A2 Verb Forms 4 min read Easy

Future Intentions: Saying 'I will' (-uvenu)

Master the -uv- suffix and personal endings to confidently share your future plans and promises in Kannada.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

To express future intentions in Kannada, use the infinitive verb form followed by the auxiliary 'beku' or the future tense marker.

  • Use the infinitive (verb + 'lu') + 'iddeene' for planned actions: 'naanu hogalu iddeene' (I intend to go).
  • Use the future tense suffix '-uvenu/-uvenu' for simple future intentions: 'naanu baruttene' (I will come).
  • For strong desire/intent, use the infinitive + 'beku': 'naanu oodabeku' (I want/need to study).
Subject + Verb(infinitive) + iddeene/beku

Overview

Ever felt like your Kannada is stuck in the 'now'? You can say what you're eating, but you can't tell your friends about that epic trip to Gokarna you're planning. That’s where future intentions come in. In Kannada, talking about the future isn't just about time. It's about expressing what you *plan* to do, what you *will* do, and what's definitely happening. Whether you're texting a 'be there in 5' (spoiler: it's never 5) or telling a recruiter your career goals, this rule is your best friend.

How This Grammar Works

In English, we just throw a 'will' or 'going to' in front of the verb. Easy, right? Kannada is a bit more 'extra'. It changes the ending of the verb itself. You take the root of the verb and glue on a specific future marker. But here's the secret: in everyday spoken Kannada, people often use the present tense to talk about the near future. It’s like saying "I'm going tomorrow" instead of "I will go tomorrow." We’ll focus on the standard future forms so you sound like a pro, but I'll sprinkle in some street-smart tips too.

Formation Pattern

1
Creating the future tense follows a logical flow. Think of it like building a Lego set.
2
Find the Root: Take the verb, like maadu (to do) or hogu (to go).
3
Insert the Link: For most verbs, we add -uv- or -v- as a bridge.
4
Add the Gender/Person Suffix: This is where you tell us *who* is doing the action.
5
naanu (I) + maadu + uvenu = maaduvenu (I will do)
6
neenu (You) + maadu + uve = maaduve (You will do)
7
avanu (He) + maadu + uvanu = maaduvanu (He will do)
8
avalu (She) + maadu + uvalu = maaduvalu (She will do)
9
naavu (We) + maadu + uvevu = maaduvevu (We will do)
10
avaru (They/Formal) + maadu + uvaru = maaduvaru (They will do)
11
Pro-tip: In Bangalore's cafes, you'll mostly hear maadteeni (I will do) which is the spoken shortcut. Stick to the -uvenu forms for writing and formal vibes.

When To Use It

You’ll use this pattern whenever you’re looking ahead.
  • Social Media: Writing a caption like "I will post the vlog tomorrow."
  • Travel: Telling the Uber driver where you're going.
  • Work: Saying "I will send the email" in a Zoom meeting.
  • Shopping: Telling the Zepto delivery guy you'll be at the gate.
It’s the tense of ambition, promises, and weekend plans. If it hasn't happened yet, this is your tool.

Common Mistakes

Don't let the gender endings trip you up. If you're a guy saying naanu baruttene (I will come), that's fine, but using the feminine uvalu for yourself will get some giggles. Another big one? Forgetting the -uv- bridge. naanu maaduenu sounds like a glitching robot. It has to be maaduvenu. Also, don't overthink the formal 'will'. In a casual WhatsApp group, just use the present tense bartheeni (I'm coming) for future plans. It sounds way more natural and less like a 19th-century poem.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

How is this different from 'wanting' to do something? If you use -beku (e.g., naanu hogabeku), you're saying "I *must* go" or "I *need* to go." It’s a requirement. The future tense hoguvenu is a statement of fact or intention. It's the difference between "I have to work out" and "I will work out." One is a chore; the other is a plan (that you might actually keep!). Also, don't confuse it with the continuous tense. maaduttiddene means "I am doing it right now." If you use that for a plan next week, your friends will be very confused about where you are.

Quick FAQ

Q

Is there a difference between 'will' and 'shall' in Kannada?

Not really. The -uv- forms cover both. Kannada is efficient like that.

Q

Can I use this for the weather?

Yes! male barutthe means "It will rain."

Q

What if I'm not sure about the plan?

You can add bahudu at the end (e.g., maadabahudu) to say "I *might* do it."

Q

Do I need to learn all the endings?

Start with 'I' (naanu) and 'You' (neenu). Those cover 80% of your daily chats.

Meanings

This grammar expresses a speaker's intention, plan, or desire to perform an action in the future.

1

Planned Intention

Expressing a concrete plan that is already decided.

“naanu naale oota maadalu iddeene.”

“avaru illi baralu iddaare.”

2

Desire/Need

Expressing a strong intention based on necessity or wish.

“naanu kannada kalibeku.”

“avaru ivattu kelasa maadabeku.”

Intention Conjugation (Infinitive + iddeene)

Subject Verb (Root + lu) Auxiliary Full Form
Naanu hogalu iddeene naanu hogalu iddeene
Neevu hogalu iddeera neevu hogalu iddeera
Avanu hogalu iddane avanu hogalu iddane
Avalu hogalu iddale avalu hogalu iddale
Naavu hogalu iddeevu naavu hogalu iddeevu
Avaru hogalu iddaare avaru hogalu iddaare

Reference Table

Reference table for Future Intentions: Saying 'I will' (-uvenu)
Subject Suffix Example (Root: Maadu) Meaning
Naanu (I) -uvenu Maaduvenu I will do
Neenu (You) -uve Maaduve You will do
Avanu (He) -uvanu Maaduvanu He will do
Avalu (She) -uvalu Maaduvalu She will do
Adu (It) -uvudu Maaduvudu It will do
Naavu (We) -uvevu Maaduvevu We will do
Avaru (They/Formal) -uvaru Maaduvaru They/You (fm) will do

Formality Spectrum

Formal
naanu hogalu iddeene.

naanu hogalu iddeene. (General)

Neutral
naanu hogalu iddeene.

naanu hogalu iddeene. (General)

Informal
naanu hogtini.

naanu hogtini. (General)

Slang
hogtini.

hogtini. (General)

Future Intention Suffixes

Root + -uv-

Singular

  • -uvenu I will
  • -uve You will

Plural/Formal

  • -uvevu We will
  • -uvaru They will

Formal vs. Spoken Future

Formal (Written)
Baruvenu I shall come
Maaduvaru They will do
Spoken (Daily)
Bartheeni I'm coming/will come
Maadthaare They'll do

Choosing the Right Ending

1

Is the subject 'I' (Naanu)?

YES
Use -uvenu
NO
Go to next
2

Is it 'He' (Avanu)?

YES
Use -uvanu
NO ↓

Common Future Verbs

🚶

Movement

  • • Hoguvenu (I will go)
  • • Baruvenu (I will come)
⚡

Action

  • • Maaduvenu (I will do)
  • • Noduvenu (I will see)
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Examples by Level

1

naanu hogalu iddeene.

I intend to go.

2

naanu oodalu iddeene.

I intend to study.

3

naanu tinnalu iddeene.

I intend to eat.

4

naanu baralu iddeene.

I intend to come.

1

naanu naale bengalurig hogalu iddeene.

I plan to go to Bangalore tomorrow.

2

avaru ivattu kelasa maadalu iddaare.

They plan to work today.

3

naavu cinema nodalu iddeevu.

We plan to watch a movie.

4

neevu illi iralu iddeera?

Do you plan to stay here?

1

naanu ee project-annu mugisalu iddeene.

I intend to finish this project.

2

avaru naale namma manege baralu iddaare.

They are planning to come to our house tomorrow.

3

naavu kelsa bittubidalu iddeevu.

We are planning to quit the job.

4

neevu yaake hogalu iddeera?

Why do you intend to go?

1

naanu avara jothe matadalu iddeene.

I intend to speak with them.

2

avaru hosa vyapara prarambhisalu iddaare.

They are planning to start a new business.

3

naavu ee vishayada bagge charchisalu iddeevu.

We intend to discuss this matter.

4

neevu nimma shikshanavannu munduvarisalu iddeera?

Do you intend to continue your education?

1

naanu ee nirnayavannu badalaisalu iddeene.

I intend to change this decision.

2

avaru namma sahakaravannu bedalu iddaare.

They intend to seek our cooperation.

3

naavu ee samasyeyannu parisarisalu iddeevu.

We intend to resolve this problem.

4

neevu yaake ee margavannu aaykhe madikollalu iddeera?

Why do you intend to choose this path?

1

naanu ee aitihasika sandarbhadalli matadalu iddeene.

I intend to speak on this historical occasion.

2

avaru ee samstheyannu punar-rachisalu iddaare.

They intend to restructure this organization.

3

naavu ee siddhantavannu pratipadhisalu iddeevu.

We intend to advocate for this theory.

4

neevu ee avakashavannu balasikollalu iddeera?

Do you intend to avail yourself of this opportunity?

Easily Confused

Future Intentions: Saying 'I will' (-uvenu) vs Simple Future vs. Prospective

Learners often use simple future for everything.

Future Intentions: Saying 'I will' (-uvenu) vs Desire vs. Plan

Mixing up 'beku' (want) and 'iddeene' (plan).

Future Intentions: Saying 'I will' (-uvenu) vs Infinitive vs. Root

Using the root instead of the infinitive.

Common Mistakes

✗

naanu hogu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Missing the -lu suffix.
✗

naanu hogalu iddaare

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Wrong auxiliary conjugation.
✗

naanu hogalu

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Missing the auxiliary verb.
✗

naanu hogalu illa

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Using negative for affirmative.
✗

naanu naale hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu naale hogalu iddeene

Correct, but ensure time marker placement.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene naale

✓

naanu naale hogalu iddeene

Word order is slightly awkward.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Correct.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Correct.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Correct.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Correct.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Correct.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Correct.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Correct.
✗

naanu hogalu iddeene

✓

naanu hogalu iddeene

Correct.

Sentence Patterns

naanu ___ iddeene.

neevu ___ iddeera?

naanu naale ___ iddeene.

avaru ___ iddaare.

Real World Usage

Texting very common

naanu 5 ganteg baralu iddeene.

Job Interview common

naanu ee company-alli kelasa maadalu iddeene.

Travel common

naanu mysurig hogalu iddeene.

Food Delivery occasional

naanu oota order maadalu iddeene.

Social Media common

naanu naale live baralu iddeene.

Meeting common

naanu ee vishayada bagge matadalu iddeene.

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🎯

The Spoken Shortcut

If you find -uvenu too long, just use the present tense ending -teeni (e.g., maadteeni). It’s what 99% of people use in Bangalore.
⚠️

Gender Matters

Always match the ending to the subject's gender. Using -uvanu for a female subject sounds very strange to native speakers.
💬

Politeness in Future

When talking to elders about your plans, use the formal -uvaru or the respectful plural forms to show good manners.

Smart Tips

Use -lu iddeene to sound professional.

naanu hoguttene. → naanu hogalu iddeene.

If you don't have a plan, don't use this.

naanu hogalu iddeene. → naanu hoguttene.

Use formal auxiliary forms.

neevu hogalu iddeera? → neevu hogalu iddeera?

Use full forms, not slang.

naanu hogtini. → naanu hogalu iddeene.

Pronunciation

loo

Infinitive -lu

The 'lu' should be pronounced clearly with a dental 'l'.

Question

neevu hogalu iddeera? ↑

Rising intonation at the end indicates a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'lu' as 'Look' at the future. You 'Look' (lu) at your plans.

Visual Association

Imagine yourself holding a calendar. Every time you touch a date, you say 'lu'.

Rhyme

For plans that are true, add the suffix lu.

Story

Ravi has a big plan. He wants to visit Mysore. He says 'naanu mysurig hogalu iddeene'. He packs his bag and checks his ticket.

Word Web

hogalubaralumaadaluoodaluiddeeneiddaare

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your plans for tomorrow using the -lu iddeene structure.

Cultural Notes

Kannada speakers value directness in planning. Using this structure shows you are reliable.

The structure comes from the combination of the infinitive and the verb 'iru' (to be).

Conversation Starters

“

naale neevu enu maadalu iddeera?

“

neevu kannada kalibeku antha iddeera?

“

ivattu neevu enu tinnalu iddeera?

“

neevu ee varadaanthya enu maadalu iddeera?

Journal Prompts

Write about your plans for the weekend.
What do you want to achieve this year?
Describe a trip you are planning.
How do you plan to improve your Kannada?
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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct future form of 'hogu' (to go) for 'Naanu'.

ನಾನು ನಾಳೆ ಮೈಸೂರಿಗೆ ______. (Naanu naale Mysurige ______.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಹೋಗುವೆನು
'Naanu' (I) takes the '-uvenu' ending for formal future intentions.
Which sentence correctly says 'She will do'? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct feminine future form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಅವಳು ಮಾಡುವಳು (Avalu maaduvalu)
The suffix '-uvalu' is specifically for singular feminine subjects like 'Avalu'.
Fix the mistake in this sentence about a group plan. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

ನಾವು ಊಟ ಮಾಡುವೆನು. (Naavu oota maaduvenu.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ನಾವು ಊಟ ಮಾಡುವೆವು (Naavu oota maaduvevu)
'Naavu' (We) requires the plural ending '-uvevu', not the singular '-uvenu'.

Score: /3

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

naanu hogalu ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: iddeene
Naanu takes iddeene.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: naanu hogalu iddeene
Correct structure is verb-lu + iddeene.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

naanu hogu iddeene.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: naanu hogalu iddeene
Need -lu suffix.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

iddeene / naanu / hogalu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: naanu hogalu iddeene
Subject-Verb-Auxiliary order.
Translate to Kannada. Translation

I intend to eat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: naanu tinnalu iddeene
Correct translation.
Match the subject to the auxiliary. Match Pairs

Match: Naanu - ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: iddeene
Naanu matches iddeene.
Conjugate for Avaru. Conjugation Drill

Avaru hogalu ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: iddaare
Avaru takes iddaare.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use: naanu, baralu, iddeene

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: naanu baralu iddeene
Standard order.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence: 'Avanu kelasa ______' (He will do work). Fill in the Blank

ಅವನು ಕೆಲಸ ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಮಾಡುವನು
Translate to Kannada: 'I will write.' Translation

I will write.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ನಾನು ಬರೆಯುವೆನು
Reorder to say 'They will come tomorrow'. Sentence Reorder

ಬರುತ್ತಾರೆ / ನಾಳೆ / ಅವರು

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಅವರು ನಾಳೆ ಬರುತ್ತಾರೆ
Match the pronoun to its future suffix. Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Naanu : -uvenu, Neenu : -uve, Naavu : -uvevu, Avaru : -uvaru
How do you say 'Will you (informal) come?' Multiple Choice

Choose the question form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ನೀನು ಬರುವೆಯಾ?
Find the error: 'Adu haaduvenu' (It will sing). Error Correction

ಅದು ಹಾಡುವೆನು.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಅದು ಹಾಡುವುದು
Fill in: 'We will see' (Naavu ______). Fill in the Blank

ನಾವು ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ನೋಡುವೆವು
Translate: 'He will see the movie.' Translation

He will see the movie.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಅವನು ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನೋಡುವನು
Reorder: 'I / food / will eat'. Sentence Reorder

ಊಟ / ಮಾಡುವೆನು / ನಾನು

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ನಾನು ಊಟ ಮಾಡುವೆನು
Which is the most common way to say 'I will go' in spoken Kannada? Multiple Choice

Spoken future plan:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ನಾನು ಹೋಗ್ತೀನಿ (Naanu hogteeni)

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

The first is a plan, the second is a prediction.

Yes, use 'idde' instead of 'iddeene'.

Yes, it is common in formal documents.

You must match it to the subject.

Want is 'beku', plan is 'iddeene'.

Yes, it is standard.

Yes, add 'illa'.

Use the simple future.

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Tener la intención de

Spanish uses a prepositional phrase.

French high

Avoir l'intention de

French is more formal.

German moderate

Planen zu

German word order is more rigid.

Japanese high

Tsumori desu

Japanese is agglutinative.

Arabic moderate

Anwi an

Arabic is highly inflected.

Chinese moderate

Dǎsuàn

Chinese has no conjugation.

Previous
Future Tense Conjugation
Next
Future Probability

Related Grammar Rules

C1

Literary Verb Forms
B2

Subjunctive Mood
B2

Expressing Wishes
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