Consonants

I:ii  VELARS

(Remember to use the audio resources for an accurate representation of the sounds)

ਕ ਖ ਗ ਘ

These sounds are in the second line of the alphabet.  They are called “Velars”.

ਕ = soft k as in skip, but do not release your breath as hard.  (Remember, you should not feel any breath on your hand when pronouncing this sound.  Think of it as a sound that is pronounced as you draw your breath “inwards.”)

ਖ = khu  (pronounce the k sound, but with a harsher release of breath.  Remember, when pronouncing the aspirated form of the partnered pair, you should feel a puff of air on your hand in front of your mouth.  Think of it as a sound that is pronounced as you push your breath “outwards”.)

ਗ = gu.

ਘ = ghu

*tonal sound. The pronunciation differs depending upon whether it’s at the beginning (k) or end of the word (g).