Lessons · Hindi · lesson 4 of 5

Hindi InScript: Shift letters and vowels

Every key you have learnt types a second letter with Shift. The pairs are logical, so there is little new to memorise.

Shift on the left hand: full vowels

Each matra key gives its full vowel with Shift. A full vowel is used when the vowel stands alone or begins a word, as in आम or इधर.

These are all left hand keys, so hold the right Shift with the right little finger.

Shift on the right hand: aspirated consonants

Each consonant key gives its aspirated partner, the same sound with a breath.

For the right hand keys hold the left Shift. The last few rows of the table are not aspirated pairs, but they are placed sensibly: श shares a key with स, and ण sits with म.

The chandrabindu

Shift and X types the chandrabindu ँ, used in words such as माँ, चाँद and गाँव. Like the anusvara, it is typed after the letter and its matra: म, ा, ँ.

Drill

Keep Shift under control

The Shift rule from English typing applies fully here: opposite hand, and "down, tap, up". Hindi uses Shift more often than English does, since every aspirated consonant needs it. So the little fingers work harder. If a letter comes out as its plain partner, ख as क for instance, you released Shift too early.

Reading the word before typing

With Shift letters added, one small slip changes the word. कल and खल, बात and भात, are different words. Read each word fully, then type it. In the drill, go slowly on the fourth line, which mixes Shift letters, matras and the nukta.

The last Hindi lesson covers the number row: ready-made conjuncts such as क्ष, त्र and ज्ञ, the ऋ matra and the visarga.

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.