In Unit 4, you learned the main Nepali consonant letters.<\/p>\r\n
You also learned that most consonants have a built-in a<\/em> sound.<\/p>\r\n For example:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 \u0924 \u092e In this unit, you will learn how consonants combine with vowel signs to make syllable blocks.<\/p>\r\n These syllable blocks are called \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (ak\u1e63ara<\/em>).<\/p>\r\n For example:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 \u0915\u093e \u0915\u093f \u0915\u0941 Each form is read as one complete sound unit.<\/p>\r\n This kind of practice is called \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 ([pb_glossary id=\"378\"]b\u0101hrakhar\u012b[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>). It is one of the most important steps in learning to read and write Devanagari (dewan\u0101gar\u012b<\/em>).<\/p>\r\n In this unit, you will learn:<\/p>\r\n\r\n You do not need to memorize every form right away.<\/p>\r\n The goal is to understand the pattern and begin reading syllables with more confidence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n An \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 ([pb_glossary id=\"386\"]ak\u1e63ara[\/pb_glossary]<\/em>) is one complete syllable unit in Nepali writing.<\/p>\r\n In English, we often think about individual letters.<\/p>\r\n In Nepali Devanagari, we often read in syllable blocks.<\/p>\r\n For example:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 \u0915\u093e \u0915\u093f \u0915\u0941 Each one is read as one complete unit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n An \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (ak\u1e63ara<\/em>) is one readable syllable block.<\/p>\r\n Examples:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 = ka<\/em> Most Nepali syllables are made by combining:<\/p>\r\n\r\n Sometimes the vowel sound is built in.<\/p>\r\n Sometimes the vowel sound is shown by a vowel sign, or \u092e\u093e\u0924\u094d\u0930\u093e (m\u0101tr\u0101<\/em>).<\/p>\r\n [table id=535 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n The consonant stays the same.<\/p>\r\n The vowel sound changes.<\/p>\r\n Example:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 \u0915\u093e \u0915\u093f \u0915\u0941 Most consonants already have a built-in a<\/em> sound.<\/p>\r\n For example:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 \u092e \u0928 \u0938 This means that a consonant by itself is usually read with a<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n When a vowel sign is added, the built-in a<\/em> sound changes.<\/p>\r\n Examples:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 \u2192 \u0915\u093e \u0915 \u2192 \u0915\u093f \u0915 \u2192 \u0915\u0941 \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>) is a practice chart.<\/p>\r\n It shows how one consonant combines with different vowel signs.<\/p>\r\n For example, the consonant \u0915 (ka<\/em>) can combine with vowel signs like this:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 \u0915\u093e \u0915\u093f \u0915\u0940 \u0915\u0941 \u0915\u0942 \u0915\u0943 \u0915\u0947 \u0915\u0948 \u0915\u094b \u0915\u094c This helps you learn how vowel signs work with consonants.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>) shows consonant + vowel combinations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Start with \u0915 (ka<\/em>).<\/p>\r\n Read across the row.<\/p>\r\n The consonant \u0915 stays the same, but the vowel sound changes.<\/p>\r\n [table id=536 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n Notice that the vowel sign \u093f appears before the consonant.<\/p>\r\n Example:<\/p>\r\n \u0915\u093f Even though \u093f appears before \u0915, you still read the consonant first.<\/p>\r\n \u0915\u093f is read as:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 + \u093f It is not read as ik<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n In Devanagari, the written position of a vowel sign is not always the same as the reading order.<\/p>\r\n Some vowel signs appear:<\/p>\r\n\r\n But the reading order is usually:<\/p>\r\n consonant \u2192 vowel<\/p>\r\n Examples:<\/p>\r\n \u0915\u093e \u0915\u093f \u0915\u0941 \u0915\u0947 \u0915\u094b The vowel sign may appear in different places.<\/p>\r\n But you still read the consonant first.<\/p>\r\n\r\n The \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (halanta<\/em>) sign is written as:<\/p>\r\n \u094d<\/p>\r\n It removes the built-in a<\/em> sound from a consonant.<\/p>\r\n Example:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 \u0915\u094d This is important because it helps create consonant clusters.<\/p>\r\n You will learn more about consonant clusters and conjunct consonants in the next unit.<\/p>\r\n For now, remember this simple rule:<\/p>\r\n\r\n A \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (halanta<\/em>) removes the built-in a<\/em> sound.<\/p>\r\n Example:<\/p>\r\n \u0915 = ka<\/em> The following charts show how consonants combine with vowel signs.<\/p>\r\n Read one row at a time.<\/p>\r\n Do not rush.<\/p>\r\n Focus on recognizing the pattern.<\/p>\r\n\r\n The \u0915-series includes:<\/p>\r\n \u0915, \u0916, \u0917, \u0918, \u0919 Practise one row at a time.<\/p>\r\n [table id=25 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n Read the first row aloud:<\/p>\r\n \u0915, \u0915\u093e, \u0915\u093f, \u0915\u0940, \u0915\u0941, \u0915\u0942, \u0915\u0943, \u0915\u0947, \u0915\u0948, \u0915\u094b, \u0915\u094c Read slowly first.<\/p>\r\n Then read again more naturally.<\/p>\r\n\r\n The \u091a-series includes:<\/p>\r\n \u091a, \u091b, \u091c, \u091d, \u091e [table id=26 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n Watch carefully for the vowel sign \u093f.<\/p>\r\n Examples:<\/p>\r\n \u091a\u093f \u091b\u093f \u091c\u093f The \u093f sign appears before the consonant, but it is read after the consonant sound.<\/p>\r\n\r\n The \u091f-series includes:<\/p>\r\n \u091f, \u0920, \u0921, \u0922, \u0923 These sounds are different from the \u0924-series sounds.<\/p>\r\n The tongue curls slightly back.<\/p>\r\n [table id=27 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n Read these slowly:<\/p>\r\n \u091f, \u091f\u093e, \u091f\u093f, \u091f\u0940, \u091f\u0941, \u091f\u0942, \u091f\u0943, \u091f\u0947, \u091f\u0948, \u091f\u094b, \u091f\u094c The \u0924-series includes:<\/p>\r\n \u0924, \u0925, \u0926, \u0927, \u0928 These sounds are common in everyday Nepali.<\/p>\r\n [table id=28 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n The \u0924-series is very useful because many Nepali words use these letters.<\/p>\r\n Examples:<\/p>\r\n \u0924 \u0928 \u0926 Practice this row more than once.<\/p>\r\n\r\n The \u092a-series includes:<\/p>\r\n \u092a, \u092b, \u092c, \u092d, \u092e These sounds are made with the lips.<\/p>\r\n [table id=29 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n Read the \u092e row aloud:<\/p>\r\n \u092e, \u092e\u093e, \u092e\u093f, \u092e\u0940, \u092e\u0941, \u092e\u0942, \u092e\u0943, \u092e\u0947, \u092e\u0948, \u092e\u094b, \u092e\u094c These letters combine with vowel signs in the same way.<\/p>\r\n \u092f, \u0930, \u0932, \u0935 [table id=30 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n Pay attention to \u0930\u0941 and \u0930\u0942.<\/p>\r\n The vowel sign appears below the letter.<\/p>\r\n Examples:<\/p>\r\n \u0930\u0941 \u0930\u0942 This set includes:<\/p>\r\n \u0936, \u0937, \u0938, \u0939 Some learners confuse \u0936, \u0937, and \u0938 at first.<\/p>\r\n That is normal.<\/p>\r\n Practise slowly and look carefully at the shape of each letter.<\/p>\r\n [table id=31 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n Some common conjuncts also combine with vowel signs.<\/p>\r\n The most common ones are:<\/p>\r\n \u0915\u094d\u0937 \u0924\u094d\u0930 \u091c\u094d\u091e For beginners, it is helpful to recognize these as complete visual units.<\/p>\r\n [table id=32 \/]<\/p>\r\n\r\n You do not need to master all conjunct forms right away.<\/p>\r\n For now, try to recognize:<\/p>\r\n \u0915\u094d\u0937 \u0924\u094d\u0930 \u091c\u094d\u091e Choose one consonant and read across the row.<\/p>\r\n Example with \u0915:<\/p>\r\n \u0915, \u0915\u093e, \u0915\u093f, \u0915\u0940, \u0915\u0941, \u0915\u0942, \u0915\u0943, \u0915\u0947, \u0915\u0948, \u0915\u094b, \u0915\u094c Now try \u092e:<\/p>\r\n \u092e, \u092e\u093e, \u092e\u093f, \u092e\u0940, \u092e\u0941, \u092e\u0942, \u092e\u0943, \u092e\u0947, \u092e\u0948, \u092e\u094b, \u092e\u094c Then try \u0928:<\/p>\r\n \u0928, \u0928\u093e, \u0928\u093f, \u0928\u0940, \u0928\u0941, \u0928\u0942, \u0928\u0943, \u0928\u0947, \u0928\u0948, \u0928\u094b, \u0928\u094c Read slowly first.<\/p>\r\n Then read again more naturally.<\/p>\r\n You can use the audio recorder below to record yourself. Listen to your recording and check whether each vowel sound is clear.<\/p>\r\n [h5p id=\"605\"]<\/p>\r\n\r\n Watch the short video below to practise the \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>) pattern.<\/p>\r\n
ka<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ta<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ma<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ka<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k\u0101<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ki<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ku<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n \t
1. What Is an \u0905\u0915\u094d\u0937\u0930 (ak\u1e63ara<\/em>)?<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
ka<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k\u0101<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ki<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ku<\/em><\/p>\r\nSimple Rule<\/h2>\r\n
\u092e\u093e = m\u0101<\/em>
\u0928\u093f = ni<\/em>
\u0938\u0941 = su<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n2. Building Nepali Syllable Blocks<\/h1>\r\n
\r\n \t
Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\n
ka<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k\u0101<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ki<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ku<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n3. The Built-in a<\/em> Sound<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
ka<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ma<\/em><\/p>\r\n
na<\/em><\/p>\r\n
sa<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ka \u2192 k\u0101<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ka \u2192 ki<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ka \u2192 ku<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\nSimple Rule<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n \t
4. What Is \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>)?<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
ka<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k\u0101<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ki<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k\u012b<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ku<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k\u016b<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k\u1e5b<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ke<\/em><\/p>\r\n
kai<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ko<\/em><\/p>\r\n
kau<\/em><\/p>\r\nSimple Rule<\/h2>\r\n
5. The \u0915 (ka<\/em>) Pattern<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
Learner Tip<\/h2>\r\n
ki<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k + i<\/em>
ki<\/em><\/p>\r\n6. Reading Order<\/h1>\r\n
\r\n \t
k\u0101<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ki<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ku<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ke<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ko<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\nSimple Rule<\/h2>\r\n
7. The \u0939\u0932\u0928\u094d\u0924 (halanta<\/em>)<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
ka<\/em><\/p>\r\n
k<\/em><\/p>\r\nSimple Rule<\/h2>\r\n
\u0915\u094d = k<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n8. Practising the Main \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>) Rows<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
9. \u0915-Series \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (ka-series b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>)<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
ka, kha, ga, gha, \u1e45a<\/em><\/p>\r\nTry It Now<\/h2>\r\n
ka, k\u0101, ki, k\u012b, ku, k\u016b, k\u1e5b, ke, kai, ko, kau<\/em><\/p>\r\n10. \u091a-Series \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (ca-series b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>)<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
ca, cha, ja, jha, \u00f1a<\/em><\/p>\r\nLearner Tip<\/h2>\r\n
ci<\/em><\/p>\r\n
chi<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ji<\/em><\/p>\r\n11. \u091f-Series \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (\u1e6da-series b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>)<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
\u1e6da, \u1e6dha, \u1e0da, \u1e0dha, \u1e47a<\/em><\/p>\r\nTry It Now<\/h2>\r\n
\u1e6da, \u1e6d\u0101, \u1e6di, \u1e6d\u012b, \u1e6du, \u1e6d\u016b, \u1e6d\u1e5b, \u1e6de, \u1e6dai, \u1e6do, \u1e6dau<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n12. \u0924-Series \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (ta-series b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>)<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
ta, tha, da, dha, na<\/em><\/p>\r\nLearner Tip<\/h2>\r\n
ta<\/em><\/p>\r\n
na<\/em><\/p>\r\n
da<\/em><\/p>\r\n13. \u092a-Series \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940 (pa-series b\u0101hrakhar\u012b<\/em>)<\/span><\/h1>\r\n
pa, pha, ba, bha, ma<\/em><\/p>\r\nTry It Now<\/h2>\r\n
ma, m\u0101, mi, m\u012b, mu, m\u016b, m\u1e5b, me, mai, mo, mau<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n14. \u092f, \u0930, \u0932, \u0935 \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940<\/h1>\r\n
ya, ra, la, wa<\/em><\/p>\r\nLearner Tip<\/h2>\r\n
ru<\/em><\/p>\r\n
r\u016b<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n15. \u0936, \u0937, \u0938, \u0939 \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940<\/h1>\r\n
\u015ba, \u1e63a, sa, ha<\/em><\/p>\r\n16. Common Conjuncts \u092c\u093e\u0939\u094d\u0930\u0916\u0930\u0940<\/h1>\r\n
k\u1e63a<\/em><\/p>\r\n
tra<\/em><\/p>\r\n
j\u00f1a \/ gya<\/em><\/p>\r\nLearner Tip<\/h2>\r\n
k\u1e63a<\/em><\/p>\r\n
tra<\/em><\/p>\r\n
j\u00f1a \/ gya<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n17. Try It Now<\/h1>\r\n
ka, k\u0101, ki, k\u012b, ku, k\u016b, k\u1e5b, ke, kai, ko, kau<\/em><\/p>\r\n
ma, m\u0101, mi, m\u012b, mu, m\u016b, m\u1e5b, me, mai, mo, mau<\/em><\/p>\r\n
na, n\u0101, ni, n\u012b, nu, n\u016b, n\u1e5b, ne, nai, no, nau<\/em><\/p>\r\nWatch and Practice<\/h2>\r\n