Illustrations by Fano and AC

Contents
Foreword
Chapter 1: Essentials
Chapter 2: Greetings/Introducing yourself
Chapter 3: Languages
Chapter 4: Travel and transports
Chapter 5: Shopping
Chapter 6: Eating and drinking
Chapter 7: Entertainment
Chapter 8: Help and emergency
Chapter 9: Body
Chapter 10: Health and hospital
Chapter 11: Time
Chapter 12: Family and relationships
Chapter 13: On the phone
Chapter 14: Emotions and feelings
Chapter 15: Animals
Chapter 16: Weather
Chapter 17: Sports
Chapter 18: Signals
Chapter 19: Authority
Chapter 20: At work
Chapter 21: At home
Chapter 22: Colors
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Foreword
Learning a language requires patience, strong will to learn and a lot of
practice. We made our best effort in trying to make this journey of yours
easier. This book doesn't explain much about Telugu grammar but it will
certainly show you a quick road to learn some frequently used words,
memorise them and thereby use them in framing your own sentences. The
learning path should still include a bit of grammar, that we included in the
form of tips and tricks at different places of the book.

The book's focus is mainly on colloquial Telugu as we intend to keep it

more useful for people who come for a short visit to Telugu speaking states
in India and have a quick guide in how to converse. Remember that,
colloquial Telugu that most of the people speak is a mix of English and
Telugu (sometimes Hindi as well in places like Hyderabad but it's minimal).
For example, if you want to say Thank you in Telugu, we don't use
Kruthagnathalu or Dhanyavadalu in conversations. We just say Thank you or
Thanks. In order to understand what kind of Telugu translation we have
provided, we added below tags for words/sentences:
Traditional - to represent words/sentences in authentic Telugu which
might not be used in daily life by everyone except by very few people.
Colloquial - to represent words/sentences used in daily life by most of
the people.
Casual - to represent words/sentences to use with people younger than
you or with people of same age as you.
Formal - to represent words/sentences to use with elder people, people
we do not know or to whom we owe respect.

Traditional words will give you some idea if by any chance if the opposite
person is speaking pure Telugu, and you will at least understand what they
are saying to keep you in a comfortable situation and be able to respond back.

We provided some analogies/correlations with other languages as well like

Hindi/French/English to understand Telugu better. We believe that it is easier
to remember words by correlations with your own languages rather than
learning something from scratch.
Tip: Read the tips carefully as it will help you in making your own sentences
at later point of time.

Sometimes you see "..." in between sentences. This is a word to fill in during
your translation from English to Telugu. For example,
Can you call ...
... ni pilavandi
Here, ... is the name of the person or any other subject the sentence is
referring to.

We advice you to focus more on first chapter and move to other chapters
once you master it. It will help you to understand others chapters more easily.

We made our best effort to make this book easy to understand. Please leave
your feedback or suggestions to us at [email protected]
 Chapter 1: Essentials

Yes
Avunu

No
Kaadu

No/Don't have
Ledhu

Ok (as an acknowledgment)
Sare

Ok (as an agreement)
Alage

Don't know
Raadhu/Telidu

Thank you
Thank you, Thanks (colloquial)
Kruthagnathalu/Dhanyavadalu (traditional)

No, thank you

Akkarledhu
Parvaledhu

Please
Dayachesi

Excuse me / Sorry
Sorry (casual)
Kshaminchandi (formal)

Maybe
Bahusa

Come in/Come
Randi (formal)
Raa (casual)

Tip: Telugu verbs have two forms. A formal form, to use with elders and a
casual form to use with younger or people of same age. To make a formal
form of a verb, replace last letter in the verb with andi. For example, 'Raa +
andi = Randi'. This works for most of the cases except a few exceptions that
we will discuss later. Congratulations!!!! You just learnt your first word
joining in Telugu.

Take
Tisuko (casual)
Tisukondi (formal)

I forgot
Marchipoyanu

It does not matter / It is ok

Parvaledhu
One moment please/One minute please
Okka nimisham

Really?
Nijamga?

It is very important
Idi chala mukhyam

I am coming now
Nenu ippudu vasthunnanu

I will be back in a few minutes

Nenu konni nimushallo tirigi vasthanu

And you?
Mari meeru?

Isn't it?
Kaada?

Anything else?
Inkenti? (inka + enti)

Are you sure?

Meeru cheppedi nijama? (formal)
Nuvvu cheppedi nijama? (casual)

I know
Naaku telusu

I do not know
Naaku telidu

I understand
Naaku ardham ayindhi
I do not understand
Naaku ardham kaledhu

No idea
Telidu
 Pronouns
I
Nenu

Me
Nannu

You
Nuvvu (singular casual)
Meeru (singular formal)
Meeru (plural)

Tip: We use the same word (Meeru) for plural form and also for formal form
of the ‘You’. For example, when you are speaking with an elder person, you
should use 'meeru' (formal pronoun for elders) and you can use this word
when you are speaking with group of children as well (as a plural form). But
while speaking with one child in particular, you should use 'nuvvu' (as a
singular casual word).

He/Him
Athanu/Athadu (casual)
Aayana (formal)

She/Her
Aame (casual)
Aavida (formal)

We
Memu

They/Them
Vaaru/Vaallu

My
Naa
Your
Nee (singular casual)
Mee (singular formal/plural)

Mine
Naadi

His
Athani

Her
Aame

Our
Mana

Their
Vaalla (colloquial)
Vaari (traditional)

Tip: Sometimes in Telugu, we can make sentences to give quick and short
replies. Above 3 are such words which can be used for single word sentences
to say that “… (something) belongs to him/his/mine)”. Below is an example
conversation:
Person1: Whose book is this?
Person2: Athanidi (his book)/Aamedi(her book)
In the reply from the person2, the person just used word ‘Athanidi/Aamedi’ to
express that ‘book belongs to him/her’ by using a single word. This is just
one example using book, but it can be applied to any object.

This/It
Idi

That/It
Adi

These
Ivi

Those
Avi

Tip: If you observe last 4 words, they are the same as their opposite forms
except for first letter. This is similar to some other languages like Hindi (like
words yaha/vaha, idhar/udhar). Words starting with 'I' are used to describe
things near to you and 'A' for the words to describe the things far from you.
You just need to change first letter to make it opposite form.

Fact: Telugu is gender neutral language unlike other languages like

Hindi/French. It is more similar to English where objects (things) do not
have any gender (are gender neutral). Telugu might then be a bit easier for
learning as you do not need to memorize genders of the things also along
with vocabulary. For example, in French, a car is feminine but a truck is
masculine. It exists in Hindi as well like, a chair is feminine but a bed is
masculine. That's not the case with Telugu. Telugu is like English,
car/truck/bicycle/chair/bed are objects without gender. Animals and birds
are also gender neutral in Telugu. We will give some examples for this in
subsequent chapters.
 Questions
What
Enti

Who
Evaru

Why
Enduku

Why not
Endhuku kaadhu

How
Ela

Where
Ekkada

When
Eppudu

Which
Edi

How much
Entha

How many
Enni

Fact: All the questioning words in Telugu starts with 'E' just like the way they
start with 'W' in English.

Fun Fact: And most of the time, you can make a response by just changing
first letter of E to I/A. like response for Eppudu could be Appudu/Ippudu, or
response for Edi could be Adi/Idi.
 Numbers
0 - Sunna
1 - Okati
2 - Rendu
3 - Muudu
4 - Naalugu
5 - Aidhu
6 - Aaru
7 - Edu
8 - Enimidi
9 - Thommidi
10 - Padi
11 - Padakondu
12 - Pannendu
13 - Padamuudu (padi(10) + muudu(3))
14 - Padnalugu (padi(10) + naalugu(4))
15 - Padihenu
16 - Padahaaru (padi(10) + aaru(6))
17 - Padihedu (padi(10) + edu(7))
18 - Paddhenimidi (padi(10) + enimidi(8))
19 - Panthommidi (padi(10) + thommidi(9))
20 – Iravai

Note: After 20, it is easier to remember numbers because it is a direct

concatenation of words. for instance, 21 is 'iravai okati' (iravai + okati), 22
is 'iravai rendu' (iravai + rendu)

30 - Muppai
40 - Nalabhai
50 - Yaabhai
60 - Aravai
70 - Debbai
80 - Enabhai
90 - Thombhai
100 - Vanda
1,000 - Veyyi
10,000 - Padi velu

Note: Indian numbering system a bit different. As from 100,000. Please note
the position of the coma/separator.

1,00,000 (100,000) - laksha

10,00,000 (1,000,000) - padi lakshalu
1,00,00,000 (10,000,000) - Koti
10,00,00,000 (100,000,000) - padi kotlu
100,00,00,000 (1,000,000,000) - vanda kotlu
1000,00,00,000 (10,000,000,000) - veyyi kotlu
10000,00,00,000 (100,000,000,000) - padivela kotlu
100000,00,00,000 (1,000,000,000,000) - laksha kotlu
1000000,00,00,000 (10,000,000,000,000) - padi lakshala kotlu

Interesting fact: Ancient astronomers in India calculated distance between

many astronomical objects very precisely before telescope was even invented.
Ancient mathematics is very well advanced to achieve these tasks for which
they have invented words for some of the largest numbers than humanity can
ever imagine for that time. Please refer to Appendix B for the names of those
numbers They are originated in sanskrit and translated in Telugu.

First
Modati
Second
Rendava
Third
Muudava

Tip: Replace last letter of number with 'ava' to get the position you want to
say. For example:
Third = muudu + ava = muudava
Fourth = naalugu + ava = naalugava
First = okati + ava = okatava / modhati
 Quantities
A lot / Much
Chala

Some/A bit/A little/few

Konni (countable)
Koncham (uncountable)

More
Ekkuva

Less
Thakkuva

Half
Ara

Full
Mothamu

Quarter
Paavu

Enough
Chaalu
 Adjectives
Small
Chinna

Big
Pedha

Short (in terms of length)

Potti

Long (in terms of length)

Podugu

Beautiful
Andamaina

Ugly
Vikruthamaina

Thin
Sanna

Fat
Laavu

High
Etthu

Low
Pallam

Deep
Lothu

Heavy
Baruvu
Light (in weight)
Telika

Highest
Ethaina

Deepest
Lothaina

Note: The plural form of any noun is constructed by adding the “lu” suffix to
the noun. Also, do not forget to change verb form to plural form along with
your noun. You will find more about this in “Sentence building”.
 Prepositions/Conjunctions
For
Kosam (colloquial)
Koraku (traditional)

To
Ku

But
Kani

Because
Endukante

Because of
Valla

With
Tho

Without
Lekunda

From
Nundi/Nunchi

Till
Varaku

By
Dwara

After/Next
Tharuvatha

Before/Front
Mundu

Back
Venuka

Up
Paina

Down
Kinda

Between
Madhya

Except
Thappa

Out/Outside
Bayata

Inside
Lopala

In
Lo

Tip: In Telugu, sometimes we use ‘in’ (lo) instead of by (dwara). for example,
to say “I came by bus”, Telugu translation is “Bus lo vachanu”, not “bus
dwara vachanu”.

Like
La/Laga

About
Gurinchi

And
Mariyu

Or
Leka/Leda

So
Kabatti
 Main verbs
Ask
Adugu

Build
Nirminchu

Call
Piluvu

Catch
Pattuko

Come
Raa

Cook
Vandu

Drink
Thaagu

Eat
Thinu

Fly
Eguru

Give
Ivvu

Go
Vellu

Jump
Duuku
Laugh
Navvu

Look
Chudu

Open
Teruvu

Close
Musi

Make/Do
Cheyu

Swim
Eedu

Stop
Aapu

Sleep
Paduko

Read
Chauvu

Write
Raayu

Walk
Naduvu

Run
Parigethu
Say/Tell
Cheppu

Drive
Nadupu

Watch/See
Chudu

Listen/Hear
Vinu

Dance
Dance (colloquial)
Nruthyam (traditional)

Sing
Paadu

Study
Chaduvu

Clean
Shubram cheyu
Kadugu

Take
Tisukonu

Cut
Kathirinchu … (a paper/cloth)
Koyyu … (vegetables/cake)

Speak/Talk
Matladu

Think
Alochinchu

Look
Chudu

Use
Upayoginchu

Find
Vethuku

Walk
Nadupu

Try
Prayathninchu

Begin/Start
Prarambhinchu

Help
Sahaayam cheyu

Play
Aadu

Move
Kadulu

Note: These are just basic verbs to keep you making conversations in your
daily life. Once you memorize these verbs, you just need to add a tense which
is nothing but a suffix to the verb and person (first person/second
person/third person) to construct your own sentences. And in most of the
times the same suffices work for any verb.
 Sentence construction
Below are the verb suffices for different forms in Telugu in present tense.
Examples are based on verb vacha:

Formal Casual Formal Plural Casual Plural

Singular Singular
First person nu nu mu mu
(Male) vachanu vachanu vachamu vachamu
First person nu nu mu mu
(Female) vachanu vachanu vachamu vachamu
Second ru vu mu mu
person vacharu vachavu vachamu vachamu
(Male)
Second ru vu ru ru
person vacharu vachavu vacharu vacharu
(Female)
Third person ru du ru ru
(Male) vacharu vachadu vacharu vacharu
Third person ru di ru ru
(Female) vacharu vachindi vacharu vacharu
Neutral di di yi yi
gender vachindi vachindi vachayi vachayi

You can follow the rules above and apply it to any verb to conjugate it easily.
Let’s start making sentences for verb paduko (sleep) including other tenses.

Past tense:
First person:
I Slept
Nenu padukunnanu

We slept
Memu padukunnamu
Second person:
You slept
Nuvvu padukunnavu
Meeru padukunnaru

Third person:
He slept
Athanu padukunnadu(padukunnaru)

She slept
Aame padukundhi

It slept
Adi padukundhi

Present tense:
First person:
I am sleeping
Nenu padukuntunnanu

We are sleeping
Memu padukuntunnamu

Second person:
You are sleeping
Nuvvu padukuntunnavu
Meeru padukuntunnaru

Third person:
He is sleeping
Athanu padukuntunnadu(padukunnaru)

She slept
Aame padukuntundhi

It slept
Adi padukuntundhi
Future tense:
First person:
I will sleep
Nenu padukuntanu

We will sleep
Memu padukuntamu

Second person:
You will sleep
Nuvvu padukuntavu
Meeru padukuntaru

Third person:
He will sleep
Athanu padukuntadu(padukuntaru)

She will sleep

Aame padukuntadi

It will sleep
Adi padukuntadi

Few more sentences based on this verb:

I can sleep
Nenu padukogalanu

I should sleep
Nenu padukovali

I must sleep
Nenu thappakunda padukovali

Note: Just by memorizing the verbs and which suffix to add, you can make
any kind of sentence in Telugu.
Chapter 2: Greetings/Introducing yourself

Hello
Namaskaram
Namasthe (Hindi word, but can be used in Telugu too)

Goodbye
Vellosthanu

Good morning
Shubhodayam

Good afternoon
Shuba dhinam

Good evening
Shuba saayantram

Good night
Shubha rathri

See you later

Malli kaludham

Nice to meet you

Mimmalni kalisinanduku santhosham

How are you?

Ela unnav? (casual)
Ela unnaru? (formal)

I am fine
Nenu bagunnanu

Congratulations
Abhinandanalu

Happy birthday
Puttinaroju Subhakankshalu
Janmadina Subhakankshalu

Happy new year

Nuuthana samvathsara subhakankshalu

Sir/Mr
Sri

Miss
Kumari

Mrs
Srimathi

What is your name?

Nee perenti? (casual)
Mee perenti? (formal)

My name is ...
Naa peru ...
Where are you from?
Nuvvu ekkada nunchi vachavu? (casual)
Meeru ekkada nunchi vacharu? (formal)

I am from India
Nenu India nunchi vachaanu

How old are you?

Nee vayasentha? (casual)
Mee vayasentha? (formal)

I am 25 years old
Naa vayasu 25

Who is he?
Evarathanu (Evaru + Athanu)

Who is she?
Evarame (Evaru + Aame)

Note: Some Telugu words can be combined into a single word like above. It
is not so important for now, but if you want to learn more about word joining
rules, please refer to appendix C. This is just to speak like local but there is
nothing wrong even when you do not join the words.

Tell me
Cheppu (casual)
Cheppandi (formal)

What do you need?

Em kavali
 Chapter 3: Languages

Language
Bhaasha

I speak English
Nenu English maatladathanu (colloquial)
Nenu aanglamu maatladathanu (traditional)

I speak a little Telugu

Nenu konchem Telugu maatladthanu

I do not speak Telugu

Nenu Telugu maatlaadanu

Do you speak english?

Nuvvu English maatladathaava? (casual)
Meeru English maatladathaara? (formal)

How many languages do you speak?

Nuvvu enni bhaashalu matladathavu? (casual)
Meeru enni bhaashalu matladagalaru? (formal)

You speak Telugu very well

Nuvvu Telugu chaala baaga maatladuthunnavu (casual)
Meeru Telugu chaala baaga maatladuthunnaru (formal)

I am learning Telugu
Nenu Telugu nerchukuntunnanu

How do you say... in Telugu?

... ni Telugu lo emantaru (emi + antaru)?

What is this?
Idi enti?

This is called...
Deenini ... antaru

What does it mean?

Idhi ante enti?

Could you repeat please?

Dayachesi malli okasari ... (... - whatever action to be repeated)
Dayachesi malli okasari chepthara (please, tell me again)

Could you speak slower please?

Dayachesi nemmadiga* matladagalara
Dayachesi nemmadiga* matladathara

Can you write it down?

Deenini Raayagalara?

How do you pronounce that?

Deenini ela palukuthaaru?

Can you translate this for me?

Deenini Naa kosam anuvadisthara?

Did you understand?

Meeku ardhamainda?

I understood
Naaku ardhamaindi

I did not understand

Naaku ardham kaaledhu?
 Chapter 4: Travel and transports

Country
Desham

State
Rashtram

Region
Pradesham

Let's go!
Padha podham (casual)
Padhandi podham (formal)

I lost my luggage
Naa saamanu poindi (colloquial)
Nenu naa saamanu kolpoyanu (traditional)

When did you arrive?

Nuvvu eppudu cherukunnavu? (casual)
Meeru eppudu cherukunnaru? (formal)

Do you like India?

Neeku India nachinda? (casual)
Meeku India nachinda? (formal)

India is a very beautiful country

India chaala andamaina desham

I haven't been there yet

Nenu inka akkada ki vellaledhu

How was your trip?

Nee trip ela aindi? (casual)
Mee trip ela aindi? (formal)
Mee prayanam ela aindi? (traditional)

I want to go home
Naaku inti ki vellalani undhi

A ticket to Vizag
Vizag ki oka ticket
 Locations
Here
Ikkada

There
Akkada

Everywhere
Anni chotla

Nearby
Parisarallo/daggara lo

Where are you?

Ekkada unnavu? (casual)
Ekkada unnaru? (formal)
 Looking for a place
Destination
Gamyam

I would like to go to...

Naaku ... vellalani undhi

How can I go to...?

Nenu ... ki ela vellagalanu

Can you show me on the map?

Map lo chupinchagalara? (colloquial)
Patam lo chupinchagalara? (traditional)

I am looking for...
Nenu ... kosam chusthunnanu

Is it far?
Adi duuarama?

It is close
Adi daggara

Where is the city center?

City center ekkada?

Where are the toilets?

Toilets ekkada (colloquial)
Marugudhodlu ekkada (traditional)

What is the address

Address enti? (colloquial)
Chirunaama enti? (traditional)

How far is it?

Adi entha duuram?
It is not far
Adi duuram kaadu
Adi daggara (It is nearby)

I am lost
Nenu thappipoyanu

Follow me
Nannu anusarinchandi
 Directions
(Next) Left/Right
(Tarvatha) Edama/Kudi

Turn left/right
Edama/Kudi vaipu tiragandi
Edama/Kudi vaipu tirugu

Straight ahead
Saraasari

Towards the...
... vaipu

Pass the...
... daatandi

North
Utharam

South
Dakshinam

East
Thuurpu

West
Padamara

That way
Atu vaipu

This way
Itu vaipu
 In the car
Vehicle
Vaahanam

I want to rent a car

Naaku oka car adheku kavali

Note: There are no Telugu words for most of the vehicle names like
car/motorbike/bus. These can be categorized as vaahanam (vaahanalu -
plural). You can use the English words for all vehicles.

Can I park here?

Nenu ikkada park cheyagalana? (colloquial)
Nenu ikkada nilupagalana? (traditional)

Where is the nearest petrol/diesel station?

Daggara lo edaina petrol station unda?

The tire of my car is punctured

Naa car tire puncture aindi (colloquial)

There is a traffic jam

Vaahanalu nilichipoyayi (Vehicles stopped - There is no literal translation)
 Other transports
Bus
Bus

Plane
Vimaanam

Taxi
Taxi

Can you call a taxi?

Taxi ni pilavagalara?

Take me to... please

Dayachesi ... ki tisukellagalara?

Train
Train (colloquial)
Railu bandi (traditional but not too old word)
Dhuumasakatam (traditional but too old word)

When does the train leave?

Train eppudu bayaluderuthundhi?

Where is the train to?

Train ekkada ki velthundhi?

Does the train stop in...?

Train ... lo aaguthunda?

When will the train arrive?

Train eppudu cheruthundhi?
 Important places
Airport
Airport (colloquial)
Vimaanasrayam (traditional)

Train station
Railway station (colloquial)
Railway nilayam (traditional)

Bus station
Bus station

Hospital
Hospital (colloquial)
Aasupathri (traditonal)

Bank
Bank

ATM
ATM

Grocery store
Sarukula kottu
Kirana kottu

Pharmacy
Mandhula shop (colloquial)
Aushadha shaala (traditional)

Doctor
Doctor (colloquial)
Vaidhyudu (traditional)
 Accommodation
Hotel
Hotel (colloquial)
Vididhi illu/gruham (traditional)

Hostel
Hostel (colloquial)
Vasathi gruham (traditional)

I have a reservation
Naaku reservation undhi

I would like to book a room for two people

Naaku idhariki saripada oka gadi ivvagalara

Do you have a room available?

Mee daggara oka gadhi unda?

How many nights do you want to stay?

Meeru enni rathrulu untaru?

How much is a room for one person?

Oka gadhi oka manishi ki entha?

How much is a room for two people?

Oka gadhi idhariki entha?

I will stay for one night

Nenu oka raathri untanu

Your reservation is confirmed

Mee reservation confirm aindi

When will the room be ready?

Room eppudu thayaravuthundhi?
What time is the checkout?
Checkout eppudu?

Did you enjoy your stay?

Meeku mee basa nachinda?

Is there a hair dryer in the room?

Room lo hairdryer untunda?

Is there a telephone in the room?

Room lo phone kuda untunda?

Is there a bathroom in the room?

Room lo bathroom untunda?

I need more pillows

Naaku inka konni dhindlu kavali

I need more towels

Naaku inka konni towels kavali (colloquial)
Naaku inka konni thuvallu kavali (traditional)

I need an additional quilt

Naaku inkoka raggu kuda kavali

The room is too cold

Gadhi chala challaga undhi

The room is too hot

Gadhi chala vedi ga undhi
Chapter 5: Shopping
 Money
Rupee(s)
Rupaya(lu)

Tip: Adding lu to a word makes it plural.

Do you accept dollars?

Dollars tiskuntara?

How much is this?

Deeni kharidu entha?

Where is the nearest ATM?

Daggara lo ATM ekkada undhi?

Where is the nearest bank?

Daggara lo bank ekkada undhi?

I would like to transfer money

Nenu money transfer cheyyali

My bank account number is ...

Na bank account number ...

Can I pay by card?

Nanu card tho kattagalana?

We only accept cash

Memu dabbulu matrame tiskuntamu

Where can I get money changed?

Daggara lo foreign exchange ekkada?

What is the exchange rate?

Exchange rate entha?
I would like to exchange dollars against rupees
Nenu dollar nunchi rupees ki exchange cheyyali
 Shop
Shop
Shop (colloquial)
Kottu (current)
Dukaanam (traditional)

When do you open?

Meeru eppudu terustharu?

When do you close?

Meeru eppudu muusivestharu?

How much is this?

Idi entha?

It is too expensive
Idi chaala kharidainadi

It is cheap
Idi chavaka

Do you have...?
Mee/Nee daggara ... unda?

Do you have a bag?

Mee daggara sanchi undha?

Can I try this on?

Idi nenu try cheyocha?

Do you have in another color?

Me daggara inkoka rangu unda?

I like this
Idi naaku nachindi
I do not like it
Idi naaku nachaledhu

It is too big
Idi chaala pedhadi

It is too small
Idi chaala chinnadi

I take size 40
Nenu 40 size tiskuntanu

Which one is better?

Edi better (colloquial)
Edi manchidi (traditional)

I am not interested
Interest ledhu (colloquial)
Aasakthi ledhu (traditional)

I will take one

Nenu okati tiskuntanu

I haven't decided
Nenu inka decide avvaledhu (colloquial)
Nenu inka nirnayinchukoledhu (traditional)

That is all, thank you

Anthe. Dhanyavadhalu

I would like to return this

Nenu idi tirigi ichi vedham anukuntunna

This is broken
Idi virigipoindi/pagilipoindi

This is for you

Idi nee/mee kosam
 Chapter 6: Eating and drinking

Breakfast
Tiffin (colloquial)

Lunch
Bhojanam (meal - no literal Telugu word exists in Telugu for lunch and
dinner)

Dinner
Bhojanam (meal - no literal Telugu word exists in Telugu for lunch and
dinner)

Are you hungry?

Meeku aakaliga undha?

I am hungry
Naaku aakaliga undhi

I am not hungry
Naaku aakaliga ledhu

Are you thirsty?

Meeku daaham ga unda?

I am thirsty
Naaku daaham ga undhi

I am not thirsty
Naaku daaham ga ledhu

Did you have lunch?

Meeru bhojanam chesaara?

Would you like something to eat?

Meeku edaina tinalani unda?

My stomach is full
Naa kadupu nindindhi

I had enough
Naaku saripoindi

I will eat some more

Nenu inka tintanu

I can eat some more

Nenu inka tinagalanu

I must eat more

Nenu inka tinali
Nenu thappaka inka tinali (if you want to put more intensity on must)

I am a vegetarian
Nenu vegetarian (colloquial)
Nenu shaakahari ni (traditional)
Spoon
Spoon (colloquial)
Chemcha (traditional)

Fork
Fork (colloquial)
Palla chemcha (traditional)

Knife
Kathi/Chaaku

Spatula
Atlakaada
 Foodstuffs
Meat
Mamsam

Chicken
Kodi mamsam

Lamb/Mutton
Gorre mamsam

Pork
Pandhi mamsam

Beef
Goddu mamsam

Fish
Chepa

Egg
Guddu/Gudlu

Bread
Bread (colloquial)
Rotte (traditional)

Noodles
Noodles

Rice
Biyyam (uncooked rice)
Annam (cooked rice)

Butter
Venna
Cream
Meegada

Sugar
Panchadhaara

Oil
Noone

Yoghurt
Perugu

Flour
Pindi

Tip: All kinds of flour and batter are called as pindi in Telugu.

Dal
Kandi pappu

Green gram
Pesara pappu

Black gram
Minapa pappu

Cake
Cake
 Spices and herbs
Salt
Uppu

Pepper
Miriyaalu

Bay leaves
Biryani aaku

Cardamom
Yalakullu
Chilli powder
Kaaram

Cinnamon
Dalchina chekka

Cloves
Lavangaalu

Coriander
Dhaniyaala podi (powder)
Kothimeera (leaves)

Cumin
Jeelakarra

Mustard seeds
Aavaalu

Fenugreek seeds
Menthulu

Curry leaves
Karivepaaku
Mint
Pudhina

Turmeric
Pasupu

Saffron
Kumkuma puvvu
 Drinks
Water
Neellu

Tip: We call any water as neellu in Telugu. But not all neellu (water) is
potable. If you want to ask for potable water, you should say 'manchi neellu
(literal: good water)'.

Fun fact: Water is plural in Telugu unlike English. You say “Water is
coming” in English but “Neellu vasthunnayi” in Telugu which literally
means “Water are coming”.

Juice
Rasam

Beer
Beer

Wine
Wine

Coffee
Coffee

Tea
Tea

Milk
Paalu

Buttermilk
Majjiga

Yoghurt
Perugu
 Fruits & Nuts
Tip: Ripe fruits are called pandu/pandlu. Unripe fruits are called
kaaya/kaayalu. However, there are some exceptions, for example a coconut is
always called as kobbari kaaya, be it ripe or unripe. A simple rule of thumb
that can work most of the times is: most of the green fruits can be called as
kaaya, and others as pandu.

Fruits
Pandlu

Apple
Apple (colloquial)
Seema regu pandu (traditional)

Banana
Arati pandu (ripe)
Arati kaaya (unripe)

Pear
Pear (colloquial)
Peri pandu (traditional)

Coconut
Kobbari kaya

Orange
Kamala pandu

Lemon/Lime
Nimmakaya

Watermelon
Puchakaaya

Grapes
Draaksha

Mango
Maamidi pandu

Papaya
Boppaya

Almond
Baadampappu

Cashew nut
Jeedipappu

Peanut
Verusenagapappu

Pistachio
Pista pappu

Tip: All the dry fruits/pulses words in Telugu are suffixed by pappu.
 Vegetables
Vegetable
Kooragaaya

Carrot
Carrot

Murshroom
Puttagodugu

Corn
Mokkajonna

Spinach
Paalakoora

Peas
Pachi battanilu

Cucumber
Keera dhosakaaya

Green chilli
Pachi mirapakaya

Onion
Ullipaaya

Potato
Aloogadda

Garlic
Velluli

Ginger
Allam
Tomato
Tamata

Cabbage
Cabbage

Cauliflower
Gobi puvvu

Eggplant
Vankaya (including mini eggplants that we find in India)

Tip: All green leafy vegetables are considered as aakukuura in Telugu.

Radish
Mullangi
 Taste
How is the food
Aaharam/Bhojanam ela undhi

It is delicious
Ruchi ga undhi

It is cold
Challa ga undhi

It is hot (temperature)
Vedi ga undhi

It is hot (spicy)
Kaaram ga undhi

It is sweet
Teeyaga undhi

It is sour
Pulla ga undhi

It is salty
Uppa ga undhi

It is bitter
Vagaru ga undhi
 In the kitchen
Kitchen
Vanta gadi/vantillu

Wash
Kadagadam

Cut
Koyyadam

Peel
Chekku teeyadam (remove top layer)

Mix
Kalipadam

Grind
Rubbadam

Fry
Vepudu

Steam
Udakapettadam

Stir
Kalupu

Pan
Pan

Stove
Stove (colloquial)
Poyyi (traditional)

Fridge
Fridge
 At the restaurant
May I have a glass of water?
Oka glass manchi neellu isthara?

A table for two people please

Idhariki oka table undha?

Is there a local specialty?

Local special emaina undha?

Can I look at the menu please?

Menu ni chuudagalana?

Is it vegetarian?
Idi shaakaharama?

Is it non-vegetarian?
Idi maamsaharama?

I will take …
Nenu … tiskuntanu

I would like a tea

Naaku oka tea kavali

Can you recommend a good restaurant?

Oka manchi restuarant cheppagalara?

Can I have the bill?

Bill ivvagalara?
 Chapter 7: Entertainment

Restaurant
Restaurant

Bar
Bar
Mandhu shop

Fun Fact: Medicine is called as “Mandhu” in Telugu and Bar is also called
as “Mandhu shop” which literally means “Medical shop”. So please do not
get misled when you hear “Mandhu shop”.

Holidays
Selavalu (Traditional)
Holidays (colloquial)

Travel
Prayanam
Theater
Theater

Cinema/Movie
Cinema (colloquial)
Chithram (traditional)

Let's go for a movie

Cinema ki veldam

Let's watch TV
TV chudham

I am ready to go
Nenu ready (colloquial)
Nenu tayaaru (traditionl)

Where shall we meet?

Manam ekkada kaludham?

Are you free tomorrow evening?

Repu meeru kali aa?

What do you want to do?

Meeku em cheyalani undhi?

I would like to see that movie

Naaku aa cinema chudalani undhi

What is your favorite movie?

Mee favourite cinema enti?
Meeku istamaina cinema enti?

Have you watched that movie?

Meeru aa cinema chusara?

I would like to go to the restaurant

Nenu restaurant ki vellali anukuntunna

I would like to listen to music

Naaku music vinalani undhi

Do you want to play sport?

Meeku aadalani unda?

Who won the game?

Aata evaru gelicharu?

Who got defeated?

Evaru odipoyaru?

I would like to go badminton

Naaku badminton ki vellalani undhi

Tip: Luckily, all sports/games names are english names (except for games
that are local to country/state).

Let's go for a walk

Nadudham padha

What did you do yesterday?

Ninna meeru em chesaru?

I had fun
Nenu saradaga gadipanu

My dream is to go to …
… vellalani na korika

What do you think?

Meerem anukuntunnaru?

It is a good idea
Idi manchi idea (colloquial)
Idi manchi alochana (traditional)

I agree
Nenu angeekaristhanu

I am not sure
Naaku kachitamga telidu

Let me think about it

Deeni gurinchi nannu alochinchanivvu

Count me in
Nannu kuda kalupuko
 Chapter 8: Help and emergency

Help!
Sahaayam!

It is an emergency
Idi athyavasara paristhithi

I need...
Naaku ... kavali

I would like...
Nenu ... anukuntunnanu

I need a doctor
Naaku doctor kavali

Are you ok?

Meeru ela unnaru?

Are you afraid?

Bhayam ga unda?

Call an ambulance
Ambulance in pilavandi

Call the police

Police ni pilavandi

Watch out/Careful!
Jagratha/chuskondi!

Stop!
Aapandi!

I had a car accident

Naaku car accident aindi

Can I help you?

Nenu meeku emaina sahayam cheyagalana?

I am sick
Nenu anarogyam ga unnanu

Leave me alone
Nannu vantariga vadileyandi

Don't touch me
Nannu muttukovadhu

Stop following me
Nannu anusarinchadam aapandi

Police!
Police! (colloquial)
Rakshaka bhatulu! (traditional)

Thief
Donga

Can I use your phone?

Nenu me phone vaadukovacha?

Run!
Parigethandi!

Hurry!
Thvaraga!

Slow down!
Nemmadiga!

What happened?
Emaindi?

When did that happened?

Adi eppudu jarigindi?

Don’t worry
Chinthinchakandi

Fire!
Mantalu!
 Chapter 9: Body

Body
Shareeram

Head
Thala

Hair
Juttu

Eyes
Kallu

Ear
Chevi

Nose
Mukku

Mouth
Noru
Tooth
Pannu

Tongue
Naaluka

Throat
Gonthu

Neck
Meda

Chest
Chaathi

Heart
Gunde

Back
Veepu

Belly
Potta

Arm/Hand
Cheyyi

Finger
Velu

Leg
Kaalu

Knee
Mokalu

Foot
Paadham
 Chapter 10: Health and hospital

Hospital
Hospital (colloquial)
Aasupatri (traditional)

I need a doctor
Naaku doctor kavali

I am not feeling well

Naaku ontlo bagoledhu

Take this medicine

Ee mandhu tisukondi

Are you allergic to anything?

Meeku emaina allergy unnaya?
Meeku emaina padava?

I am allergic to...
Nenu ... ki allergic
Naaku ... padadhu

Bleed
Raktha sravam

I am bleeding
Naaku raktham karuthundhi (colloquial)
Naaku raktha sravam ga undhi (traditional)

Pass out
Kallu tiragadam

Pain
Noppi

Where does it hurt?

Ekkada noppi ga undhi?

It is paining here
Ikkada noppi ga undhi

I have a headache
Naaku thala noppi undhi

I hurt my...
Naaku … daggara dhebba thagilindi

I feel like vomiting

Naaku vaanthi ayyela undhi

I have headache
Naaku thalanoppi ga undhi

My leg is paining
Na kaalu noppi ga undhi
I am bleeding
Naaku raktham kaaruthundhi (colloquial)
Naaku raktha sraavam authundhi (traditional)

I fell
Nenu padipoyanu

I need pain killer

Naaku pain killer kavali (colloquial)
Naaku noppi billa kavali (traditional)

I need cold medicine

Naaku jaubu tablets kavali (colloquial)
Naaku jalubu billa kavali (traditional)

I got the flu

Naaku jalubu chesindi

I have a cramp
Naaku... pattesindi

I have a cough
Naaku daggu ga undhi

I have fever
Naaku jvaram ga undhi

I have difficulties breathing

Naaku uupiri pichukodaniki kastam ga undhi

My heart is paining
Naaku gunde noppi ga undhi

Get well soon

Tvarga kolukondi
 Chapter 11: Time

Yesterday
Ninna

Today
Ivalla/Ee roju

Tomorrow
Repu

Second
Second (colloquial)
Kshanam (traditional)

Minute
Nimusham

Hour
Ganta
Day
Roju

Week
Vaaram

Month
Nela

Year
Samvathsaram

Morning
Podhunna/Udayam

Afternoon
Madhyannum

Evening
Saayanthram

Night
Raathri

What day it today?

Ee roju ea vaaram?
Ee roju ea roju?

What time is it?

Time entha?

At what time?
Ea time lo?

Before
Mundara
Now
Ippudu

Late
Aalasyam

Last week
Kindati vaaram

This week
Ee vaaram

Next week
Pai vaaram (colloquial)
Taruvatha vaaram (traditional)

Once a week
Vaaraniki okasari

Everyday
Prathiroju

Always
Prathisari

Never
Eppudu (same word is also used to question when)

Not yet
Inka ledhu

Day after tomorrow

Ellundhi

Day before yesterday

Monna
Next time
Vache saari

As soon as possible
Veelainantha tvaraga

We are late
Manam aalasyam ayyam

Wait a moment
Okasari aagandi

Calendar
Panchangam

Note: Panchangam is authentic to Telugu and is based on Telugu

year/months/days. Unlike English calendar which is a solar calendar, Telugu
panchangam is a lunar calendar. That is the reason why most of the Indian
festivals are not celebrated on the same day every year. You can find some
people celebrating birthday twice in India, once based on the solar calendar
and once based on the lunar calendar.
 Days of the week
Monday
Somavaram

Tuesday
Mangalavaram

Wednesday
Budhavaram

Thursday
Guruvaram

Friday
Shukravaram

Saturday
Shanivaram

Sunday
Aadivaram

Note: Month names are the same as in English except for panchangam but
these are not used in everyday life.
 Chapter 12: Family and relationships

Friendship
Sneham

Love
Prema

Friend
Mithrudu/Snehithudu

Family
Kutumbam

Relationship
Sambandham

Elder
Pedha
Younger
Chinna

You are nice

Meeru manchi vyakthi

I trust you
Nenu mimmalni nammuthanu

I do not trust you

Nenu mimmalni nammanu

Are you married?

Meeku pelli ainda? (casual)
Meeru vivahithula? (formal)

I am married
Naaku pelli aindi (colloquial)
Nenu vivahithudni (traditional)

I am engaged
Naaku nischithardham aindi

Do you have children?

Meeku pillalu unnara?

I have two children

Naaku idharu pillalu unnaru

Household
Gruha

Are you coming home?

Meeru intiki vasthunnara?

Go to sleep
Padukondi
Paduko

Can you prepare dinner?

Meeru dinner/bhojanam prepare cheyagalara?
 Family members
Mother/Mom
Thalli/Amma

Father/Dad
Thandri/Naanna

Elder brother
Anna/Annayya

Younger brother
Thammudu

Elder Sister
Akka

Younger sister
Chelli

Parents
Thalli thandrulu

Children
Pillalu

Son
Koduku

Daughter
Kuuthuru

Aunt
Atthayya/Pinni/Pedhamma

Uncle
Maamayya/Babai/Pedhananna
Note: Uncle/Aunt is one of the complex relations in Telugu. Please refer to
Appendix D to see how this works.

Cousin
Cousin

Note: There is no specific word for cousin in Telugu. Please refer to

Appendix D to see how to call cousins in Telugu.

Grand father
Thaathayya/Thaatha

Grand mother
Naanamma (paternal grand mother)
Ammamma (maternal grand mother)

Niece
Menakodalu

Nephew
Menalludu

Wife
Bhaarya

Husband
Bhartha

Mother in law
Athagaru/Athayya

Fater in law
Mamagaru/Mamayya

Brother in law
Bava/Bavagaru (sister's husband)
Bavamaridi/Maridi (husband's/wife's brother)

Sister in law
Vadina
 Chapter 13: On the phone

Hello, who is it?

Hello, evaru meeru?
Hello, meerevaru (meeru+evaru)?

This is ... speaking

Nenu ... ni matladuthunnanu

I would like to speak to ... please

Nenu ... tho matladalanukuntunna

Is the President there?

President garu unnara? (casual form)
President garu unnara andi? (formal form)

Note: Earlier you learnt that andi is added to a verb to make it more formal.
Here is another new word to be added when you are speaking about someone
with respect: you can add “garu” after their name. This is almost like using
“sir” in English to speak to someone honourable. Except that in Telugu you
will use it more often while talking to/about any elder.
One moment please
Okka kshanam (one second)
Okka nimisham (one minute)

He is not here
Athanu/Aayana ikkada leru
Aayana leru

He will call you back

Aayana malli call chestharu

Can I take a message?

Nenu message tiskogalana?

Could you leave a message?

Meeru emana message ivvlanakuntunnara?

I will call back later

Nenu malli call chesthanu

The phone is ringing

Phone ring authundhi (casual)

I cannot hear you

Naaku vinipinchatledhu

Can you speak louder?

Meeru gattiga matladagalara?
 Chapter 14: Emotions and feelings

How are you feeling?

Meeku ela undhi ippudu?

I feel good
Nenu bagunnanu

I am happy
Nenu santhosham ga unnanu

I am sad
Nenu vicharam ga unnanu

I am feeling tired
Nenu alisipoyanu
Naaku alasataga undhi

I am nervous
Naaku gabara ga undhi

I am worried
Naaku kalatha ga undhi

I am angry
Naaku kopam ga undhi

I am bored
Naaku bore kodthundhi (casual)
Naaku em thochatledhu (neutral)

I do not care
Nenu pattinchukonu

I am feeling hot
Naaku vedi ga undhi

I am feeling cold
Naaku challa ga undhi

Are you feeling comfortable?

Meeru sukham ga unnara?
 Chapter 15: Animals

Animal(s)
Janthuvu(lu)

Insect
Purugu

What is your favorite animal?

Meeku istamaina janthuvu edi?

My favorite animal is...

Naaku istamaina janthuvu ...

I am scared of dogs
Naaku kukka lu ante bhayam

Do you have any pet home?

Me intlo edaina pempudu janthuvulu unnaya?

Yes, I have three sparrows

Avunu, na daggara muudu pichhukalu unnayi

Cat
Pilli

Dog
Kukka

Bear
Elugubanti

Horse
Gurram

Snake
Paamu

Spider
Saalidu

Frog
Kappa

Elephant
Enugu

Lion
Simham

Tiger
Puli

Leopard
Chirutha puli
Wolf
Thodelu

Rabbit
Kundelu

Cow
Aavu

Rhinoceros
Khadgamrugam

Giraffe
Giraffi

Monkey
Kothi

Mouse
Eluka

Lizard
Balli

Worm
Purugu

Turtle/Tortoise
Thaabelu

Bird
Pakshi

Parrot
Chiluka
Peacock
Nemali

Squirrel
Udutha

Fish
Chepa

Shark
Sorachepa

Whale
Thimingalam

Dolphin
Dolphin
 Chapter 16: Weather

How is the weather?

Vaathavaranam ela undhi?

What is the weather forecast?

Vaathavarana suuchana ela undhi?

What will be the weather tomorrow?

Repu vaathavaranam ela untundhi?

Tomorrow it will be sunny

Repu enda ga untundhi

The weather is nice

Vaathavaranam bagundhi

It is sunny
Enda ga undhi

It is cloudy
Mabbu ga undhi

It is raining
Varsham kurusthundhi
Varsham padthundhi

It is hot
Vedi ga undhi

It is cold
Challa ga undhi

It is snowing
Manchu kurusthundhi
Manchi padthundhi

It is windy
Eeduru gali ga undhi

Thunderstorm
Urumu

There is a risk of storm

Tuphanu vache pramadam undhi

There is a risk of flood

Varadalu vache pramadam undhi

There is a risk of showers

Vaana pade pramadam undhi

It hails
Vadagallu pade pramadam undhi

Hailstone
Vadagallu
 Chapter 17: Sports

Do you play any sport?

Meeru emana sports adathara? (colloquial)
Meeru emana kreedalu adathara? (traditional)

I play...
Nenu ... adathanu

Did you see the last soccer match?

Meeru chivari football aatanu chusara?

Who won the game?

Aatalo evaru gelicharu?

Yes, it was exiting

Aunu, adi nishkramisthundhi

… is a good player
... manchi aatagadu

What is your favorite team?

Mesku istamaina team edi?

Do you watch sports on the television?

Meeru sports TV lo chusthara? (colloquial)
Meeru aata ni TV lo chusthara? (traditional)

Do you play well?

Meeru baga adathara?

Tournament
Tournament

Indoor
Indoor

Outdoor
Outdoor

Swimming pool
Swimming pool (colloquial)
Eetha kolanu (traditional)

Swim
Eetha

Sports hall
Kreeda sthalam

Fitness club
Gym (colloquial)
Vyaayamashaala (traditional)
 Chapter 18: Signals

Entrance
Pravesham

Exit
Nishkramana

Forbidden
Nishedham

Toilets
Marugudhodlu

Open
Terichi undhi

Closed
Muusi undhi

Information
Samaacharam

No smoking
Dhuuamapaanam nishedham

Caution
Hecharika

Telephone
Telephone
STD booth (a public place where you can make paid calls is called STD
booth in India)

Police
Police (colloquial)
Rakshakabhatulu (traditional)
 Chapter 19: Authority

I must talk to a policeman

Nenu police tho thappakunda matladali

I want to file a complaint

Nenu oka complaint ivvali

Please review your statement

Me statement sari chusukondi

I got robbed
Nenu dongilimpabaddanu
Na meeda dongathanam jarigindi

I lost my wallet
Na purse poindi
Your visa expired
Me visa expire aipoindi

It is forbidden to …
… nishidham

You cannot do that

Meeru adi cheyyakudadhu

Please follow me
Nannu anusarinchandi

There is a misunderstanding
Meeru apaardham cheskuntunnaru

I have not done anything wrong

Nenu elanti thappu cheyyaledhu

Am I under arrest?
Nannu arrest chesthunnara?

Do I have to pay a fine?

Nenu jarimaana chellinchala?

I want to talk to my embassy

Nenu na embassy tho matadali

I need a lawyer
Naaku lawyer kavali
 Chapter 20: At work

At work
Pani lo

Office
Office (colloquial)
Kaaryalayam (traditional)

Where is your office?

Me office ekkada?

My office is at...
Na office ... lo

Where do you work?

Meeru ekkada pani chestharu

I work at...
Nenu ... lo pani chesthanu

What is your job?

Me udyogam enti?

Did you receive my e-mail?

Meeku na e-mail vachinda?

This is important
Idi mukyamainadi

I am on leave today
Nenu ivalla leave lo unnanu

I will arrive late today

Nenu ivalla late ga vasthanu

I will leave early today

Nenu ivalla mundara vasthanu

Desk
Balla

Letter
Utharam

Paper
Kaagitham

Book
Pusthakam

Pen
Pen (colloquial)
Kalam (traditional)

Pencil
Pencil

Printer
Printer

Boss
Boss

Employee
Udyogi

Meeting
Samaavesam

I am looking for a job

Nenu udyogam kosam chusthunnanu

I have expérience in …
Naaku … lo anubhavam undhi

I have ten years of experience

Naaku padi ellu anubhavam undhi

Full time job

Full time udyogam (colloquial)
Puurti samayam udyogam (traditional)

Part-time job
Part-time udyogam (colloquial)
Swalpa samayam udyogam (traditional)
 Chapter 21: At home

At home
Intlo (Inti + lo)

Room
Gadi

Living room
Hall (colloquial)

Couch/Sofa
Sofa

Dining room
Bhojanala gadi

Table
Balla

Chair
Kurchi
Kitchen
Vanta gadi

Bedroom
Padaka gadi

Bed
Mancham

Wardrobe
Alamara

Bathroom
Bathroom (colloquial)
Snanapu gadi (traditional)

Bath
Snanam

Sink
Sink

Toilets
Toilets (colloquial)
Marugudhodlu (traditional)

Garden
Thota

Tree
Chettu

Flower
Puvvu

Grass
Gadii
Garage
Garage
 Chapter 22: Colors

Color
Rangu

What color is this?

Idi ea rangu

White
Thelupu

Yellow
Pasupu

Orange
Naarinja

Intersting fact: The word Naarinja is the origin for english word Orange. It
originated from Dravidian language which is the base for many South Indian
languages and dialects.
Red
Erupu

Pink
Gulaabi (rose)

Green
Pacha

Purple
Uuda

Blue
Neelam

Brown
Godhuma

Grey
Buudidha (ash)

Black
Nalupu

Light (in color)

Light (colloquial)
Letha rangu (traditional)

Dark
Dark (colloquial)
Muduru rangu (traditional)
 Appendix A
Telugu alphabets and their sounds
Vowels
a(ʌ), aa(aː), e(i), ee(iː), u(u), uu(uː), ru(ru), ruu(ruː), o(o), oo(oː), au(aw),
an(aṅ), aha(aḥ)
Consonants
ka(kʌ), kha(kʱʌ), ga(gʌ), gha(gʱʌ), ṅa(ŋʌ)
cha(tʃʌ), chha(tʃʱʌ), ja(d͡ʒʌ), jha(d͡ʒʱʌ), ña(ɲʌ)
ṭa(ʈʌ), ṭha(ʈʱʌ), ḍa(ɖʌ), ḍha(ɖʱʌ), ṇa(ɳʌ)
ta(tʌ), tha(tʱʌ), da(dʌ), dha(dʱʌ), na(nʌ)
pa(pʌ), pha(pʱʌ), ba(ɓʌ), bha(ɓʱʌ), ma(mʌ)
ya(jʌ), ra(rʌ), la(lʌ), wa(ʋʌ), ḷa(ɭʌ), śa(ɕʌ), ṣa(ʂ ʌ ), sa(s ʌ ), ha(ɦʌ), ṛa(ɾ̜ ʌ),
tsa(tsʌ), dza(dzʌ)
Other symbols
aṃ, k
 Appendix B
1 – okati
10 – padi
100 – vanda
1000 – veyyi
10000 - padi velu
100000 – laksha
1000000 - padi lakshalu
10000000 – koti
100000000 - padi kotlu
1000000000 - satha koti
10000000000 - veyyi kotlu
100000000000 – nyarbudham
1000000000000 – kharvam
10000000000000 – mahakharvam
100000000000000 – padmam
1000000000000000 – mahapadmam
10000000000000000 - kshoni
100000000000000000 – mahakshoni
1000000000000000000 – sankham
10000000000000000000 – mahasankham
100000000000000000000 – kshiti
1000000000000000000000 – mahakshiti
10000000000000000000000 – kshobham
100000000000000000000000 – mahakshobham
1000000000000000000000000 – nidhi
10000000000000000000000000 – mahanidi
100000000000000000000000000 – paraatham
1000000000000000000000000000 – paraardham
10000000000000000000000000000 – anantham
100000000000000000000000000000 – saagaram
1000000000000000000000000000000 – avyayam
10000000000000000000000000000000 – amrutham
100000000000000000000000000000000 – achinthyam
1000000000000000000000000000000000 – ameyam
10000000000000000000000000000000000 – bhuri
100000000000000000000000000000000000 – mahabhuri
 Appendix C
Savarna deergha sandhi:
When any of the words ending with below letters, encounters the same letter
as starting letter of next word, the resulting joining word will replace last
letter of first word and first letter of last word with an elongated form (ː form)
of the encountered word.
A(ʌ), Aa(aː), E(i), Ee(iː), U(u), Uu(uː), Ru(ru), Ruu (ruː)
Below are the possible combinations for this joining:
…a + a… = …aa…
…a + aa… = …aa…
…aa + a… = …aa…
…aa + aa… = …aa…
…e + e… = …ee…
…ee + e… = …ee…
…e + ee… = …ee…
…ee + ee… = …ee…
…u + u… = …uu…
…uu + u… = …uu…
…u + uu… = …uu…
…uu + uu… = …uu…
…ru + ru… = …ruu…
…ruu + ru… = …ruu…
…ru + ruu… = …ruu…
…ruu + ruu… = …ruu…
Example:
Raama + Aalayam = Raamaalayam
Guna Sandhi:
When A(ʌ) encounters E(i) or Ee(iː), U(u) or Uu(uː), Ru(ru) or Ruu (ruː) the
last letter of first word and first letter of second word will be replaced by
Ea(eː), Oo(oː), Ar(ʌr) respectively.
…a + e… = …ea…
…a + ee… = …ea…
…a + u… = …oo…
…a + uu… = …oo…
…a + ru… = …ar…
…a + ruu… = …ar…
Example:
Deva + Indrudu = Deveandrudu
Vrudhi Sandhi:
When A(ʌ) encounters Ea(eː) or Ai(aj), last letter of first word and first letter
of second word will be replaced by Ai(aj). Also, when A(ʌ) encounters Oo
(oː) or Au (aw), last letter of first word and first letter of second word will be
replaced by Au (aw).
…a + ea… = …ai…
…a + ai… = …ai…
…a + oo… = …au…
…a + au… = …au…
Example:
Entha + aindi = enthaindi
Yanadesha Sandhi
When E(i), U(u), Ru(ru) encounters not the same vowel letters (meaning
anything other than E(i), U(u), Ru(ru)), last letter of first word and first letter
of second word will be replaced by ya (jʌ), wa (ʋʌ), ra (rʌ).
…e + a… = …ya…
…u + a… = …wa…
…ru + a… = …ra…
…e + u… = …ya…
etc…
Example:
Athi + antha = athyantha
Anunasika Sandhi
When ka(kʌ), cha(tʃʌ), ta(ʈʌ), tha(tʌ), pa(pʌ) encounters any of ña(ɲʌ),
ṅa(ŋʌ), ṇa(ɳʌ), na(nʌ), ma(mʌ), last letter of first word and first letter of
second word will be replaced by ña(ɲʌ), ṅa(ŋʌ), ṇa(ɳʌ), na(nʌ), ma(mʌ)
respectively.
…ka + ña… = … ña…
…ka + ṅa… = …ṅa…
…cha + ṅa… = …ṅa…
…ta + ṇa… = ...ṇa…
…tha + na… = …na…
…+pa + ma… = …ma…
etc…
Example:
Jagath + maatha = Jaganmatha
Jasthva Sandhi
When ka(kʌ), cha(tʃʌ), ta(ʈʌ), tha(tʌ), pa(pʌ) encounters any of
1) Vowels
2) Ga(gʌ), gha(ɡʱʌ), ja(d͡ʒʌ), jha(d͡ʒʱʌ), ḍ a(ɖʌ), ḍh a(ɖʱʌ), da(dʌ), dha(dʱʌ),
ba(ɓʌ), bha(ɓʱʌ)
3) Ha(ɦʌ), Ya(jʌ), wa(ʋʌ), ra(rʌ)
Last letter of first word and first letter of second word will be replaced by
ga(gʌ), ja(d͡ʒʌ), ḍa(ɖʌ), da(dʌ), ba(ɓʌ) respectively.
Example:
Jagath + Amba = Jagadhamba
Visarga Sandhi
When aha(aḥ) encounters any of
1) Short vowels (not elongated vowels) like A(ʌ), E(i), U(u), Ru(ru), ea(e),
O(o)
2) Ga(gʌ), gha(ɡʱʌ), ña(ɲʌ), ja(d͡ʒʌ), jha(d͡ʒʱʌ), ṅa(ŋʌ), ḍa(ɖʌ), ḍha(ɖʱʌ),
ṇa(ɳʌ), da(dʌ), dha(dʱʌ), na(nʌ), ba(ɓʌ), bha(ɓʱʌ), ma(mʌ)
3) Ha(ɦʌ), Ya(jʌ), wa(ʋʌ), ra(rʌ), la(lʌ)
Last letter of first word and first letter of second word will be replaced by Oo
(oː)
Example:
Thapaha + Vanamu = Thapoovanamu
There are other alternatives also for this joining but this is the major one.
Akaara Sandhi
When a word ending with consonant sound encounters a word starting with
vowel sound, it can result in word joining with different behaviours
Example:
Raama + Ayya = Raamayya
This joining is a bit conflicting with Savarna deergha sandhi, the difference is
whenever we have Sanskrit orginated words in joinings, it has to be joined
based on savarna deergha sandhi (since it is a Sanskrit originated joining).
Similarly if the words being joined are Telugu words, then it has to be joined
using akaara sandhi.
Ikaara Sandhi
When word ending with e(i) encounters any of Emi, Adi, Avi, Ivi, Edi, Evi,
Ki, Mari, Ku, last letter of first word and first letter of second word will be
replaced by a new sound.
Example:
Emi + Emi = Emeami
Ukaara Sandhi
When word ending with U(u) encounters word starting vowel sound,
resulting word will not have U(u) in it.
Example:
Nuvvu + evaru = Nuvvevaru
Dwiruktha takara Sandhi
When word ending with Kuru, Chiru, kadu, nidu, nadu sounds encounter
vowel, resulting word will have Tt sound in it.
Example:
Chiru + eluka = Chitteluka
Amreditha Sandhi
When word ending with vowel sound encounters amreditham (if a word is
appearing twice as adjacent to each other, second instance of word is called
amreditham)
Example:
Etta + etta = Ettetta
Gasadadhavadesha Sandhi
When a second person pronoun encounters ka(kʌ), cha(tʃʌ), ta(ʈʌ), tha(tʌ),
pa(pʌ), resulting joining word will have ga(gʌ), sa(sʌ), ḍ a(ɖʌ), da(dʌ),
wa(ʋʌ) respectively
Example:
Vaadu + chache = vaadusache
Pumpvadesha Sandhi
When a verb encounters word starting with mu, resulting word will have pu
or pum sound instead of mu sound
Example:
Sarasamu + maata = sarasapumaata
Saraladesha Sandhi
When ‘nu’ encounters word starting ka(kʌ), cha(tʃʌ), ta(ʈʌ), tha(tʌ), pa(pʌ),
resulting joining word will have ga(gʌ), ja(d͡ʒʌ), ḍa(ɖʌ), da(dʌ), ba(ɓʌ)
respectively.
Example:
Puuchenu + kaluva = puuchengaluva
These are some of the majot word joinings. They are a few more joinings also
but above are most frequently used.
 Appendix D
Father
Naanna
Mother
Amma
Brother (elder)
Anna/Annayya
Brother (younger)
Thammudu
Sister (elder)
Akka
Sister (younger)
Chelli
Grandfather
Thaathayya (thaatha as casual)
Grandmother (maternal)
Ammamma
Grandmother (paternal)
Naanamma
Great grandfather
Mutthaatha
Great grandmother
Thaathamma
Husband
Bhartha
Wife
Bhaarya
Aunt (Mother’s younger sister)
Chinnamma/Pinni
Aunt (Mother’s elder sister)
Pedhamma
Aunt (Father’s younger sister)
Attha/Atthayya
Aunt (Father’s elder sister)
Attha/Atthayya/Menatha
Uncle (Mother’s younger brother)
Maama/Maamayya
Uncle (Mother’s elder brother)
Maama/Maamayya/Menamaama
Uncle (Father’s younger brother)
Chinnanaanna/Babai
Uncle (Father’s elder brother)
Pedhanaanna
Cousin (Mother’s sister’s son)
Thammudu (if he is younger than you) - Anna/Annayya (if he is older than
you)
Cousin (Father’s sister’s daughter)
Chelli (if she is younger than you) - Akka (if she is elder than you)
Cousin (Mother’s brother’s son)
Baava (if he is elder than you) - Maridi (if he is younger than you)
Cousin (Mother’s brother’s daughter)
Vadina (if she is elder than you) - Maradhalu (if she is younger than you)
Brother in law
bava/bavagaru (if he is elder than you) - Bavamaridi (if he is younger than
you)
Sister in law
Vadina