A0 Numbers 6 min read Easy

Kannada Numbers 11-20 (hannondu, ippattu)

Master the prefixes han- and hadi- to logically build numbers 11 through 18 in Kannada.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Mastering Kannada numbers 11-20 requires memorizing unique root forms, as they do not follow a simple additive pattern like English.

  • 11 is 'hadimondu' (hadi + ondu).
  • 12-19 follow a pattern of 'hadi' + number root.
  • 20 is a unique word 'ippattu'.
10 (Hadi) + Unit = 11-19 | 20 = Ippattu

Overview

Ever wondered why 11 and 12 in Kannada sound like they are part of a secret club? While English has "eleven" and "twelve" which don't obviously look like "one" and "two," Kannada does something similar but way more logical. If you can count to ten, you are already halfway to mastering 11-20. It's like building with Lego bricks. You take the base for "ten" and snap on the single digits. But wait, there’s a twist! The words change their shape slightly when they join together. It's not just "ten-one"; it's a smooth blend. Think of it like a remix of your favorite song. The beat is the same, but the vibe changes. Whether you are ordering a plate of 15 idlis (ambitious, but we respect it) or checking your Uber wait time, these numbers are your best friends in Karnataka.
Numbers 11 through 20 are the first step into "complex" Kannada counting. At first glance, they look like a random list of words to memorize. However, they follow a very specific mathematical logic. They are all compounds. In Kannada, 11 to 19 are built using the root of hattu (ten). You then add the units ondu (one) through ombattu (nine). The number 20 is its own unique beast. It marks the transition to the next set of tens. Learning these allows you to talk about prices, ages, and time. If you’re texting a friend that you’ll be 15 minutes late, you need these. Google Translate often struggles with the subtle phonetic shifts here, so learning the patterns is much better than relying on an app. It’s the difference between sounding like a robot and sounding like a local at a Bangalore cafe.

How This Grammar Works

In Kannada, numbers are adjectives when they describe things, but they also stand alone as nouns. To make 11-19, we use a prefix system. For 11 and 12, we use the prefix han-. For 13 through 18, we switch to the prefix hadi-. For 19, we go back to using the full word hattu. It sounds complicated, but it’s just about rhythm. Imagine you are a DJ blending two tracks. You don't just play them at the same time; you crossfade them. That's what Kannada does with these numbers. The "u" at the end of hattu drops away to make room for the next number. This is called 'Sandhi' in grammar terms, but you can just think of it as "word-smushing." It makes the language flow faster. If we said hattu-ondu every time, we’d never finish our sentences before the bus left!

Formation Pattern

1
Let's break the construction down into three distinct groups. Each group has its own "vibe."
2
The 'Han' Twins (11-12): These use a shortened version of ten.
3
11: han + ondu = hannondu (ಹನ್ನೊಂದು)
4
12: han + eradu = hanneradu (ಹನ್ನೆರಡು)
5
The 'Hadi' Squad (13-18): These use the hadi- prefix. Notice how an 'n' sound often sneaks in between the prefix and the number for smoother pronunciation.
6
13: hadi + mooru = hadimooru (ಹದಿಮೂರು)
7
14: hadi + naalku = hadinaalku (ಹದಿನಾಲ್ಕು)
8
15: hadi + aidu = hadinaidu (ಹದಿನೈದು)
9
16: hadi + aaru = hadinaaru (ಹದಿನಾರು)
10
17: hadi + ealu = hadinealu (ಹದಿನೇಳು)
11
18: hadi + entu = hadinentu (ಹದಿನೆಂಟು)
12
The Outliers (19-20): 19 keeps the full 'ten' sound, and 20 is totally new.
13
19: hattu + ombattu = hattombattu (ಹತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು)
14
20: ippattu (ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು)
15
Pro tip: 20 (ippattu) comes from eradu (two) + hattu (ten). It literally means "two-tens."

When To Use It

You will use these numbers constantly in modern life.
  • Shopping: When the shopkeeper says "Hadinaidu rupaayi," you need to know that's 15 rupees, not 50!
  • Social Media: Posting a "18th Birthday" photo? You'll use hadinentu.
  • Time: If your Zoom meeting is at 12:00, that’s hanneradu gante.
  • Ordering Food: Ordering 12 eggs on BigBasket or Dunzo? hanneradu motte.
  • Vlogging: "Top 10" lists are cool, but "Top 15" (hadinaidu) things to do in Mysore is even better for your YouTube channel.
Basically, any time you move past single digits but aren't quite at the big "adult" numbers yet, this is your zone. It's the "teenage" years of Kannada counting.

Common Mistakes

The biggest trap is 12 (hanneradu) vs 13 (hadimooru). Because 11 and 12 start with han-, learners often try to say hanmooru for 13. Don't do it! Your Kannada teacher will cry. 13 starts the hadi- pattern.
Another mistake is with 15 (hadinaidu). People often forget the 'n' in the middle and say hadiaidu. It sounds clunky. Think of that 'n' as the glue holding the number together.
Also, watch out for 19 (hattombattu). Many learners try to use the hadi- prefix here too (hadionbattu), but 19 likes to be different. It insists on keeping the full hattu. It's the rebel of the group. Finally, don't confuse ippattu (20) with eppattu (70). One sounds like a small party, the other sounds like a retirement home.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

How does this compare to 1-10? In 1-10, the words are short and punchy: ondu, eradu, mooru. In 11-20, they become rhythmic and longer.
Compare this to English: We have "thirteen, fourteen, fifteen" using a "teen" suffix. Kannada uses a "prefix" (hadi-). It’s like English is a train with the engine at the back, and Kannada is a train with the engine at the front.
Compare it to Hindi: Hindi numbers are notoriously irregular and need to be memorized one by one. Kannada is much more like a math equation. Once you know the hadi- rule, you can almost guess the rest. It’s like the difference between a chaotic group chat and a well-organized Slack channel. Kannada numbers respect the rules (mostly).

Quick FAQ

Q

Why is 11 hannondu and not hattu-ondu?

Because languages like to be efficient. Hannondu is easier to say quickly while you're running for a bus.

Q

Is 20 used for everything?

Yes, ippattu works for 20 people, 20 rupees, or 20 minutes. It's a universal constant.

Q

Do these change based on gender?

Nope! Numbers 11-20 are gender-neutral. Whether you have 15 brothers or 15 sisters, it’s still hadinaidu.

Q

What’s the easiest way to remember 15?

Think of "High-Five." Hadi-naidu. It has a similar 'ai' sound.

Q

Why does 19 use hattu?

19 is literally "ten-nine." It’s the last stop before the 20s, so it uses the full strength of the word "ten."

Kannada Numbers 11-20

Number Kannada Script Transliteration
11
ಹನ್ನೊಂದು
Hannondu
12
ಹನ್ನೆರಡು
Hanneradu
13
ಹದಿಮೂರು
Hadimuru
14
ಹದಿನಾಲ್ಕು
Hadinalku
15
ಹದಿನೈದು
Hadinaidu
16
ಹದಿನಾರು
Hadinaru
17
ಹದಿನೇಳು
Hadinelu
18
ಹದಿನೆಂಟು
Hadinentu
19
ಹತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು
Hattombattu
20
ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು
Ippattu

Meanings

These are the cardinal numbers used to count objects or express quantity from eleven to twenty in Kannada.

1

Counting objects

Used to quantify nouns.

“ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಹಣ್ಣುಗಳು (Hanneradu hannugalu - 12 fruits)”

“ಹದಿಮೂರು ಜನರು (Hadimuru janaru - 13 people)”

Reference Table

Reference table for Kannada Numbers 11-20 (hannondu, ippattu)
Number Kannada Script Transliteration Logic
11
ಹನ್ನೊಂದು
hannondu
han + ondu
12
ಹನ್ನೆರಡು
hanneradu
han + eradu
13
ಹದಿಮೂರು
hadimooru
hadi + mooru
15
ಹದಿನೈದು
hadinaidu
hadi + n + aidu
18
ಹದಿನೆಂಟು
hadinentu
hadi + n + entu
19
ಹತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು
hattombattu
hattu + ombattu
20
ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು
ippattu
eradu + hattu (2x10)

Formality Spectrum

Formal
ನನ್ನ ಬಳಿ ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೆನ್ನುಗಳಿವೆ.

ನನ್ನ ಬಳಿ ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೆನ್ನುಗಳಿವೆ. (Daily conversation)

Neutral
ನನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೆನ್ನುಗಳಿವೆ.

ನನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೆನ್ನುಗಳಿವೆ. (Daily conversation)

Informal
ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೆನ್ನುಗಳಿವೆ ನನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ.

ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೆನ್ನುಗಳಿವೆ ನನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ. (Daily conversation)

Slang
ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೆನ್ ಇದೆ.

ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೆನ್ ಇದೆ. (Daily conversation)

The Roots of 11-20

hattu (10)

The 'Han' Group

  • hannondu 11
  • hanneradu 12

The 'Hadi' Group

  • hadimooru 13
  • hadinaalku 14

English vs. Kannada Logic

English (Suffix)
Six-teen 6 + 10
Seven-teen 7 + 10
Kannada (Prefix)
Hadi-naaru 10 + 6
Hadi-nealu 10 + 7

How to Build a Number (11-19)

1

Is it 11 or 12?

YES
Use 'han-' prefix
NO
Check if it's 19
2

Is it 19?

YES
Use full 'hattu-'
NO ↓

Numbers in Daily Context

⏰

Time

  • • hanneradu gante
  • • hadinaidu nimisha
💰

Money

  • • ippattu rupaayi
  • • hadimooru rupaayi
🎂

Age

  • • hadinentu varsha
  • • hannondu varsha
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

ಹನ್ನೊಂದು ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು

11 books

2

ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಹಣ್ಣುಗಳು

12 fruits

3

ಹದಿನೈದು ರೂಪಾಯಿ

15 rupees

4

ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು ಜನರು

20 people

1

ನನ್ನ ಬಳಿ ಹದಿಮೂರು ಪೆನ್ನುಗಳಿವೆ.

I have 13 pens.

2

ಹದಿನಾಲ್ಕು ದಿನಗಳ ರಜೆ.

14 days of holiday.

3

ಹದಿನಾರು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಬಂದರು.

16 students came.

4

ಹದಿನೇಳು ಹೂವುಗಳು ಅರಳಿದವು.

17 flowers bloomed.

1

ಅವನು ಹದಿನೆಂಟು ವರ್ಷದವನು.

He is 18 years old.

2

ನನಗೆ ಹತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು ಬೇಕು.

I need 19 books.

3

ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು ನಿಮಿಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುತ್ತೇನೆ.

I will come in 20 minutes.

4

ಹನ್ನೊಂದು ಗಂಟೆಗೆ ಸಭೆ ಇದೆ.

The meeting is at 11 o'clock.

1

ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ತಿಂಗಳುಗಳು ಒಂದು ವರ್ಷ.

12 months make a year.

2

ಹದಿನೈದು ನಿಮಿಷ ತಡವಾಯಿತು.

It was 15 minutes late.

3

ಹದಿನಾರು ಜನರಿಗೆ ಊಟ ಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿದೆ.

Food is ready for 16 people.

4

ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಕೊಡಿ.

Give 20 rupees.

1

ಹದಿನೇಳು ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರವಾಸ ಮಾಡಿದೆ.

I traveled in 17 states.

2

ಹದಿನೆಂಟು ಅಧ್ಯಾಯಗಳಿವೆ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕದಲ್ಲಿ.

There are 18 chapters in this book.

3

ಹತ್ತೊಂಬತ್ತು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಅನುಭವವಿದೆ.

I have 19 years of experience.

4

ಹನ್ನೊಂದು ಮತ್ತು ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ನಡುವೆ.

Between 11 and 12.

1

ಹದಿನಾಲ್ಕು ಲೋಕಗಳ ಕಥೆ.

The story of 14 worlds.

2

ಹದಿನೈದು ದಿನಗಳಿಗೊಮ್ಮೆ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ.

It happens once every 15 days.

3

ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ದಾಂಪತ್ಯ ಜೀವನ.

20 years of married life.

4

ಹದಿನಾರು ಕಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಪುಣ.

Expert in 16 arts.

Easily Confused

Kannada Numbers 11-20 (hannondu, ippattu) vs 11 vs 1

Hannondu vs Ondu.

Common Mistakes

✗

Hadi-ondu

✓

Hannondu

11 is irregular.
✗

Hadi-eradu

✓

Hanneradu

12 is irregular.
✗

Hadi-ombattu

✓

Hattombattu

19 has a specific compound form.
✗

Ippattu-ondu

✓

Ippattondu

Phonetic blending is required.
✗

Hadi-nalku

✓

Hadinalku

Should be one word.
✗

Hadi-aidu

✓

Hadinaidu

Needs proper sandhi.
✗

Hadi-muru

✓

Hadimuru

One word.
✗

Hadi-naru

✓

Hadinaru

Missing 'i' sound.
✗

Hadi-elu

✓

Hadinelu

Missing 'i' sound.
✗

Hadi-entu

✓

Hadinentu

Missing 'i' sound.
✗

Hadi-ondu

✓

Hannondu

Using regular rule for irregular number.

Sentence Patterns

ನನ್ನ ಬಳಿ ___ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳಿವೆ.

Real World Usage

Market constant

ಹದಿನೈದು ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಕೊಡಿ.

Sign up free to see all examples
🎯

The 'N' Glue

When using the hadi- prefix with numbers starting with vowels (5, 6, 7, 8), always insert an 'n'. Hadi + aidu = hadinaidu. It makes you sound much more native!
⚠️

The 12 vs 13 Trap

Don't get lazy and use the same prefix. 12 is hanneradu (han-), but 13 is hadimooru (hadi-). This is the #1 mistake beginners make.
💬

City Slang

In Bangalore, people often mix English numbers with Kannada. If you forget hadinaidu, saying 'fifteen' is okay, but using the Kannada word will get you a much better response at the market!

Smart Tips

Use the 'hadi' prefix.

10-3 → Hadimuru

Memorize as exceptions.

Hadi-ondu → Hannondu

Remember Hattombattu.

Hadi-ombattu → Hattombattu

It is a new word.

Hadi-hadi → Ippattu

Pronunciation

Haa-non-du

Long vowels

Kannada vowels are long. Hold them.

Rising for questions

ಹನ್ನೊಂದು ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳೇ? ↑

Are there 11 books?

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Hadi is the 'ten' key; add the unit to unlock the number.

Visual Association

Imagine a ladder with 10 rungs (Hadi) and you are climbing to the 11th, 12th, etc.

Rhyme

Hannondu, Hanneradu, Hadimuru, Hadinalku, counting is fun, let's start anew!

Story

I bought 11 (hannondu) apples, gave 12 (hanneradu) to friends, and kept 20 (ippattu) for myself.

Word Web

HadiHannonduHanneraduIppattuMuruNalku

Challenge

Count 11 to 20 out loud while walking up stairs.

Cultural Notes

Numbers are used in daily bargaining at markets.

Dravidian roots.

Conversation Starters

“

ನಿಮ್ಮ ಬಳಿ ಎಷ್ಟು ಪೆನ್ನುಗಳಿವೆ?

Journal Prompts

Write about your shopping list using numbers 11-20.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank for the number 12

ನನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ _______ (12) ಪೆನ್ ಇದೆ.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hanneradu
12 in Kannada is hanneradu, following the han- prefix pattern.
Which is the correct way to say 15? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct spelling/pronunciation for 15:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hadinaidu
15 uses the hadi- prefix and adds an 'n' for smoothness: hadinaidu.
Fix the mistake in the number 13 Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Avanu hanmooru (13) rupaayi kotta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Avanu hadimooru rupaayi kotta.
13 must use the hadi- prefix, resulting in hadimooru, not hanmooru.

Score: /3

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank

11 is ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
11 is Hannondu.
Choose correct Multiple Choice

12 is?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
12 is Hanneradu.
Correct the error Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Hadi-ondu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
11 is Hannondu.
Match Match Pairs

13 to Hadimuru

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
13 is Hadimuru.
Build Sentence Building

11 books

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Number first.
Choose Multiple Choice

20 is?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
20 is Ippattu.
Fill

15 is ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
15 is Hadinaidu.
Choose Multiple Choice

19 is?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
19 is Hattombattu.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Translate 'Eighteen' to Kannada script Translation

Eighteen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ಹದಿನೆಂಟು
Reorder to say 'I have 20 rupees' Sentence Reorder

rupaayi / hattira / ippattu / nanna / ide

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nanna hattira ippattu rupaayi ide
Match the English number to Kannada Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 11:hannondu, 14:hadinaalku, 17:hadinealu, 19:hattombattu
What comes after 18? Fill in the Blank

Hadinentu ಆದ ಮೇಲೆ _______ ಬರುತ್ತೆ.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hattombattu
How do you say 16? Multiple Choice

Select 16:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hadinaaru
Find the error in 11 Error Correction

Hattiondu rupaayi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hannondu rupaayi.
Translate '20' to Kannada Translation

Twenty

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ippattu
Complete the sequence Fill in the Blank

Hadimooru, Hadinaalku, _______

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hadinaidu
Reorder: 'It is 12 o'clock' Sentence Reorder

gante / hanneradu / eega

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eega hanneradu gante
Match the prefixes Match Pairs

Match the prefix to the range:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 11-12:han-, 13-18:hadi-, 19:hattu-, 20:ipp-

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

It is an irregular form.

It is Ippattu.

Yes, in all contexts.

No, numbers are neutral.

Only in very casual speech.

It is Hattombattu.

That is Ippattondu.

No, 20 is Ippattu.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish low

Once, Doce

Kannada uses a prefix system.

French low

Onze, Douze

Kannada is Dravidian.

German low

Elf, Zwölf

Kannada uses compounding.

Japanese moderate

Juu-ichi

Kannada uses prefixes.

Arabic low

Ahada-ashar

Kannada is agglutinative.

Chinese moderate

Shi-yi

Kannada is Dravidian.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Kannada Numbers 1-10: Counting for Beginners
Next
Kannada Days of the Week (vaara)

Related Grammar Rules

A0

Kannada Numbers 1-10: Counting for Beginners

Overview Ever tried to order just one masala dosa in a chaotic Bengaluru darshini and ended up with five? Or maybe you t...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!