this, people will assume you have your life together. Or at least that you studied your Kannada lessons.

Formation Pattern

1
Creating this question follows a very logical path. Even if you are caffeinated and rushing to a Zoom call, you can remember this.
2
Start with the root question word: Hege (ಹೇಗೆ).
3
Identify your target: Are they a peer or an elder?
4
For elders, bosses, or groups, use the formal ending: iddira (ಇದ್ದೀರಾ).
5
Combine them: Hege + iddira = Hegiddira (ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?).
6
For close friends or younger siblings, use the informal ending: iddiya (ಇದ್ದೀಯಾ).
7
Combine: Hege + iddiya = Hegidiya (ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?).
8
It is like choosing the right emoji for a text. Formal for LinkedIn, informal for the group chat.

When To Use It

Use Hegiddira when you want to be a polite human being. It works perfectly in professional settings. Use it when meeting your partner's parents for the first time. It is great for starting a conversation with a professor. You can even use it in an Instagram caption for a selfie. "New city, Hegiddira everyone?". It is the safe, "gold standard" greeting. If you are unsure which version to use, always go with the formal one. Nobody ever got mad for being treated too respectfully. It is like over-dressing for a party. Better to be the person in a suit than the person in pajamas.

Common Mistakes

One huge mistake is using the informal Hegidiya with your boss. That is a one-way ticket to an awkward performance review. Another mistake is forgetting the "d" sound in the middle. It is not "Hege-ira". It is Hegiddira. Pronounce it like "Hay-geed-dee-ra". If you trip over your tongue, just smile. People in Karnataka are generally very patient with learners. Don't use it as a goodbye, either. It is strictly for the "hello" phase. Saying "How are you?" while walking away is just confusing. It's like trying to order a pizza at a library.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

You might hear people say En samachara?. This literally means "What news?". It is the equivalent of "What's up?". It is very casual. Use En samachara? with your best friend while eating biryani. Use Hegiddira with the person who signs your paycheck. There is also Chennagiddira?. This means "Are you doing well?". It is a bit more specific. Hegiddira is the broad, open-ended question. It is the "How's it going?" of the Kannada world. Think of Hegiddira as the classic iPhone and En samachara? as the quirky foldable phone. Both get the job done, but one is a standard for a reason.

Quick FAQ

Q

Is Hegiddira only for one person?

No! It works for a single person (formal) or a group of people.

Q

How do I answer?

Usually, you say Chennagiddini (I am fine). It's the standard polite response.

Q

Can I use this in a text?

Yes, it is very common in WhatsApp messages. You can even use the Kannada script: ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

Q

Does it change based on gender?

Nope! Hegiddira is gender-neutral. One less thing to worry about!

Q

What if I forget the word mid-sentence?

Just say "How are you?" and add a "sir" or "madam". But try the Kannada first. You've got this!

Verb Conjugation for 'How are you?'

Pronoun Kannada Transliteration Register
I (am)
ನಾನು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ
Naanu hegiddeene
Neutral
You (informal)
ನೀನು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ
Neenu hegiddeeya
Informal
You (formal)
ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ
Neevu hegiddeera
Formal
He
ಅವನು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದಾನೆ
Avanu hegiddaane
Neutral
She
ಅವಳು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದಾಳೆ
Avalu hegiddaale
Neutral
They (formal)
ಅವರು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ
Avaru hegiddaare
Formal

Common Conversational Shortening

Full Form Shortened Form
ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?
ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?
ನೀನು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?
ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?

Meanings

These phrases are the standard way to inquire about a person's well-being or current state.

1

Formal Inquiry

Asking a stranger or elder about their well-being.

“ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?”

“ಅವರು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?”

2

Informal Inquiry

Asking a friend or peer about their well-being.

“ನೀನು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?”

“ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?”

Reference Table

Reference table for How to ask 'How are you?' (Hegiddira)
Context Kannada Phrase Pronunciation English Equivalent
Formal / Plural
ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ? (Hegiddira)
Hay-geed-dee-ra
How are you? (Respectful)
Informal / Singular
ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ? (Hegidiya)
Hay-geed-dee-ya
How are you? (Casual)
Standard Response
ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೀನಿ (Chennagiddini)
Chen-na-geed-dee-nee
I am fine.
Casual Greeting
ಏನ್ ಸಮಾಚಾರ? (En samachara)
Ain sa-ma-cha-ra
What's up? / What's news?
Checking Wellbeing
ಆರಾಮಾಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ? (Aramagiddira)
Aa-raa-maa-geed-dee-ra
Are you comfortable/fine?
Short Response
ಸೂಪರ್ (Super)
Super
Super / Great

Formality Spectrum

Formal
ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ? (General greeting)

Neutral
ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ? (General greeting)

Informal
ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ? (General greeting)

Slang
ಏನ್ ಸಮಾಚಾರ?

ಏನ್ ಸಮಾಚಾರ? (General greeting)

Ways to ask 'How are you?'

Hegiddira

Formal

  • Hegiddira How are you?
  • Chennagiddira Are you well?

Informal

  • Hegidiya How are you? (casual)
  • En Samachara What's up?

Formal vs. Informal

Polite / Group
Hegiddira How are you?
Nivu You (respectful)
Casual / Single
Hegidiya How are you?
Ninu You (singular)

Choosing the Right Greeting

1

Are you talking to an elder/boss?

YES
Use Hegiddira
NO
Go to next question
2

Is it a close friend or a child?

YES
Use Hegidiya
NO ↓

Common Responses

😊

Positive

  • • Chennagiddini (I'm fine)
  • • Aramagiddini (I'm relaxed)
  • • Super!
😐

Neutral

  • • Parvagilla (Not bad)
  • • Hage (Just like that)
  • • Nadiytta ide (It's going on)
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Examples by Level

1

ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

How are you? (formal)

2

ನೀನು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ?

How are you? (informal)

3

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

How are you?

4

ಅಮ್ಮ, ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

Mom, how are you?

1

ಸರ್, ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

Sir, how are you?

2

ನಾನು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

I am fine, how are you?

3

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ ಗೆಳೆಯ?

How are you, friend?

4

ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?

How is everyone?

1

ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳಲು ಬಂದೆ.

I came to ask how you are.

2

ಅವರು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದಾರೋ ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ.

I don't know how they are.

3

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ ಅಂತ ಕೇಳಿದ್ರು.

They asked how you are.

4

ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ.

Tell me how you are.

1

ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂಬುದು ಮುಖ್ಯವಲ್ಲ, ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಮುಖ್ಯ.

How you are is not important, health is.

2

ಅವನು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳಿದಾಗ ನಾನು ಸುಮ್ಮನಿದ್ದೆ.

When he asked how I was, I stayed silent.

3

ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂದು ವಿಚಾರಿಸುವುದು ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಪ್ರದಾಯ.

Asking how you are is our tradition.

4

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳುವಾಗ ನಗು ಇರಲಿ.

Keep a smile when asking how someone is.

1

ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂಬ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡಗಿರುವ ಕಾಳಜಿ ಅಪಾರ.

The care hidden in the question 'how are you' is immense.

2

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ ಎಂಬ ಪದದ ಬಳಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿನ ಸಾಮೀಪ್ಯವನ್ನು ಗಮನಿಸಿ.

Observe the intimacy in the use of the word 'hegiddeeya'.

3

ಅವರು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳಿದ ರೀತಿ ನನಗೆ ಇಷ್ಟವಾಯಿತು.

I liked the way they asked how I was.

4

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳುವಾಗ ವಿನಯವಿರಲಿ.

Be humble when asking how someone is.

1

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂಬುದು ಕೇವಲ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಯಲ್ಲ, ಅದು ಒಂದು ಭಾವನೆ.

How are you is not just a question, it is an emotion.

2

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀಯಾ ಎಂಬ ಸಂಬೋಧನೆಯು ಆಪ್ತತೆಯನ್ನು ಸೂಚಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

The address 'hegiddeeya' indicates closeness.

3

ನೀವು ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳಿದಾಗ ಅವರ ಮುಖದಲ್ಲಿ ನಗು ಇತ್ತು.

There was a smile on their face when they asked how I was.

4

ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ ಎಂಬ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಯು ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಪ್ರತಿಬಿಂಬ.

The question 'how are you' is a reflection of culture.

Easily Confused

How to ask 'How are you?' (Hegiddira) vs Hegiddeera vs Hegiddeeya

Learners mix up the formal and informal suffixes.

How to ask 'How are you?' (Hegiddira) vs Hege vs Yake

Both are question words.

How to ask 'How are you?' (Hegiddira) vs Hegiddeera vs En samachara

Both are greetings.

Common Mistakes

✗

Neenu hegiddeera?

✓

Neenu hegiddeeya?

Mixing formal and informal.
✗

Neevu hegiddeeya?

✓

Neevu hegiddeera?

Mixing formal and informal.
✗

Hege iddeera?

✓

Hegiddeera?

Unnecessary spacing.
✗

Hegiddeera neevu?

✓

Neevu hegiddeera?

Word order.
✗

Yake iddeera?

✓

Hege iddeera?

Confusing 'why' and 'how'.
✗

Hegiddeera naanu?

✓

Naanu hegiddeene?

Wrong verb ending.
✗

Hegiddeera avaru?

✓

Avaru hegiddaare?

Wrong verb ending.
✗

Hegiddeera anta?

✓

Hegiddeera?

Adding unnecessary particles.
✗

Hegiddeera neevu?

✓

Neevu hegiddeera?

Subject placement.
✗

Hegiddeera ellaru?

✓

Ellaru hegiddaare?

Wrong verb.
✗

Hegiddeera nimmannu?

✓

Hegiddeera?

Adding object markers.
✗

Hegiddeera nanna?

✓

Hegiddeera?

Adding object markers.
✗

Hegiddeera neevu ellaru?

✓

Ellaru hegiddaare?

Redundant subject.

Sentence Patterns

Neevu ___?

Neenu ___?

___ hegiddeera?

___ hegiddeeya?

Real World Usage

Texting very common

Hegiddeeya?

Social Media common

Hegiddeera ellaru?

Job Interview common

Hegiddeera sir?

Travel occasional

Hegiddeera?

Food Delivery occasional

Hegiddeera?

Phone Call very common

Hegiddeera?

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💬

The 'Oota' connection

Don't be surprised if after asking 'Hegiddira', the person asks 'Oota ayta?' (Did you eat?). In Kannada culture, food is the ultimate sign of wellness!
🎯

When in doubt, use 'ira'

If you aren't sure if someone is your peer or elder, always default to 'Hegiddira'. It is much safer to be too polite than too casual.
⚠️

Pronunciation matters

The 'd' in Hegiddira is a dental sound (tongue against teeth). Avoid making it a hard 'D' like in the English word 'Dog'.

Smart Tips

Always use the formal form to be safe.

Hegiddeeya? → Hegiddeera?

Use the informal form to sound natural.

Hegiddeera? → Hegiddeeya?

Default to formal.

Hegiddeeya? → Hegiddeera?

Use the formal form for everyone.

Hegiddeeya ellaru? → Hegiddeera ellaru?

Pronunciation

heg-id-dee-ra

Double consonants

Hold the 'd' sound slightly longer.

hegiddeera?

Rising intonation

Raise your pitch at the end of the question.

Question

Hegiddeera↑

Rising pitch indicates a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hegiddeera' as 'He-gets-deera' (He gets the respect).

Visual Association

Imagine a formal person bowing (Hegiddeera) and a friend giving a high-five (Hegiddeeya).

Rhyme

Hegiddeera for the elder, Hegiddeeya for the friend, use them right until the end.

Story

Ravi meets his teacher and says 'Hegiddeera?'. Then he meets his friend and says 'Hegiddeeya?'. He never mixes them up because he remembers the bow and the high-five.

Word Web

HegeIruNeevuNeenuIddeeraIddeeya

Challenge

Ask 3 people 'Hegiddeera?' today.

Cultural Notes

Kannada culture is very polite. Always use formal forms for elders.

People might use more affectionate terms like 'appa' or 'amma'.

A mix of Kannada and English is common.

Derived from the Dravidian root 'iru' (to be) and 'hege' (how).

Conversation Starters

“

Hegiddeera?

“

Hegiddeeya?

“

Ellaru hegiddaare?

“

Hegiddeera sir?

Journal Prompts

Write a dialogue between you and a new friend.
Write a letter to an elder asking about their health.
Describe how you greet people in your culture vs Kannada.
Reflect on the importance of honorifics in Kannada.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank for a formal situation.

ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ, ನೀವು ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ
You use 'Hegiddira' with 'Nivu' (formal you).
Which is the correct informal way to ask a younger brother how he is? Multiple Choice

Choose the best informal option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hegidiya?
'Hegidiya' is the singular informal form for close relations.
Correct the pronoun-verb agreement. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Nivu hegidiya?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both A and B are correct.
You must either change the pronoun to 'Ninu' (informal) or the verb to 'Hegiddira' (formal).

Score: /3

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the formal form. Multiple Choice

How do you ask an elder how they are?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hegiddeera?
Eera is for elders.
Fill in the blank.

Neenu ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hegiddeeya
Neenu is informal.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Neenu hegiddeera?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Neenu hegiddeeya?
Match pronoun to verb.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

hegiddeera / neevu / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Neevu hegiddeera?
Subject-verb order.
Match the form to the register. Match Pairs

Match formal and informal.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hegiddeera - Formal
Eera is formal.
True or False? True False Rule

Can you use 'hegiddeeya' for a stranger?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It is too informal.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Hegiddeera? B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Chennagiddene
This is the standard response.
Conjugate for 'Neevu'. Conjugation Drill

Neevu ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hegiddeera
Neevu takes -eera.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Translate to Kannada Translation

How are you? (Formal)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ?
Put the words in the correct order for: 'How are you, sir?' Sentence Reorder

sir / hegiddira / namaskara

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: namaskara sir hegiddira
Match the pronoun to the correct form Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nivu - Hegiddira, Ninu - Hegidiya, Naanu - Chennagiddini
How do you say 'I am fine' in response? Multiple Choice

Select the response:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Chennagiddini
Complete the phrase: 'What's up?' Fill in the Blank

En ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Samachara
Fix the spelling of the formal 'How are you?' Error Correction

Hegidira?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hegiddira?
Translate to English Translation

Ninu hegidiya?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: How are you? (Informal)
Fill in the blank for a group of friends. Fill in the Blank

Friends, ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hegiddira
Which word means 'How'? Multiple Choice

Pick the word:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hege
Reorder: 'Are you fine?' Sentence Reorder

chennagiddira / nivu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nivu chennagiddira

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, always use 'hegiddeera' for your boss.

It means 'how'.

Yes, it is used for both formal singular and plural.

It is part of the verb conjugation.

Yes, it is very common to drop the pronoun.

Register: formal vs informal.

No, it is very polite.

Say 'Naanu chennagiddene' (I am fine).

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

¿Cómo estás?

Kannada is more agglutinative.

French moderate

Comment allez-vous?

French uses a different verb entirely.

German moderate

Wie geht es Ihnen?

German uses a dative construction.

Japanese high

O-genki desu ka?

Japanese uses particles.

Arabic partial

Kayfa haluka?

Arabic is Semitic.

Chinese low

Ni hao ma?

Chinese has no conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Kannada Introductions: Saying Hello and Your Name

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A1

Who, What, Where
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