Vibhakti Pratyaya in Kannada Grammar (ವಿಭಕ್ತಿ ಪ್ರತ್ಯಯ)

Just like Prepositions in English (in, on, by, to) tell us the relationship between a noun and the rest of the sentence, Kannada grammar uses Vibhakti Pratyaya (ವಿಭಕ್ತಿ ಪ್ರತ್ಯಯ). However, instead of using separate words, Kannada attaches these markers as 'Suffixes' directly to the end of the noun.

Question (Click to Flip)

Does Vibhakti change for plural nouns?

Answer

The base Vibhakti suffixes remain the same, but they are attached after adding the plural marker (like 'galu'). For example: Huduga (Boy) + galu (plural) + annu (2nd Case) = Hudugarannu (To the boys).

Card 1 of 1 free previews

Key Facts

In spoken, conversational Kannada, the 5th case (Panchami - Deseyinda) is extremely rare and almost never used. Ordinary people simply use the 3rd case suffix (Inda) to mean 'from' as well! (e.g., Maneyinda means 'From the house').

What is Vibhakti Pratyaya?

Vibhakti (ವಿಭಕ್ತಿ) means division or separation (Case).
Pratyaya (ಪ್ರತ್ಯಯ) means a suffix added to a root word. In Kannada, there are 7 distinct Vibhaktis. Depending on whether a noun is the subject, the object, or the location, a specific suffix is attached to the noun.

The 7 Vibhaktis and Their Suffixes

Here is the master table of the 7 cases and the specific suffix (Pratyaya) attached to the end of a Kannada word (like Rama or Mane):

1. Prathama (ಪ್ರಥಮಾ) - Nominative / Subject

Suffix: ಉ (U)
Example: ರಾಮ + ಉ = ರಾಮನು (Ramanu) [Rama did it]

2. Dwitiya (ದ್ವಿತೀಯಾ) - Accusative / Object

Suffix: ಅನ್ನು (Annu)
Example: ರಾಮ + ಅನ್ನು = ರಾಮನನ್ನು (Ramanannu) [To Rama]

3. Tritiya (ತೃತೀಯಾ) - Instrumental / By with

Suffix: ಇಂದ (Inda)
Example: ರಾಮ + ಇಂದ = ರಾಮನಿಂದ (Ramaninda) [By Rama]

4. Chaturthi (ಚತುರ್ಥೀ) - Dative / For, to

Suffix: ಗೆ, ಇಗೆ, ಕ್ಕೆ (Ge, Ige, Kke)
Example: ರಾಮ + ಗೆ = ರಾಮನಿಗೆ (Ramanige) [For Rama]

5. Panchami (ಪಂಚಮೀ) - Ablative / From

Suffix: ದೆಸೆಯಿಂದ (Deseyinda)
Example: ರಾಮ + ದೆಸೆಯಿಂದ = ರಾಮನದೆಸೆಯಿಂದ (Ramanadeseyinda) [From Rama]

6. Shashti (ಷಷ್ಠೀ) - Genitive / Of, belonging to

Suffix: ಅ (A)
Example: ರಾಮ + ಅ = ರಾಮನ (Ramana) [Rama's]

7. Saptami (ಸಪ್ತಮೀ) - Locative / In, on, at

Suffix: ಅಲ್ಲಿ (Alli)
Example: ಮನೆ + ಅಲ್ಲಿ = ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ (Maneyalli) [In the house]

The Vocative Case (Sambodhana)

While there are 7 main Vibhaktis, Kannada grammar also recognizes an 8th form called Sambodhana (ಸಂಬೋಧನಾ). This is used strictly for calling someone out loud.

Suffix: ಏ, ಆ (E, A)
Example: ಹೇ ರಾಮ! (Hey Rama!)

Questions and Answers

Does Vibhakti change for plural nouns?+

The base Vibhakti suffixes remain the same, but they are attached after adding the plural marker (like 'galu'). For example: Huduga (Boy) + galu (plural) + annu (2nd Case) = **Hudugarannu** (To the boys).

More in Dictionary

📖

Erasure Meaning in Hindi

Learn the Hindi meaning of 'Erasure'. Understand its translation as मिटाना (Mitana) or विलोपन (Vilopan) with examples from technology and history.

📖

Erratic, Extempore, and Fuss Meaning in Hindi

Learn the Hindi meaning of Erratic, Extempore, and Fuss. Improve your English vocabulary with precise translations and sentences.

📖

Escapist Meaning in Hindi (Psychology and Art)

Learn the Hindi meaning of 'Escapist'. Understand the psychological concept of पलायनवादी (Palayanvaadi) and how movies/books act as an escape from reality.

📖

What is the Meaning of the Name Esha?

Learn the beautiful meaning of the Indian name Esha (ईशा). Discover its Sanskrit roots, its connection to desire and Goddess Parvati, and its personality traits.

📖

Etymology Meaning in Hindi (Study of Words)

Learn the Hindi meaning of 'Etymology'. Understand its translation as व्युत्पत्ति विज्ञान (Vyutpatti Vigyan) and how it traces the history and birth of words.

Study Smarter with Shinyu.ai

Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.