Manodagi

Manodagi is a term that appears in several South Asian languages, where it is typically built from the root mano, meaning mind, and a suffix or element denoting state or disposition. Because it occurs across languages such as Kannada, Marathi, and Nepali, its exact sense can vary. In general usage, manodagi refers to a person’s mood, temperament, or manner of expressing themselves, as reflected in speech, facial expression, and behavior. In philosophical or psychological discussions, it is sometimes used to describe inner disposition or mental atmosphere that shapes outward conduct.

In the performing arts, some writers and teachers use manodagi to describe the emotional state from which an artist performs, distinguishing technical skill from the palpable mood conveyed to the audience. In everyday language, judgments of manodagi can range from calm and confident to irritable or unsettled, depending on context and regional nuance.

Manodagi is not widely codified as a single concept in major international references, and its definition varies across dialects. It often serves as a subjective cue in interpersonal communication, a topic in regional literature, and occasionally as a component in discussions of temperament or character. See also mood, temperament, demeanor, and abhinaya for related concepts of emotional expression and inner state.