In previous chapters, we have learned pronunciation of the Marathi alphabet. In this lesson let’s learn combining consonants in Marathi.
Like in any language, two or more consonants can be combined and pronounced together in Marathi.
e.g. In the English word “fact” consonants “c” and “t” and pronounced together
In the English word “Alp” consonants “l” and “p” and pronounced together
In the English word “plethora” consonants “p” and “l” and pronounced together
In English, we just write consonants one after another and by to indicate their combination. But in Marathi, we do not just write symbols one after another. There is little change done in the symbol of the first consonant which is to be pronounced half. So the consonant symbol is also written half. So it is important to learn Marathi writing system for such combined sounds.
Half symbol(s) + full symbol is called जोडाक्षर (joDAkShar)
For each symbol it’s corresponding “half” is predefined. I have grouped consonants depending on their logic to create “half” symbol
Group 1) For those symbol having vertical in them. Their half-symbol is created by omitting vertical line
| Full Symbol | Half symbol | Example combining व (v) to half symbol |
|---|---|---|
| ख(kh) | ख् | ख्व |
| ग(g) | ग् | ग्व |
| घ(gh) | घ् | घ्व |
| च(ch) | च् | च्व |
| ज(j) | ज् | ज्व |
| झ(jh) | झ् | झ्व |
| ण(N) | ण् | ण्व |
| त(t) | त् | त्व |
| थ(th) | थ् | थ्व |
| ब(b) | ब् | ब्व |
| भ(bh) | भ् | भ्व |
| म(m) | म् | म्व |
| य(y) | य् | य्व |
| ल(l) | ल् | ल्व |
| व(v) | व् | व्व |
| श(sh) | श् | श्व |
| ष(Sh) | ष् | ष्व |
| स(s) | स् | स्व |
| क्ष(kSh) | क्ष् | क्ष्व |
| ज्ञ(dny) | ज्ञ् | ज्ञ्वम्व |
Group 2) Half sound is denoted by giving slanting line below consonant
| Full Symbol | Half symbol | Example combining व (v) to half symbol |
|---|---|---|
| ट(T) | ट् | ट्व |
| ठ(Th) | ठ् | ठ्व |
| ड(D) | ड् | ड्व |
| ढ(Dh) | ढ् | ढ्व |
| छ(Ch) | छ् | छ्व |
| त(t) | त् | त्व |
Group 3) symbol ळ(L)
The small vertical line in ळ is removed to make half-symbol
ळ्
Examples:
ळ्क
ळ्ब
ळ्व
Group 4) Symbol क(k)
The right side curve is written half and connected together with the next symbol
क्
Examples:
क्व
क्प
क्ल
क्न
Group 5) Irregular or multiple half-symbols depending on other consonant
र(r) and ह(h) have irregular or multiple half-symbols depending on another consonant.
We will learn them separately in the next chapter:
