Lessons · Hindi · lesson 5 of 5

Hindi InScript: conjuncts and the number row

Conjunct letters, where two consonants join, are what make Hindi typing look difficult. On InScript they follow one rule, and the common ones also have a key of their own.

The one rule: halant in the middle

To join two consonants, type the first, then the halant ् on D, then the second. The computer draws the joined form.

So अच्छा is अ, च, ्, छ, ा. And हिन्दी, in its older spelling, is ह, ि, न, ्, द, ी.

The two forms of र

The letter र joins in two ways, and the rule above covers both.

• र after a consonant, as in प्र, क्र, ग्र: type the consonant, halant, र. So प्रेम is प, ्, र, े, म.
• र before a consonant, the hook on top called reph, as in कर्म, धर्म: type र, halant, then the consonant. So कर्म is क, र, ्, म.

In both cases you type in the order you speak. In कर्म you say र before म, so र comes first, although the hook is drawn above म.

Ready-made keys on the number row

With Shift, the number keys type the most common conjuncts in one press. These are shortcuts: each gives the same result as typing the letters with the halant.

So क्रम can be typed as क, Shift 3, म. And कर्म as क, Shift 4, म. Without Shift the number keys type the ordinary digits 1 to 0.

Two more keys on this row

• The key = types the matra ृ, as in कृपा and गृह. With Shift it types the vowel ऋ, as in ऋण and ऋतु.
• Shift and - types the visarga ः, as in दुःख and प्रायः.

Drill

Which way should you type conjuncts?

Use whichever is faster for you, and be consistent. Many typists use the ready-made keys for क्ष, त्र, ज्ञ and श्र, because those four are common and awkward by hand, and type every other conjunct with the halant. The result in the document is identical, and the practice tool here accepts both.

You have finished the Hindi lessons

You now know the whole InScript layout used in ordinary Hindi. Take the Hindi typing test, look at the words you got wrong, and return to the lesson that covers those keys. A few letters used mostly in other languages or in Sanskrit texts sit on a third level of the keyboard, reached with the right Alt key. You can ignore them until you need them.

This is an independent practice site. It is not connected with any examination body, keyboard maker or software company. A typing speed measured here is for your own practice. It is not a certificate, and an examination may measure speed in its own way.