TypingHindi InScript: the top row
The top row adds the most used matra in Hindi, ा, along with ी and ू, and six common consonants. With the home row and this row together you can type a large share of everyday Hindi words.
The keys
little finger ring middle index (left hand: keys on the left half; right hand: the right half; thumbs: space bar)
Small grey letter: the key's English label. Large: what it types. Top corner: with Shift.
| English key | Types | Finger |
|---|---|---|
| Q | ौ | Left little |
| W | ै | Left ring |
| E | ा | Left middle |
| R | ी | Left index |
| T | ू | Left index, reaching right |
| Y | ब | Right index, reaching left |
| U | ह | Right index |
| I | ग | Right middle |
| O | द | Right ring |
| P | ज | Right little |
| [ | ड | Right little, reaching right |
| ] | ़ (nukta) | Right little, reaching further |
The fingers reach up exactly as they do for the English top row. The pattern from the home row continues: matras on the left, consonants on the right.
Short and long matras sit together
Notice how the layout pairs the short and long forms. The left index finger types ि on the home row and ी directly above it. It types ु on the home row and ू above. The left little finger has ो at home and ौ above, and the ring finger has े at home and ै above. If you remember the home row, the top row follows.
The nukta
The key ] types the nukta, the dot below a letter. It is typed after the consonant. For ड़, type ड and then ़. For ज़, type ज and then ़. The dot makes a different sound, so बड़ा and बडा are not the same spelling. Many Hindi words use ड़ and ढ़, so this far key earns its place.
Drill
का की कू कै कौ दा दी दू जा जी
बात हाथ दाद जाग डाक राजा तारा
गीत दीप जीत बीज हीरा पीता टीका
दूर बूट जूता बहू हरा कार काका
पैर बैठक कौर दौड़ पहाड़ बड़ा
बाहर गरीब जहाज किताब दरबार
राजा की किताब पर एक गीत
दादी बाहर बैठी, पापा कार पर
The seventh line has the word एक, which starts with the full vowel ए. That is Shift and S, taught in the Shift lesson. Try it now: hold the right Shift and press S.
The vowel ा changes everything
In English typing the most used letter is e. In Hindi typing the most used key is probably E too, because it types ा. Make sure the left middle finger reaches up for it and comes straight back to the halant key. The pair क then ा, right hand then left, should become one smooth roll.
Common trouble on this row
- ी typed for ि. Both belong to the left index finger. ि is at home, ी is up. Practise कि की कि की.
- ब and ह swapped. Both are typed by the right index finger. ह is straight up from र. ब is up and to the left.
- Forgetting the nukta. Read the word before typing it. ड़ always needs the second key.
Next comes the bottom row, with म, न, ल, स and the anusvara.
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.