telugu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Ethnolinguistic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “telugu” mean?
A Dravidian language spoken primarily in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Dravidian language spoken primarily in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Relating to the Telugu language, its speakers (the Telugu people), or the associated culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. British sources historically used 'Telegu' (now archaic); 'Telugu' is the standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral geographical/linguistic identifier in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse in both regions, with comparable usage in academic, linguistic, and cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “telugu” in a Sentence
[Language] is spoken in [Region].[People] speak [Language].[Adjective] [Noun] (e.g., Telugu cinema).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “telugu” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She is a prominent Telugu scholar.
- The Telugu film industry is prolific.
American English
- He studies Telugu literature.
- The museum has a Telugu manuscript collection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of localization, translation services, or media markets targeting Andhra Pradesh/Telangana.
Academic
Common in linguistics, South Asian studies, anthropology, and comparative literature.
Everyday
Used when discussing languages, origins, or cultural background (e.g., 'My friend is Telugu.').
Technical
Used in computational linguistics (NLP for Telugu), philology, and ethnography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “telugu”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “telugu”
- Incorrect capitalization in mid-sentence (e.g., 'she speaks telugu').
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'three telugus' for languages).
- Misspelling as 'Telegu', 'Tamilgu', or 'Telligu'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a proper noun (the language/people). It functions as an attributive noun (acting like an adjective) in phrases like 'Telugu culture'.
In both British and American English, it is typically /ˈtɛl.ə.ɡuː/ (TEL-uh-goo), with stress on the first syllable.
Both are Dravidian languages but are mutually unintelligible. They have different scripts, phonological systems, and literary histories, and are associated with different Indian states (Telugu with Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Tamil with Tamil Nadu).
Yes, it can refer to an ethnic Telugu person (e.g., 'He is a Telugu'). The term 'Telugu speaker' is often more precise.
A Dravidian language spoken primarily in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Telugu is usually formal / ethnolinguistic / technical in register.
Telugu: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛl.ə.ɡuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛl.ə.ɡuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TELL a GOOd story' in TELUGU.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A KEY (to a culture/community).
Practice
Quiz
What language family does Telugu belong to?