WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2006

Kannada Gaade site moved

I have moved this blog to my personal website. Please bookmark my new blog.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 9:04 PM 3 COMMENTS

MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2006

Haasige Iddashtu Kaalu Chaachu

ಹಾಸಿಗೆ ಇದ್ದಷ್ಟು ಕಾಲಟ ಚಾಚಟ

Literal Meaning - "Stretch your legs only as much as the cot allows you to".

This Gaade is used to highlight the importance of moderation in one's life style. If
one stretches his or her legs beyond the cot, then discomfort is guaranteed. Similarly,
one should spend money only within one's capabilities. The same applies to
indulgence in any other matter. We should stick to our limits is the moral of this
Gaade.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 11:30 PM 11 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 09, 2006

Moorti chikkadaadaru keerthi doddadu

ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಚಿಕ್ಕದಾದ್ರಟ ಕೀರ್ತಿ ದೊಡ್ಡದ್ಟ

Literal Meaning - "Even if the physical form is small, the fame is big"

This Gaade is used in situations where we find some one short in height having
achieved something significant. Whenever a short or small man does something
significant, this Gaade is typically used. Sometimes this Gaade is also used with a
negative connotation indicating that the small person is up to something fishy.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 2:36 AM 0 COMMENTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 07, 2006

Beeso DoNne Tappisi Kondare Saavira Varusha Aayassu

ಬೀಸೊೀ ದೊಣ್ೆೆ ತಪ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊೊಂಡ್ರೆ ಸಾವಿರ ವರಟಷ್ ಆಯಸ್ಟು
Literal Meaning - "If you escape from the stick being waved at you, you will live a
thousand years"

This Gaade is used to indicate that sometimes situation so demands that escaping
from a current problem is most important and a feeling that every thing else can be
handled if this single issue is resolved arises. People sometimes say - "I just need to
get out of this mess. I will settle everything else and handle any other challenge
successfully". This Gaade aptly describes such situations.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 7:26 AM 0 COMMENTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2006

baDavara mane ooTa chenna doDDavara mane nOTa chenna

ಬಡ್ವರ ಮನೆ ಊಟ ಚೆನ್ನ ದೊಡ್ಡವರ ಮನೆ ನೊೀಟ ಚೆನ್ನ

Literal Meaning - "The food in a poor man's home is tasty; while the rich man's home
is nice to look at"

This Gaade is used to highlight the fact that hospitality and friendliness have nothing
in relation to money and position. A poor man treats guests well and feeds them good
while a rich man may be interested in only building upon his wealth and displaying
it.

This Gaade is used in situations when a wealthy man "shows off" his wealth or when
one receives good treatment from a poor man.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 3:23 AM 1 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 02, 2006

MaaDodella Anachaara Mane Munde Brindavana

ಮಾಡೊೀದೆಲ್ಾಾ ಅನಾಚಾರ ಮನೆ ಮಟೊಂದೆ ಬ ೊಂದಾವನ್

Literal Meaning - "One does all kinds of wrong deeds, but has got a Brindavana in
front of the house"

Brindavana means abode of God. It is also the pot in which the sacred tulsi plant is
grown. It is a symbol of pious living and practice. This Gaade is used to highlight the
double natured living of some people whereby they perform all kinds of evil deeds
and actions but put up the face of an innocent person.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 2:35 AM 0 COMMENTS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2006

ALiya ALLa MagaLa Ganda

ಆಳಿಯ ಅಲಾ ಮಗಳ ಗೊಂಡ್

Literal Meaning - "He is not my son-in-law, but my daughter's husband"

This gaade is used to highlight the ability of some people to twist and turn their
narration to mean the same thing but say it in different words. Essentially, this is
used to highlight the ability of some people to play around with words.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 6:42 AM 0 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2006

Ibbara JagaLa Mooraneyanavanige Laabha

ಇಬಬರ ಜಗಳದ್ಲ್ಲಾ ಮೂರನೆಯವರಿಗೆ ಲ್ಾಭ

Literal meaning - "In a fight between two, the third person benefitted"

This is used to highlight the problems with fighting and the fact that the parties
involved in the fight almost always lose out and some rank outsider stands to gain.
Used to highlight the importance of not fighting.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 3:33 AM 1 COMMENTS

Ganda Hendira JagaLadalli Koosu Badavaayithu

ಗೊಂಡ್ ಹೆೊಂಡಿರ ಜಗಳದ್ಲ್ಲಾ ಕ್ೂಸ್ಟ ಬಡ್ವಾಯಿತಟ

Literal Meaning - "In the fight between husband and wife, the child became weak"

This is used to highlight the fact that in situations where people need to co-operate
and work together, if they end up fighting, then the intended beneficiary is affected.
Also used to indicate that when two people fight, a third, related party could suffer.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 3:30 AM 0 COMMENTS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2006

Athiyaadare Amruthavoo Visha

ಅರ್ತಯಾದ್ರೆ ಅಮ ತವೂ ವಿಷ್

Literal Meaning - "If taken in excess, even Amrutha (divine nectar) is poison".

This Gaade is used to stress the importance of moderation in life. Even good things
are bad if found or used in excess. If one is overly humble, people can exploit such a
person. If one overeats, one can become obese and lose health. Many other such
examples can be found in real life and this Gaade highlights the same fact.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 9:10 PM 1 COMMENTS

Akki MeLe Aase Nenatara MeLe Preeti

ಅಕಕ ಮೀಲ್ೆ ಆಸೆ ನೆೊಂಟರ ಮೀಲ್ೆ ಪ್ಪರೀರ್ತ

Literal meaning - "Desire over rice; love over relatives". If one does not like to spend
the rice he has at home but is equally interested in serving his guests/relatives well,
one faces a dilemma.

This is used to describe the dilemma that people sometimes face when they have to
give up something they like in order to obtain another item. When the both the
objects are nice to have but only one can be had, the dilemma one faces is describe
with this Gaade.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 8:20 AM 1 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2005

Haavu Sayolla Kolu Muriyalla

ಹಾವು ಸಾಯೀಲಾ ಕೊೀಲಟ ಮಟರಿಯೀಲಾ

Literal meaning : " Neither the Snake dies nor the stick breaks"

This is used to indicate when there is an impasse on any issue and it doesn't get
solved when the same actions/strategy is employed repeatedly without any progress.
One is expected to kill the snake with the stick. But if you keep on beating
ineffectively without killing the snake its waste of time/effort.
POSTED BY GIRISH BASAVALINGAIAH AT 4:02 AM 2 COMMENTS
Ganda Hendira Jagala Vundu Malaguva Thanaka
ಗೊಂಡ್ ಹೆೊಂಡಿರ ಜಗಳ ಉೊಂಡ್ಟ ಮಲಗಟವ ತನ್ಕ್

Literal meaning : "The fight between Husband and wife is temporary and always
ends before they have dinner and go to bed"

This is used to indicate that two people can have all kind of fights and differences.
But at end of the day they forget, patch up and continue thier life.
POSTED BY GIRISH BASAVALINGAIAH AT 3:54 AM 0 COMMENTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2005

Huttu GuNa Suttaru Hogalla

ಹಟಟಟು ಗಟಣ ಸ್ಟಟುರೂ ಹೊೀಗೊೀಲಾ

Literal meaning – “That quality which comes by birth does not go away even when
burnt (when the person dies)”

This is used when we come across some people who have certain habits which they
never change. Also used to indicate the evil present in a person by attributing it to be
have been engrained in him.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:01 AM 7 COMMENTS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2005

Uppu Thinda Mele Neeru Kudiyale Baeku

ಉಪ್ುಿ ರ್ತೊಂದ್ ಮೀಲ್ೆ ನೀರಟ ಕ್ಟಡಿಯಲ್ೆೀ ಬೆೀಕ್ಟ

Literal meaning – “If you have salt, you have to drink water”

This is similar to the saying “As you sow, so you reap”. Its used to highlight the
consequences of one’s actions. Bad actions are always guaranteed to bring about
negative results.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:04 AM 0 COMMENTS

MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2005

beLLagirOdella haalalla
ಬೆಳಳಗಿರೊೀದೆಲಾ ಹಾಲಲಾ

Literal meaning - "All that is white is not milk"

This is used to highlight the importance of not taking things at face value. A person
cannot be judged purely based on how he appears. True character will come out only
upon close inspection and thought.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:43 AM 0 COMMENTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2005

vEda suLLaadaru gaade suLLaagadu

ವೆೀದ್ ಸ್ಟಳ್ಾಳದ್ರಟ ಗಾದೆ ಸ್ಟಳ್ಾಳಗದ್ಟ

Literal meaning - "Even if the holy scriptures are wrong, wise sayings can never be
wrong".

This one is used to highlight the depth of knowledge and experience that "sayings"
possess. Since they have come alive due to practical experiences and intellect of our
forefathers, they possess tremendous relevance even to this day.

Note: Thanks to MadhuSimha, I am now able to post the titles in Kannada as well.
Enjoy!!
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 12:32 AM 0 COMMENTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2005

Ati Aase Gati Kaedu

ಅರ್ತ ಆಸೆ ಗರ್ತ ಕೆೀಡ್ಟ

Literal meaning - "Too much desire will lead to disaster"

This is of course one of the oldest sayings and is used to advise people against too
much greed. This promotes the concept of simple living and control over desires.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 5:18 AM 17 COMMENTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2005

Yeradu Kai Saeridrene ChappaaLe
ಎರಡ್ಟ ಕೆೈ ಸೆೀರಿದೆರೀನೆ ಚಪ್ಾಿಳ್ೆ

Literal meaning - "Only if both hands join together, can we clap"

This is used to describe situations where we sought the co-operation of someone else
in completing the job and is used to indicate that only with their help, the task can be
accomplished.

Also used in situations where something bad has occurred between two people and
both have had a role to play in spoiling it.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 3:31 AM 3 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2005

Rogi Bayasiddu Haalu Anna Vaidya HeLiddu Haalu Anna

ರೊೀಗಿ ಬಯಸಿದ್ಟದ ಹಾಲಟ ಅನ್ನ ವೆೈದ್ಯ ಹೆೀಳಿದ್ಟದ ಹಾಲಟ ಅನ್ನ

Literal meaning - "The patient wanted milk and rice and the doctor prescribed milk
and rice".

This is used in situations when the thoughts of two people match, especially when
one of them desires something which the other can provide. More casually, this can
be used when one gets what he wants.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 3:16 AM 0 COMMENTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2005

Shiva Poojeli Karadi Banda Haage

ಶಿವ ಪ್ೂಜೆಲ್ಲ ಕ್ರಡಿ ಬೊಂದ್ ಹಾಗೆ

Literal meaning - "Like the bear which appeared during God's worship".

This is used to point to someone that he/she is an intruder or an unwanted guest in

something. This saying has its equivalent in almost all languages, with the Hindi
version "Kabaab Mein Haddi..." being the most famous.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:29 AM 11 COMMENTS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 09, 2005

Baeleenay Eddu Hola Meythu

Literal meaning - "The fence itself grazed the grass"

This is commonly used to indicate when someone who is championing a cause acts
contrary to it. For example, if the caretaker of an item destroys it, this saying
becomes appropriate.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:03 AM 1 COMMENTS

MONDAY, AUGUST 08, 2005

Aaru Kaasu Kotre Atte Kade Mooru Kaasu Kotre Sose Kade
Literal meaning - "If given 6 cents, he will side with the mother-in-law while if given
3 cents, he will side with the daughter-in-law".

Essentially, this is used to describe someone showing the beige color syndrome. This
saying perfectly describes fence-sitters who seem to jump sides at the drop of a hat
and never seem to have a standing of their own.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 3:57 AM 0 COMMENTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 05, 2005

HaLoorige ULidavane Gowda

Literal meaning - "In a ruined village, whoever remains becomes the chieftain"

This is used on ocassions where someone has reached a position or assumed a role by
default as there are no other contenders/candidates available. Also used in situations
when no one is interested in a position and hence the only one remaining dons the
mantle.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 12:16 AM 0 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 04, 2005

Hosa Vaidyanigintha HaLe Rogine Vaasi

Literal meaning - "An experienced patient is better than a new doctor".

This one is of course used in scenarios where experience, rather than qualification,
plays a hand in handling a situation. One of the most widely used Gaades in
Kannada.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:16 AM 0 COMMENTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 03, 2005

Sankata Bandaaga Venkataramana

Literal meaning - "When there is a calamity, you think of Venkataramana (God)"

This is used when we find people remembering God and praying to God only during
troubled times and conveniently ignoring our duties towards God when things are
fine. This can also be used if someone approaches an individual seeking help but
ignoring the person at other times.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 12:40 AM 0 COMMENTS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 02, 2005

Koti Taanu Kedodalde Vananella Kedasthu

Literal meaning - "The monkey not only spoils itself, it also spoils the entire forest".

This is used whenever one is found influencing his or her way on others. Especially if
the influence happens to be a negative one. For example, if someone passes on a
cigarette to his/her friend and encourages smoking, this quotation can be used to
describe the situation.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 2:55 AM 0 COMMENTS

MONDAY, AUGUST 01, 2005

Hoovina Jote Naaru Swargakke Hoytu

Literal meaning - "Along with the flowers, the thread also made its way to heaven".

This one is used to indicate that someone free-rode his/her way to a benefit while the
actual effort was by someone else. Trivial example - when someone just proof-reads a
paper and gets credited as a co-author. Ok - bad example...but helps in appreciating
the quotation!
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:01 AM 0 COMMENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2005

Kaamaale Kannige Kaanodella HaLadi
Literal meaning - "For one who has (suffering from) Jaundice, everything appears
yellow"

This is used to describe a person who has a very narrow viewpoint on a certain
matter and refuses to _see_ any other point of view. Mostly used when that
viewpoint is pessimistic and negative. For example, if someone smells a conspiracy in
everything or if someone alleges wrong doing on somebody, this quotation is used.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:46 AM 0 COMMENTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2005

Yaardo Duddu Yellamana Jaatre

Literal meaning - "Not sure whose money it is, but the (Lord's) festival is happening"

This one is used when we find someone spending lavishly or consuming a resource
without care just because it belongs to someone else. For example, its used when
someone orders an exotic dish at a restaurant just because someone else is footing
the bill.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 7:46 PM 1 COMMENTS

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2005

Hittala Gida Maddalla

Literal meaning - "The plant growing in the backyard is not medicine".

This one is used mostly in situations where external advice or

guidance is what finally convinces one about something while all the
internal efforts failed. For example, if someone refuses to listen to
the advice of parents or relatives on a topic and then accepts the
same advice from an outsider, this saying is used to describe the
situation.

This is also sometimes used when home treatment doesn't work for an
illness and medical advice is required.

POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 4:08 AM 0 COMMENTS

MONDAY, JULY 25, 2005

Shanka Dinda Bidrene Theertha

Literal meaning - "Its considered holy water only if it falls from the conch".

According to the hindu religion, water poured from a conch on to God's idol is
considered holy water and nothing else comes close to it. Hence this saying is used
on ocassions when people need a mouthful from the right authority to make them
realize or do something. Used to emphasize the fact that right authority always has
its effect.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 4:25 AM 1 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2005

Manasiddare Maarga

Literal meaning - "If you have the intentions, there is always a way"

This is of course the kannada equivalent of "Where there is a will,

there is a way". Used to encourage one to pick up a challenging task.

POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 9:26 PM 0 COMMENTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2005

Hallu Iddavanige Kadle Illa Kadle Iddavanige Hallu Illa

Literal meaning - "One who has teeth does not have peanuts to eat
while the one who has peanuts does not have teeth"

This is used to describe situations where different people crave for

different things based on what they lack. It is used to indicate the
paradox of life.

POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 11:11 PM 0 COMMENTS

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2005

Attege Ondu Kaala Sosege Ondu Kaala

Literal meaning - "If its the mother-in-law's time now, then the daughter-in-law will
also have her day".
This is roughly equivalent to "Every Dog has its day" and is used to indicate that
every person will get his or her chance some day.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 8:51 PM 0 COMMENTS

MONDAY, JULY 18, 2005

Jatti Jaari Bidru Meese MannaagaLilla

Literal meaning - "Even though the wrestler/heavyweight slipped and fell down, his
moustache was not soiled one bit".

This is used mostly as a sarcastic remark against people who hold their position on a
topic (and make an excuse) even when they have been exposed on their stance.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 8:34 PM 0 COMMENTS

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2005

Tumbida Koda TuLukolla

Literal meaning - "A pot which is full (of water) does not spill-over".

This is used to whenever we find someone who is rich (or famous) yet very humble
and down-to-earth.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 8:55 PM 16 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2005

Tanna Yeleli Katte Biddidru Pakkada Yele Nona Odisthane

Literal Meaning - "Though he has a donkey on his plate, he is trying to shoo away the
fly on the neighbour's plate".

Used in cases where people point out mistakes in others when they themselves have
huge and glaring deficiencies in them.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 12:31 AM 2 COMMENTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2005

Alpanige Aishwarya Bandre Ardha Raatrili Kode Hidida

Literal Meaning - "If a lowly person gets a lot of wealth, he starts using an umbrella
(to protect himself from heat) in the middle of the night".
This saying is used to highlight the pompiness that some people suddenly display
upon a change of their financial or social status.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 1:13 AM 2 COMMENTS

MONDAY, JULY 11, 2005

Haadidde Haado Kisubai Daasa

"Keep singing the same tunes - O Singer". It is used on ocassions when someone
keeps blabbering the same thing repeatedly. Such a person is compared with the
"Daasas" who sing the same tune over and over again.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 12:34 AM 0 COMMENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2005

Irulu Kanda Bhaavige Hagalu Beela Baaradu

Literal meaning - "Don't fall into a well during day when you had spotted the same
during night(dark)". This is used in cases where in people attempt to do things which
are very obviously inappropriate and the same person had seen enough reason not to
do it some time earlier.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 4:07 AM 1 COMMENTS

THURSDAY, JULY 07, 2005

Maadidunno Maharaaya
Literal meaning - "You get to eat what you have prepared". This is equivalent to "As
you sow, so you reap" so the meaning is pretty obvious.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 12:32 AM 0 COMMENTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 06, 2005

Kai Kesaraadare Bai Mosaru

This means that if you work hard, then you will reap the benefits in terms of riches.
The literal translation means that if you dirty your hands (by working hard), your
mouth will be full.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 2:22 AM 1 COMMENTS

TUESDAY, JULY 05, 2005

Taalidavanu Baaliyaanu
"He who waits lives well" - Effectively means "Patience Pays". Typically used in
situations where one has messed up due to hurrying up over something.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 2:09 AM 1 COMMENTS

SUNDAY, JULY 03, 2005

Hosadaralli Agasa Goni Etthi Etthi Ogada

- "A new washerman shows great energy and washes clothes with all his might" -
used to describe the initial enthusiasm shown by one in any new task. Used in
situations where one is overexcited and all pumped when doing a new task. Used to
warn people that most often the drive fades off.
POSTED BY HARIPRASAD N AT 10:42 PM 0 COMMENTS