{"id":48,"date":"2026-05-07T22:31:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T02:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/chapter\/chapter-1-unit-1-devanagari-script\/"},"modified":"2026-05-30T15:29:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-30T19:29:08","slug":"chapter-1-unit-1-devanagari-script","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/chapter\/chapter-1-unit-1-devanagari-script\/","title":{"raw":"Unit 1 \u2014 Devanagari Script","rendered":"Unit 1 \u2014 Devanagari Script"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\r\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"be2776dc-a7a6-4921-8248-93ba8b86a020\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"><section>\r\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\r\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1ec851d4-f742-40e4-b53d-40f0c569320e\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_56\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"843\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-56\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2591\/2025\/09\/Untitled-Extract-Pages-copy-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"Nepali Alphabets\" width=\"843\" height=\"1024\" \/> Nepali alphabets[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>What Is Devanagari?<\/h2>\r\n[pb_glossary id=\"384\"]Devanagari[\/pb_glossary] is the script used to write Nepali.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to Nepali, the script may look unfamiliar at first. This is normal. In this unit, you will begin slowly and learn the basic features of Nepali writing.\r\n\r\nBy the end of this unit, you will begin to understand:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>how Nepali letters work<\/li>\r\n \t<li>how consonants include a built-in vowel sound<\/li>\r\n \t<li>how vowel signs change the sound of a consonant<\/li>\r\n \t<li>how Nepali is read in small units called \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>how common writing marks are used<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nYou do not need to memorize everything right away. The goal is to become familiar with the script so that you can start reading simple Nepali words with confidence.\r\n\r\nA simple way to remember this is:\r\n\r\nNepali is read in \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>[pb_glossary id=\"386\"]ak\u1e63ara[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>), or syllable blocks.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0915\r\n<em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u093f\r\n<em>ki<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094b\r\n<em>ko<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094d\u0924\r\n<em>kta<\/em>\r\n\r\nEach of these is read as one written unit.\r\n\r\nIn this unit, you will learn about:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>consonants<\/li>\r\n \t<li>vowels<\/li>\r\n \t<li>vowel signs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>conjuncts<\/li>\r\n \t<li>common writing marks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>) as the basic reading unit<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Consonants<\/h2>\r\nConsonants are the main letters in Nepali.\r\n\r\nIn Nepali, most consonants include a built-in vowel sound.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0915\r\n<em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\nThis means:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>\u0915 is not read as only <em>k<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915 is read as <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>the vowel sound <em>a<\/em> is already included<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[table id=517 \/]\r\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\r\nRemember:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>A Nepali consonant usually includes the vowel sound <em>a<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You do not need to add a separate letter for this sound.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The built-in vowel is already part of the consonant.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nExamples:\r\n\r\n\u0915 = <em>ka<\/em>\r\n\u0916 = <em>kha<\/em>\r\n\u0917 = <em>ga<\/em>\r\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\r\nRead the letters aloud:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u0915 \u2014 <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0916 \u2014 <em>kha<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0917 \u2014 <em>ga<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0918 \u2014 <em>gha<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0919 \u2014 <em>\u1e45a<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNow read them again slowly.\r\n\r\nListen for the final <em>a<\/em> sound in each one.\r\n<h2>The Built-in Vowel<\/h2>\r\nA key feature of Nepali writing is the built-in vowel.\r\n\r\nEach consonant usually includes the sound <em>a<\/em> unless:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>another vowel sign changes it<\/li>\r\n \t<li>the vowel sound is removed<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0915\r\n<em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe letter \u0915 includes two sounds:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>the consonant sound <em>k<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>the built-in vowel sound <em>a<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nTogether, \u0915 is read as <em>ka<\/em>.\r\n\r\n[table id=518 \/]\r\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\nDo not read \u0915 as only <em>k<\/em>.\r\n\r\nRead it as:\r\n\r\n\u0915\r\n<em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe <em>a<\/em> sound is already built into the consonant.\r\n<h2>Removing the Built-in Vowel: \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924<\/h2>\r\nThe \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (<em>[pb_glossary id=\"388\"]halanta[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>) is a small mark.\r\n\r\nIt removes the built-in <em>a<\/em> sound from a consonant.\r\n\r\nThe \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 mark looks like this:\r\n\r\n\u094d\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0915\r\n<em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094d\r\n<em>k<\/em>\r\n\r\nThis means:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>\u0915 is read as <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u094d is read as <em>k<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>the \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 removes the final <em>a<\/em> sound<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[table id=519 \/]\r\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\r\nWithout \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924:\r\n\r\n\u0915 = <em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\nWith \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924:\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094d = <em>k<\/em>\r\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\r\nRead the pairs aloud:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u0915 \u2014 <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u094d \u2014 <em>k<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u092e \u2014 <em>ma<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u092e\u094d \u2014 <em>m<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0928 \u2014 <em>na<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0928\u094d \u2014 <em>n<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNow look carefully at the small mark under the consonant.\r\n\r\nThat mark is the \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (<em>halanta<\/em>).\r\n<h2>Vowels<\/h2>\r\n\u0938\u094d\u0935\u0930 (<em>[pb_glossary id=\"3094\"]swara[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>) means a vowel sound in Nepali.\r\n\r\nIn Nepali writing, vowels can appear in two main ways:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>as independent vowel letters<\/li>\r\n \t<li>as vowel signs attached to consonants<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nIndependent vowels are used when a syllable begins with a vowel.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0905\r\n<em>a<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0906\r\n<em>\u0101<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0907\r\n<em>i<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0908\r\n<em>\u012b<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0909\r\n<em>u<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u090a\r\n<em>\u016b<\/em>\r\n\r\n[table id=520 \/]\r\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\nIndependent vowels stand alone.\r\n\r\nThey do not need to attach to a consonant.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0905\r\n<em>a<\/em>\r\n\r\nThis vowel can stand by itself.\r\n<h2>Vowel Signs<\/h2>\r\nVowel signs are attached to consonants.\r\n\r\nThey change the built-in <em>a<\/em> sound into another vowel sound.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0915\r\n<em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u093e\r\n<em>k\u0101<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u093f\r\n<em>ki<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u0941\r\n<em>ku<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u0947\r\n<em>ke<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094b\r\n<em>ko<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn each example:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>the consonant \u0915 stays the same<\/li>\r\n \t<li>the vowel sign changes the vowel sound<\/li>\r\n \t<li>the built-in <em>a<\/em> is replaced by another vowel<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[table id=521 \/]\r\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\r\nVowel signs replace the built-in <em>a<\/em> sound.\r\n\r\nExamples:\r\n\r\n\u0915 = <em>ka<\/em>\r\n\u0915\u093e = <em>k\u0101<\/em>\r\n\u0915\u093f = <em>ki<\/em>\r\n\u0915\u0941 = <em>ku<\/em>\r\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\r\nRead these aloud:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u0915 \u2014 <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u093e \u2014 <em>k\u0101<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u093f \u2014 <em>ki<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u0940 \u2014 <em>k\u012b<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u0941 \u2014 <em>ku<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u0942 \u2014 <em>k\u016b<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u0947 \u2014 <em>ke<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u094b \u2014 <em>ko<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nSay them slowly first.\r\n\r\nThen say them more naturally.\r\n\r\nYou can use the audio recorder below to record yourself. Listen to your recording and check whether the vowel sound changes clearly.\r\n<h2>Independent Vowels and Vowel Signs<\/h2>\r\nNepali uses independent vowels and vowel signs in different situations.\r\n\r\nUse an independent vowel when the syllable begins with a vowel.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0905\r\n<em>a<\/em>\r\n\r\nUse a vowel sign when the vowel comes after a consonant.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0915\r\n<em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u093e\r\n<em>k\u0101<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u093f\r\n<em>ki<\/em>\r\n\r\nThese use a consonant with a built-in vowel or a vowel sign.\r\n\r\n[table id=522 \/]\r\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\nRemember:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Use an independent vowel when the syllable starts with a vowel.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use a vowel sign when the vowel is attached to a consonant.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nExample:\r\n\r\n\u0905 = independent vowel\r\n\u0915\u093e = consonant + vowel sign\r\n<h2>\u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930: The Basic Reading Unit<\/h2>\r\nNepali is read in \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>), or syllable blocks.\r\n\r\nAn \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>) usually includes one vowel sound.\r\n\r\nAn \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 may be:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>a vowel letter<\/li>\r\n \t<li>a consonant with a built-in vowel<\/li>\r\n \t<li>a consonant with a vowel sign<\/li>\r\n \t<li>a consonant cluster with a vowel<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor beginners, it is helpful to read Nepali one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>) at a time.\r\n\r\n[table id=523 \/]\r\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\r\nRead Nepali in syllable blocks.\r\n\r\nDo not read only letter by letter.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940\r\n<em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em>\r\n\r\ncan be read as:\r\n\r\n\u0928\u0947 + \u092a\u093e + \u0932\u0940\r\n<em>ne + p\u0101 + l\u012b<\/em>\r\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\r\nRead each \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 aloud:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u0915 \u2014 <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u093f \u2014 <em>ki<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u0941 \u2014 <em>ku<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u094b \u2014 <em>ko<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u094d\u0924 \u2014 <em>kta<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNow read them again.\r\n\r\nClap once for each \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930.\r\n<h2>Conjuncts<\/h2>\r\nSometimes two consonants come together with no vowel sound between them.\r\n\r\nThis creates a conjunct, or consonant cluster.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094d + \u0924 = \u0915\u094d\u0924\r\n<em>k + ta = kta<\/em>\r\n\r\nThis means:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u094d gives the sound <em>k<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0924 gives the sound <em>ta<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>together they form \u0915\u094d\u0924, read as <em>kta<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOther examples:\r\n\r\n\u0938\u094d + \u0924 = \u0938\u094d\u0924\r\n<em>s + ta = sta<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u092a\u094d + \u0930 = \u092a\u094d\u0930\r\n<em>p + ra = pra<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0917\u094d + \u092f = \u0917\u094d\u092f\r\n<em>g + ya = gya<\/em>\r\n\r\n[table id=524 \/]\r\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\nA conjunct may look like several consonants joined together.\r\n\r\nFor now, remember:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>a conjunct is a joined consonant form<\/li>\r\n \t<li>it is usually read as part of one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>you do not need to master all conjuncts at once<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Common Conjunct Letters<\/h2>\r\nSome conjuncts are very common in Nepali.\r\n\r\nThree important ones are:\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094d\u0937\r\n<em>k\u1e63a<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0924\u094d\u0930\r\n<em>tra<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u091c\u094d\u091e\r\n<em>j\u00f1a<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn modern spoken Nepali, \u091c\u094d\u091e (<em>j\u00f1a<\/em>) is often pronounced close to <em>gya<\/em>.\r\n\r\n[table id=525 \/]\r\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\nYou do not need to master all conjuncts in this unit.\r\n\r\nFor now, focus on recognizing these forms:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u0915\u094d\u0937 \u2014 <em>k\u1e63a<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0924\u094d\u0930 \u2014 <em>tra<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u091c\u094d\u091e \u2014 <em>j\u00f1a<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nYou will practise them more in later units.\r\n<h2>\u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e: The Top Line<\/h2>\r\nMost Devanagari letters have a horizontal line at the top.\r\n\r\nThis line is called \u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e (<em>[pb_glossary id=\"380\"]\u015birorekh\u0101[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>).\r\n\r\nWhen letters form a word, the top line often connects across the word.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940\r\n<em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn this word, the top line connects the letters together.\r\n\r\n[table id=526 \/]\r\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\nThe \u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e (<em>\u015birorekh\u0101<\/em>) helps you see how letters connect inside a word.\r\n\r\nWhen you read Nepali, notice the top line first. It can help you recognize the shape of the word.\r\n<h2>Common Writing Marks<\/h2>\r\nNepali uses several important writing marks.\r\n\r\nYou will see these marks often when reading and writing Nepali.\r\n\r\nIn this unit, you will begin by recognizing them.\r\n\r\n[table id=527 \/]\r\n<h2>\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 and \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/h2>\r\nThe \u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 (<em>[pb_glossary id=\"390\"]bindu[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>) marks a nasal sound.\r\n\r\nExample:\r\n\r\n\u0917\u0902\u0917\u093e\r\n<em>ga\u1e45g\u0101<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 (<em>[pb_glossary id=\"392\"]candrabindu[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>) marks nasalization.\r\n\r\nExample:\r\n\r\n\u0906\u0901\u0916\u093e\r\n<em>\u0101\u0303kh\u0101<\/em>\r\n\r\nFor beginners, the most important thing is to recognize that both marks are connected to nasal sounds.\r\n\r\n[table id=528 \/]\r\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\nBoth \u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 (<em>bindu<\/em>) and \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 (<em>candrabindu<\/em>) are connected to nasal sounds.\r\n\r\nFor now:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>notice the mark<\/li>\r\n \t<li>read the example word<\/li>\r\n \t<li>listen carefully to the pronunciation<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nYou will learn more about these sounds later.\r\n<h2>\u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e<\/h2>\r\nNepali uses \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e (<em>[pb_glossary id=\"404\"]p\u016br\u1e47a wir\u0101m[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>) to mark the end of a sentence.\r\n\r\nThe mark looks like this:\r\n\r\n\u0964\r\n\r\nEnglish usually uses a period.\r\n\r\nNepali uses \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e:\r\n\r\n\u0964\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u092f\u094b \u0915\u093f\u0924\u093e\u092c \u0939\u094b\u0964\r\n<em>yo kit\u0101b ho.<\/em>\r\nThis is a book.\r\n\r\n[table id=529 \/]\r\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\r\nRemember:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>English uses a period.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Nepali uses \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e\u0964<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Nepali sentence-ending mark is: \u0964<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\r\nLook at the sentence:\r\n\r\n\u092f\u094b \u0915\u093f\u0924\u093e\u092c \u0939\u094b\u0964\r\n<em>yo kit\u0101b ho.<\/em>\r\nThis is a book.\r\n\r\nNow do these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Find the \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e\u0964<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Point to it or circle it.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Read the sentence aloud.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2>One \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 and More Than One \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/h2>\r\nSome written forms are one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930.\r\n\r\nExamples:\r\n\r\n\u0915\r\n<em>ka<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u093f\r\n<em>ki<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094b\r\n<em>ko<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u0915\u094d\u0924\r\n<em>kta<\/em>\r\n\r\nSome words have more than one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n\u0930\u0915\u094d\u0924\r\n<em>rakta<\/em>\r\n\r\nThis word can be read as:\r\n\r\n\u0930 + \u0915\u094d\u0924\r\n<em>ra + kta<\/em>\r\n\r\n[table id=530 \/]\r\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\nWhen a word feels difficult, slow down.\r\n\r\nTry this process:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Look at the whole word.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Break it into \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Read each \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 slowly.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Then read the full word.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\r\nRead the word:\r\n\r\n\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940\r\n<em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em>\r\n\r\nNow break it into \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930:\r\n\r\n\u0928\u0947 + \u092a\u093e + \u0932\u0940\r\n<em>ne + p\u0101 + l\u012b<\/em>\r\n\r\nRead it slowly:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\u0928\u0947 \u2014 <em>ne<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u092a\u093e \u2014 <em>p\u0101<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>\u0932\u0940 \u2014 <em>l\u012b<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNow read the full word:\r\n\r\n\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940\r\n<em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em>\r\n\r\nYou can use the audio recorder below to record yourself reading the word slowly and then naturally.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><section>\r\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\r\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1ec851d4-f742-40e4-b53d-40f0c569320e\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<h2 data-section-id=\"ojq7y1\" data-start=\"5768\" data-end=\"5799\">Check Your Understanding<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\r\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code>[h5p id=\"560\"]<\/code><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\r\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code>[h5p id=\"561\"]<\/code><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox reflectbox\">\r\n<h2 data-section-id=\"14rbw34\" data-start=\"5831\" data-end=\"5853\">11. Self Reflection<\/h2>\r\n<p data-start=\"5855\" data-end=\"5869\">[h5p id=\"3\"]<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"be2776dc-a7a6-4921-8248-93ba8b86a020\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\r\n<ul data-start=\"5728\" data-end=\"6435\">\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"ktvvia\" data-start=\"14107\" data-end=\"14158\">Devanagari is the script used to write Nepali.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"1i94hu4\" data-start=\"14159\" data-end=\"14219\">Nepali is read in \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em data-start=\"14187\" data-end=\"14195\">ak\u1e63ara<\/em>), or syllable blocks.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"lrolqw\" data-start=\"14220\" data-end=\"14270\">Most consonants include a built-in <em data-start=\"14258\" data-end=\"14261\">a<\/em> sound.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"5y0f8g\" data-start=\"14271\" data-end=\"14328\">The built-in <em data-start=\"14287\" data-end=\"14290\">a<\/em> sound has no separate visible form.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"1hli7ru\" data-start=\"14329\" data-end=\"14383\">The \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (<em data-start=\"14343\" data-end=\"14352\">halanta<\/em>) removes the built-in vowel.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"m6ull0\" data-start=\"14384\" data-end=\"14422\">\u0938\u094d\u0935\u0930 (<em data-start=\"14393\" data-end=\"14400\">swara<\/em>) means vowel sound.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"14c0nr7\" data-start=\"14423\" data-end=\"14475\">Vowels can appear as independent vowel letters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"1a965r3\" data-start=\"14476\" data-end=\"14542\">Vowels can also appear as vowel signs attached to consonants.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"8b6eao\" data-start=\"14543\" data-end=\"14591\">Vowel signs replace the built-in <em data-start=\"14579\" data-end=\"14582\">a<\/em> sound.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"8eqowq\" data-start=\"14592\" data-end=\"14645\">Consonants can join together to form conjuncts.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"npr0ww\" data-start=\"14646\" data-end=\"14703\">A conjunct is read as part of one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em data-start=\"14691\" data-end=\"14699\">ak\u1e63ara<\/em>).<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"rqxghf\" data-start=\"14704\" data-end=\"14780\">The \u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e (<em data-start=\"14722\" data-end=\"14733\">\u015birorekh\u0101<\/em>) is the top line used in Devanagari writing.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"1ahd0fl\" data-start=\"14781\" data-end=\"14861\">Common marks include \u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941, \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941, \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924, \u0935\u093f\u0938\u0930\u094d\u0917, and \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-section-id=\"nauuqg\" data-start=\"14862\" data-end=\"14914\">The \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e \u0964 marks the end of a sentence.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"be2776dc-a7a6-4921-8248-93ba8b86a020\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<section>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1ec851d4-f742-40e4-b53d-40f0c569320e\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_56\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-56\" style=\"width: 843px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-56\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2591\/2025\/09\/Untitled-Extract-Pages-copy-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"Nepali Alphabets\" width=\"843\" height=\"1024\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-56\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nepali alphabets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What Is Devanagari?<\/h2>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_48_384\">Devanagari<\/a> is the script used to write Nepali.<\/p>\n<p>If you are new to Nepali, the script may look unfamiliar at first. This is normal. In this unit, you will begin slowly and learn the basic features of Nepali writing.<\/p>\n<p>By the end of this unit, you will begin to understand:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>how Nepali letters work<\/li>\n<li>how consonants include a built-in vowel sound<\/li>\n<li>how vowel signs change the sound of a consonant<\/li>\n<li>how Nepali is read in small units called \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li>how common writing marks are used<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You do not need to memorize everything right away. The goal is to become familiar with the script so that you can start reading simple Nepali words with confidence.<\/p>\n<p>A simple way to remember this is:<\/p>\n<p>Nepali is read in \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_48_386\">ak\u1e63ara<\/a><\/em>), or syllable blocks.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915<br \/>\n<em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u093f<br \/>\n<em>ki<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094b<br \/>\n<em>ko<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094d\u0924<br \/>\n<em>kta<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Each of these is read as one written unit.<\/p>\n<p>In this unit, you will learn about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>consonants<\/li>\n<li>vowels<\/li>\n<li>vowel signs<\/li>\n<li>conjuncts<\/li>\n<li>common writing marks<\/li>\n<li>\u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>) as the basic reading unit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Consonants<\/h2>\n<p>Consonants are the main letters in Nepali.<\/p>\n<p>In Nepali, most consonants include a built-in vowel sound.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915<br \/>\n<em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u0915 is not read as only <em>k<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915 is read as <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\n<li>the vowel sound <em>a<\/em> is already included<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-517-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-517\">Table 1.1.1 \u2014 Consonants with the Built-in Vowel Sound<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-517\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-517\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-517-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Sound<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ka<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">ka<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0916<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>kha<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">kha<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0917<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ga<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">ga<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0918<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>gha<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">gha<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0919<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>\u1e45a<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u1e45a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-517 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\n<p>Remember:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>A Nepali consonant usually includes the vowel sound <em>a<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>You do not need to add a separate letter for this sound.<\/li>\n<li>The built-in vowel is already part of the consonant.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Examples:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915 = <em>ka<\/em><br \/>\n\u0916 = <em>kha<\/em><br \/>\n\u0917 = <em>ga<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\n<p>Read the letters aloud:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u0915 \u2014 <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0916 \u2014 <em>kha<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0917 \u2014 <em>ga<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0918 \u2014 <em>gha<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0919 \u2014 <em>\u1e45a<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Now read them again slowly.<\/p>\n<p>Listen for the final <em>a<\/em> sound in each one.<\/p>\n<h2>The Built-in Vowel<\/h2>\n<p>A key feature of Nepali writing is the built-in vowel.<\/p>\n<p>Each consonant usually includes the sound <em>a<\/em> unless:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>another vowel sign changes it<\/li>\n<li>the vowel sound is removed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915<br \/>\n<em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The letter \u0915 includes two sounds:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>the consonant sound <em>k<\/em><\/li>\n<li>the built-in vowel sound <em>a<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Together, \u0915 is read as <em>ka<\/em>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-518-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-518\">Table 1.1.2 \u2014 Built-in Vowel in Consonants<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-518\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-518\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-518-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Explanation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ka<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant with built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0916<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>kha<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant with built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0917<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ga<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant with built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u092e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ma<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant with built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0928<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>na<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant with built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-518 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\n<p>Do not read \u0915 as only <em>k<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Read it as:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915<br \/>\n<em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The <em>a<\/em> sound is already built into the consonant.<\/p>\n<h2>Removing the Built-in Vowel: \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924<\/h2>\n<p>The \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (<em><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_48_388\">halanta<\/a><\/em>) is a small mark.<\/p>\n<p>It removes the built-in <em>a<\/em> sound from a consonant.<\/p>\n<p>The \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 mark looks like this:<\/p>\n<p>\u094d<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915<br \/>\n<em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094d<br \/>\n<em>k<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u0915 is read as <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u094d is read as <em>k<\/em><\/li>\n<li>the \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 removes the final <em>a<\/em> sound<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-519-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-519\">Table 1.1.3 \u2014 Consonant With and Without \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-519\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-519\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-519-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Meaning<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ka<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant with built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u094d<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>k<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant without built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u092e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ma<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant with built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u092e\u094d<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>m<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant without built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0928<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>na<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant with built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0928\u094d<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>n<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">consonant without built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-519 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\n<p>Without \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915 = <em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>With \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094d = <em>k<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\n<p>Read the pairs aloud:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u0915 \u2014 <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u094d \u2014 <em>k<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u092e \u2014 <em>ma<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u092e\u094d \u2014 <em>m<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0928 \u2014 <em>na<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0928\u094d \u2014 <em>n<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Now look carefully at the small mark under the consonant.<\/p>\n<p>That mark is the \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (<em>halanta<\/em>).<\/p>\n<h2>Vowels<\/h2>\n<p>\u0938\u094d\u0935\u0930 (<em><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_48_3094\">swara<\/a><\/em>) means a vowel sound in Nepali.<\/p>\n<p>In Nepali writing, vowels can appear in two main ways:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>as independent vowel letters<\/li>\n<li>as vowel signs attached to consonants<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Independent vowels are used when a syllable begins with a vowel.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0905<br \/>\n<em>a<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0906<br \/>\n<em>\u0101<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0907<br \/>\n<em>i<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0908<br \/>\n<em>\u012b<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0909<br \/>\n<em>u<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u090a<br \/>\n<em>\u016b<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-520-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-520\">Table 1.1.4 \u2014 Independent Vowels<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-520\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-520\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-520-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Sound<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0905<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0906<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>\u0101<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0101<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0907<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>i<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">i<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0908<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>\u012b<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u012b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0909<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>u<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">u<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u090a<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>\u016b<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u016b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u090f<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>e<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">e<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0910<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ai<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">ai<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0913<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>o<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">o<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0914<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>au<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">au<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-520 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\n<p>Independent vowels stand alone.<\/p>\n<p>They do not need to attach to a consonant.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0905<br \/>\n<em>a<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This vowel can stand by itself.<\/p>\n<h2>Vowel Signs<\/h2>\n<p>Vowel signs are attached to consonants.<\/p>\n<p>They change the built-in <em>a<\/em> sound into another vowel sound.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915<br \/>\n<em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u093e<br \/>\n<em>k\u0101<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u093f<br \/>\n<em>ki<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u0941<br \/>\n<em>ku<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u0947<br \/>\n<em>ke<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094b<br \/>\n<em>ko<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In each example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the consonant \u0915 stays the same<\/li>\n<li>the vowel sign changes the vowel sound<\/li>\n<li>the built-in <em>a<\/em> is replaced by another vowel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-521-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-521\">Table 1.1.5 \u2014 Vowel Signs with \u0915<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-521\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-521\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-521-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Explanation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ka<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">built-in <em>a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u093e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>k\u0101<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u093e<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u093f<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ki<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u093f<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u0940<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>k\u012b<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u0940<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u0941<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ku<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u0941<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u0942<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>k\u016b<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u0942<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u0947<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ke<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u0947<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u0948<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>kai<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u0948<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u094b<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ko<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u094b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u094c<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>kau<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915 + \u094c<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-521 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\n<p>Vowel signs replace the built-in <em>a<\/em> sound.<\/p>\n<p>Examples:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915 = <em>ka<\/em><br \/>\n\u0915\u093e = <em>k\u0101<\/em><br \/>\n\u0915\u093f = <em>ki<\/em><br \/>\n\u0915\u0941 = <em>ku<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\n<p>Read these aloud:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u0915 \u2014 <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u093e \u2014 <em>k\u0101<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u093f \u2014 <em>ki<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u0940 \u2014 <em>k\u012b<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u0941 \u2014 <em>ku<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u0942 \u2014 <em>k\u016b<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u0947 \u2014 <em>ke<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u094b \u2014 <em>ko<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Say them slowly first.<\/p>\n<p>Then say them more naturally.<\/p>\n<p>You can use the audio recorder below to record yourself. Listen to your recording and check whether the vowel sound changes clearly.<\/p>\n<h2>Independent Vowels and Vowel Signs<\/h2>\n<p>Nepali uses independent vowels and vowel signs in different situations.<\/p>\n<p>Use an independent vowel when the syllable begins with a vowel.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0905<br \/>\n<em>a<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Use a vowel sign when the vowel comes after a consonant.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915<br \/>\n<em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u093e<br \/>\n<em>k\u0101<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u093f<br \/>\n<em>ki<\/em><\/p>\n<p>These use a consonant with a built-in vowel or a vowel sign.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-522-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-522\">Table 1.1.6 \u2014 Independent Vowels and Vowel Signs<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-522\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-522\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-522-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Vowel sound<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Independent vowel<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Vowel sign with \u0915<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-4\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">a<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0905<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>ka<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0101<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0906<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u093e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>k\u0101<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">i<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0907<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u093f<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>ki<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u012b<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0908<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u0940<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>k\u012b<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">u<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0909<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u0941<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>ku<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u016b<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u090a<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u0942<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>k\u016b<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u090f<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u0947<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>ke<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">ai<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0910<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u0948<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>kai<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">o<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0913<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u094b<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>ko<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">au<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0914<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u094c<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\"><em>kau<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-522 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\n<p>Remember:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Use an independent vowel when the syllable starts with a vowel.<\/li>\n<li>Use a vowel sign when the vowel is attached to a consonant.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0905 = independent vowel<br \/>\n\u0915\u093e = consonant + vowel sign<\/p>\n<h2>\u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930: The Basic Reading Unit<\/h2>\n<p>Nepali is read in \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>), or syllable blocks.<\/p>\n<p>An \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>) usually includes one vowel sound.<\/p>\n<p>An \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 may be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a vowel letter<\/li>\n<li>a consonant with a built-in vowel<\/li>\n<li>a consonant with a vowel sign<\/li>\n<li>a consonant cluster with a vowel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For beginners, it is helpful to read Nepali one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>) at a time.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-523-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-523\">Table 1.1.7 \u2014 Examples of \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-523\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-523\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-523-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Reading unit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ka<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u093f<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ki<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u0941<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ku<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u094b<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ko<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u094d\u0924<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>kta<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-523 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\n<p>Read Nepali in syllable blocks.<\/p>\n<p>Do not read only letter by letter.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940<br \/>\n<em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em><\/p>\n<p>can be read as:<\/p>\n<p>\u0928\u0947 + \u092a\u093e + \u0932\u0940<br \/>\n<em>ne + p\u0101 + l\u012b<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\n<p>Read each \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 aloud:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u0915 \u2014 <em>ka<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u093f \u2014 <em>ki<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u0941 \u2014 <em>ku<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u094b \u2014 <em>ko<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0915\u094d\u0924 \u2014 <em>kta<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Now read them again.<\/p>\n<p>Clap once for each \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930.<\/p>\n<h2>Conjuncts<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes two consonants come together with no vowel sound between them.<\/p>\n<p>This creates a conjunct, or consonant cluster.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094d + \u0924 = \u0915\u094d\u0924<br \/>\n<em>k + ta = kta<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u0915\u094d gives the sound <em>k<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0924 gives the sound <em>ta<\/em><\/li>\n<li>together they form \u0915\u094d\u0924, read as <em>kta<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other examples:<\/p>\n<p>\u0938\u094d + \u0924 = \u0938\u094d\u0924<br \/>\n<em>s + ta = sta<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u092a\u094d + \u0930 = \u092a\u094d\u0930<br \/>\n<em>p + ra = pra<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0917\u094d + \u092f = \u0917\u094d\u092f<br \/>\n<em>g + ya = gya<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-524-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-524\">Table 1.1.8 \u2014 Common Conjuncts<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-524\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-524\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-524-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Consonants<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Conjunct<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u094d + \u0924<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0915\u094d\u0924<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>kta<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0938\u094d + \u0924<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0938\u094d\u0924<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>sta<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u092a\u094d + \u0930<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u092a\u094d\u0930<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>pra<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0917\u094d + \u092f<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0917\u094d\u092f<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>gya<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-524 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\n<p>A conjunct may look like several consonants joined together.<\/p>\n<p>For now, remember:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a conjunct is a joined consonant form<\/li>\n<li>it is usually read as part of one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li>you do not need to master all conjuncts at once<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Common Conjunct Letters<\/h2>\n<p>Some conjuncts are very common in Nepali.<\/p>\n<p>Three important ones are:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094d\u0937<br \/>\n<em>k\u1e63a<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0924\u094d\u0930<br \/>\n<em>tra<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u091c\u094d\u091e<br \/>\n<em>j\u00f1a<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In modern spoken Nepali, \u091c\u094d\u091e (<em>j\u00f1a<\/em>) is often pronounced close to <em>gya<\/em>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-525-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-525\">Table 1.1.9 \u2014 Common Conjunct Letters<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-525\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-525\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-525-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Beginner pronunciation note<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u094d\u0937<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>k\u1e63a<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">often learned as <em>k\u1e63a<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0924\u094d\u0930<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>tra<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">pronounced <em>tra<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u091c\u094d\u091e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>j\u00f1a<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">often pronounced close to <em>gya<\/em> in modern Nepali<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-525 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\n<p>You do not need to master all conjuncts in this unit.<\/p>\n<p>For now, focus on recognizing these forms:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u0915\u094d\u0937 \u2014 <em>k\u1e63a<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0924\u094d\u0930 \u2014 <em>tra<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u091c\u094d\u091e \u2014 <em>j\u00f1a<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You will practise them more in later units.<\/p>\n<h2>\u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e: The Top Line<\/h2>\n<p>Most Devanagari letters have a horizontal line at the top.<\/p>\n<p>This line is called \u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e (<em><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_48_380\">\u015birorekh\u0101<\/a><\/em>).<\/p>\n<p>When letters form a word, the top line often connects across the word.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940<br \/>\n<em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In this word, the top line connects the letters together.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-526-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-526\">Table 1.1.10 \u2014 \u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e in Words<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-526\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-526\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-526-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Note<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">the top line connects across the word<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u093f\u0924\u093e\u092c<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>kit\u0101b<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">the top line connects across the word<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u092e\u0932<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>kamal<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">the top line connects across the word<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-526 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\n<p>The \u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e (<em>\u015birorekh\u0101<\/em>) helps you see how letters connect inside a word.<\/p>\n<p>When you read Nepali, notice the top line first. It can help you recognize the shape of the word.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Writing Marks<\/h2>\n<p>Nepali uses several important writing marks.<\/p>\n<p>You will see these marks often when reading and writing Nepali.<\/p>\n<p>In this unit, you will begin by recognizing them.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-527-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-527\">Table 1.1.11 \u2014 Common Writing Marks<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-527\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-527\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-527-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Mark<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Nepali name<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-4\">Use<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u094d<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>halanta<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">removes the built-in <em>a<\/em> sound<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0902<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>bindu<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">marks a nasal sound<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0901<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>candrabindu<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">marks nasalization<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0964<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>p\u016br\u1e47a wir\u0101m<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">marks the end of a sentence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0903<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\">\u0935\u093f\u0938\u0930\u094d\u0917<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\"><em>wisarga<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">adds a light breathy sound, mostly in formal or Sanskrit-based words<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-527 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 and \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/h2>\n<p>The \u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 (<em><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_48_390\">bindu<\/a><\/em>) marks a nasal sound.<\/p>\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0917\u0902\u0917\u093e<br \/>\n<em>ga\u1e45g\u0101<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 (<em><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_48_392\">candrabindu<\/a><\/em>) marks nasalization.<\/p>\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0906\u0901\u0916\u093e<br \/>\n<em>\u0101\u0303kh\u0101<\/em><\/p>\n<p>For beginners, the most important thing is to recognize that both marks are connected to nasal sounds.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-528-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-528\">Table 1.1.12 \u2014 \u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 and \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-528\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-528\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-528-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">Meaning<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-4\">Mark<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0917\u0902\u0917\u093e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ga\u1e45g\u0101<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">a common Nepali female name<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0906\u0901\u0916\u093e<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>\u0101\u0303kh\u0101<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">eye; eyes<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">\u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u0939\u093e\u0901<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>kah\u0101\u0303<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">where<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">\u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u092f\u0939\u093e\u0901<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>yah\u0101\u0303<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">here<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-4\">\u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-528 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\n<p>Both \u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 (<em>bindu<\/em>) and \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941 (<em>candrabindu<\/em>) are connected to nasal sounds.<\/p>\n<p>For now:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>notice the mark<\/li>\n<li>read the example word<\/li>\n<li>listen carefully to the pronunciation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You will learn more about these sounds later.<\/p>\n<h2>\u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e<\/h2>\n<p>Nepali uses \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e (<em><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_48_404\">p\u016br\u1e47a wir\u0101m<\/a><\/em>) to mark the end of a sentence.<\/p>\n<p>The mark looks like this:<\/p>\n<p>\u0964<\/p>\n<p>English usually uses a period.<\/p>\n<p>Nepali uses \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e:<\/p>\n<p>\u0964<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u092f\u094b \u0915\u093f\u0924\u093e\u092c \u0939\u094b\u0964<br \/>\n<em>yo kit\u0101b ho.<\/em><br \/>\nThis is a book.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-529-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-529\">Table 1.1.13 \u2014 \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e in Sentences<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-529\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-529\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-529-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u092f\u094b \u0915\u093f\u0924\u093e\u092c \u0939\u094b\u0964<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>yo kit\u0101b ho.<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">This is a book.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0909\u0939\u093e\u0901 \u0936\u093f\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0915 \u0939\u0941\u0928\u0941\u0939\u0941\u0928\u094d\u091b\u0964<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>uh\u0101\u0303 \u015bik\u1e63ak hunuhuncha.<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">He\/She is a teacher.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u092e \u0935\u093f\u0926\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0930\u094d\u0925\u0940 \u0939\u0941\u0901\u0964<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ma widy\u0101rth\u012b hu\u0303.<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">I am a student.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-529 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Simple Rule<\/h2>\n<p>Remember:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>English uses a period.<\/li>\n<li>Nepali uses \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e\u0964<\/li>\n<li>The Nepali sentence-ending mark is: \u0964<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\n<p>Look at the sentence:<\/p>\n<p>\u092f\u094b \u0915\u093f\u0924\u093e\u092c \u0939\u094b\u0964<br \/>\n<em>yo kit\u0101b ho.<\/em><br \/>\nThis is a book.<\/p>\n<p>Now do these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Find the \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e\u0964<\/li>\n<li>Point to it or circle it.<\/li>\n<li>Read the sentence aloud.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>One \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 and More Than One \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/h2>\n<p>Some written forms are one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930.<\/p>\n<p>Examples:<\/p>\n<p>\u0915<br \/>\n<em>ka<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u093f<br \/>\n<em>ki<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094b<br \/>\n<em>ko<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u0915\u094d\u0924<br \/>\n<em>kta<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Some words have more than one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u0930\u0915\u094d\u0924<br \/>\n<em>rakta<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This word can be read as:<\/p>\n<p>\u0930 + \u0915\u094d\u0924<br \/>\n<em>ra + kta<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-530-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-530\">Table 1.1.14 \u2014 One \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 vs. More Than One \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930<\/h2>\n<table id=\"tablepress-530\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-530\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-530-name\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n<th class=\"column-1\">Nepali<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-2\">Transliteration<\/th>\n<th class=\"column-3\">\u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 breakdown<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ka<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u093f<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ki<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u093f<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0915\u094b<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>ko<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0915\u094b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0930\u0915\u094d\u0924<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>rakta<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0930 + \u0915\u094d\u0924<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n<td class=\"column-1\">\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940<\/td>\n<td class=\"column-2\"><em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em><\/td>\n<td class=\"column-3\">\u0928\u0947 + \u092a\u093e + \u0932\u0940<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- #tablepress-530 from cache --><\/p>\n<h2>Learner Tip<\/h2>\n<p>When a word feels difficult, slow down.<\/p>\n<p>Try this process:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Look at the whole word.<\/li>\n<li>Break it into \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em>).<\/li>\n<li>Read each \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 slowly.<\/li>\n<li>Then read the full word.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Try It Now<\/h2>\n<p>Read the word:<\/p>\n<p>\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940<br \/>\n<em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Now break it into \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930:<\/p>\n<p>\u0928\u0947 + \u092a\u093e + \u0932\u0940<br \/>\n<em>ne + p\u0101 + l\u012b<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Read it slowly:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u0928\u0947 \u2014 <em>ne<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u092a\u093e \u2014 <em>p\u0101<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\u0932\u0940 \u2014 <em>l\u012b<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Now read the full word:<\/p>\n<p>\u0928\u0947\u092a\u093e\u0932\u0940<br \/>\n<em>nep\u0101l\u012b<\/em><\/p>\n<p>You can use the audio recorder below to record yourself reading the word slowly and then naturally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1ec851d4-f742-40e4-b53d-40f0c569320e\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h2 data-section-id=\"ojq7y1\" data-start=\"5768\" data-end=\"5799\">Check Your Understanding<\/h2>\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code><\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-560\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-560\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"560\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Match the Term to Its Meaning\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code><\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-561\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-561\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"561\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Devanagari Quick Quiz\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox reflectbox\">\n<h2 data-section-id=\"14rbw34\" data-start=\"5831\" data-end=\"5853\">11. Self Reflection<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5855\" data-end=\"5869\">\n<div id=\"h5p-3\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-3\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"3\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Self-Reflection \u2013 Devanagari Basics\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"be2776dc-a7a6-4921-8248-93ba8b86a020\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5-thinking\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<ul data-start=\"5728\" data-end=\"6435\">\n<li data-section-id=\"ktvvia\" data-start=\"14107\" data-end=\"14158\">Devanagari is the script used to write Nepali.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1i94hu4\" data-start=\"14159\" data-end=\"14219\">Nepali is read in \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em data-start=\"14187\" data-end=\"14195\">ak\u1e63ara<\/em>), or syllable blocks.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"lrolqw\" data-start=\"14220\" data-end=\"14270\">Most consonants include a built-in <em data-start=\"14258\" data-end=\"14261\">a<\/em> sound.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"5y0f8g\" data-start=\"14271\" data-end=\"14328\">The built-in <em data-start=\"14287\" data-end=\"14290\">a<\/em> sound has no separate visible form.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1hli7ru\" data-start=\"14329\" data-end=\"14383\">The \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (<em data-start=\"14343\" data-end=\"14352\">halanta<\/em>) removes the built-in vowel.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"m6ull0\" data-start=\"14384\" data-end=\"14422\">\u0938\u094d\u0935\u0930 (<em data-start=\"14393\" data-end=\"14400\">swara<\/em>) means vowel sound.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"14c0nr7\" data-start=\"14423\" data-end=\"14475\">Vowels can appear as independent vowel letters.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1a965r3\" data-start=\"14476\" data-end=\"14542\">Vowels can also appear as vowel signs attached to consonants.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"8b6eao\" data-start=\"14543\" data-end=\"14591\">Vowel signs replace the built-in <em data-start=\"14579\" data-end=\"14582\">a<\/em> sound.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"8eqowq\" data-start=\"14592\" data-end=\"14645\">Consonants can join together to form conjuncts.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"npr0ww\" data-start=\"14646\" data-end=\"14703\">A conjunct is read as part of one \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (<em data-start=\"14691\" data-end=\"14699\">ak\u1e63ara<\/em>).<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"rqxghf\" data-start=\"14704\" data-end=\"14780\">The \u0936\u093f\u0930\u094b\u0930\u0947\u0916\u093e (<em data-start=\"14722\" data-end=\"14733\">\u015birorekh\u0101<\/em>) is the top line used in Devanagari writing.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ahd0fl\" data-start=\"14781\" data-end=\"14861\">Common marks include \u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941, \u091a\u0928\u094d\u0926\u094d\u0930\u092c\u093f\u0928\u094d\u0926\u0941, \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924, \u0935\u093f\u0938\u0930\u094d\u0917, and \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"nauuqg\" data-start=\"14862\" data-end=\"14914\">The \u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u0935\u093f\u0930\u093e\u092e \u0964 marks the end of a sentence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"glossary\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\" id=\"definition\">definition<\/span><template id=\"term_48_384\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_48_384\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>Devanagari (<em>dewan\u0101gar\u012b) <\/em>is the script used to write Nepali (and several other languages), in which most consonant letters include an inherent \u201ca\u201d vowel unless modified by vowel signs.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_48_386\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_48_386\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p><em>ak\u1e63ara<\/em> means a syllabic writing unit in Devanagari (<em>dewan\u0101gar\u012b<\/em>)\u2014typically a vowel (\u0905) or a consonant with its vowel (\u0915 = <em>ka<\/em>), and it can include vowel sign (<em>m\u0101tr\u0101)<\/em> (\u0915\u093f, \u0915\u093e) or conjuncts (\u0915\u094d\u0924, \u0938\u094d\u0924) as one written unit.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_48_388\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_48_388\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p><em>halanta<\/em> (\u094d) is the Devanagari (<em>dewan\u0101gar\u012b<\/em>)\u00a0sign that removes a consonant\u2019s built-in vowel, so the consonant is read without any vowel sound (e.g., \u0915 <em>ka<\/em> \u2192 \u0915\u094d <em>k<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_48_3094\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_48_3094\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p><em>swara<\/em>\u00a0is a\u00a0vowel sound or vowel letter in Nepali. Vowels can stand alone or attach to consonants as \u092e\u093e\u0924\u094d\u0930\u093e (<em>m\u0101tr\u0101<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_48_380\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_48_380\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p><em>\u015birorekh\u0101<\/em> is the horizontal \u201cheadline\u201d at the top of many Devanagari (<em>dewan\u0101gar\u012b<\/em>) letters that often joins across a word, visually linking the letters together.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_48_390\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_48_390\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p><em>bindu<\/em> (\u0902)\u00a0is a nasalization mark written above a letter that signals a nasal sound in the syllable (e.g., \u0917\u0902\u0917\u093e <em>ga\u1e45g\u0101<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_48_392\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_48_392\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p><em>candrabindu<\/em> (\u0901) is a nasalization mark written above a letter that shows the vowel is nasalized (e.g., \u0939\u093e\u0901 <em>h\u0101\u0303<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_48_404\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_48_404\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p><em>p\u016br\u1e47a wir\u0101m <\/em>is\u00a0the punctuation mark (\u0964) placed at the end of a complete sentence; full stop; period.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><\/div>","protected":false},"author":1076,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"Unit 1 \u2014 Devanagari Script","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[57],"class_list":["post-48","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":45,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/48","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1076"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/48\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3098,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/48\/revisions\/3098"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/45"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/48\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=48"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=48"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nepali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=48"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}