Language/Telugu/Grammar/Vowel-Signs

Telugu → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Introduction to Telugu Script → Vowel Signs

As a Telugu language teacher with 20 years of experience, I am excited to teach you about vowel signs in Telugu script. Vowel signs are added to consonants to create syllables, and proper usage and pronunciation are crucial for effective communication. In this lesson, we will cover the basics of Telugu vowel signs, including pronunciation and usage.

After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Give your Opinion & Adjectives.

What are Vowel Signs?

Vowel signs, also known as "matra," are symbols that are added to consonants to create syllables. In Telugu script, there are fourteen vowel signs that are used to supplement the thirty-three consonants. Each symbol represents a specific vowel sound and modifies the sound of the consonant it is added to.

Here is a list of the fourteen vowel signs in Telugu script:

Telugu	Pronunciation	English
అ	a	short "a" as in "cat"
ఆ	aa	long "a" as in "car"
ఇ	i	short "i" as in "bit"
ఈ	ii	long "i" as in "bee"
ఉ	u	short "u" as in "put"
ఊ	uu	long "u" as in "moon"
ఋ	ri	trilled "r"
ఎ	e	short "e" as in "pet"
ఏ	ee	long "e" as in "meet"
ఐ	ai	"ai" sound as in "air"
ఒ	o	short "o" as in "cot"
ఓ	oo	long "o" as in "boat"
ఔ	au	"au" sound as in "out"
అం	am	nasal "a" sound as in "calm"

How to Use Vowel Signs

Vowel signs are added to the right side of consonants, which are stacked on top of each other to form syllables. The vowel sound comes after the consonant sound, giving the syllable a distinct sound.

For example, let's take the Telugu consonant "ka." By itself, it sounds like "k." However, if we add a vowel sign to it, it takes on a different sound. If we add the vowel sign "a" to "ka," it sounds like "ka" as in "cat." If we add the vowel sign "i," it sounds like "ki" as in "kit." By adding different vowel signs to the consonant "ka," we can create different syllables with distinct sounds.

Here are a few examples of Telugu syllables created using vowel signs:

Telugu	Pronunciation	English
క	ka	"ka" as in "cat"
కి	ki	"ki" as in "kit"
కా	kaa	"kaa" as in "car"
కీ	kee	"kee" as in "keen"
కు	ku	"ku" as in "put"
కూ	kuu	"kuu" as in "moon"

Common Words Using Vowel Signs

Vowel signs are essential in creating the correct pronunciation of Telugu words. Here are a few common Telugu words that use vowel signs:

• అమ్మ (amma) - mother
• తీసు (teesu) - make
• భీష్మ (beeshma) - a mythological character from Mahabharata
• కంటికి (kantiki) - for a thorn
• మూసి (moosi) - to wipe

Practice these words and try applying correct vowel pronunciation to each consonant.

Tips for Proper Pronunciation

Proper pronunciation is crucial when learning a new language, and Telugu is no exception. Here are some tips to help you with your Telugu pronunciation:

• Listen to native speakers and pay attention to the way they pronounce words.
• Practice regularly and read aloud to help you acquire the correct pronunciation.
• Focus on the vowel sounds, which form the bulk of most Telugu words.
• Do not force your pronunciation or over-emphasize consonants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding vowel signs is an essential part of learning Telugu script. Vowel signs are added to consonants to create syllables with distinct sounds, and proper usage is crucial for effective communication in Telugu. Take your time and practice regularly, and you will see significant progress in your Telugu pronunciation.

Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: Adverbs & Pronouns.

Table of Contents - Telugu Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Telugu Script

• Telugu Alphabet
• Vowel Signs

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Basic Vocabulary

• Greetings and Introductions
• Numbers and Colors
• Days of the Week and Months

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Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject, Object, and Verb
• Question Formation

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Everyday Vocabulary

• Family and Relationships
• Food and Drink
• Travel and Transportation

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Gender and Number
• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

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Hobbies and Activities

• Sports and Exercise
• Entertainment and Media
• Arts and Crafts

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

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Telugu Culture and Traditions

• Festivals and Celebrations
• Food and Cuisine
• Arts and Entertainment

Other Lessons

• Pronouns
• Gender
• Present Tense
• Tenses
• How to Use Be
• Nouns
• Prepositions
• Subject, Object, and Verb
• Nouns and Pronouns
• Basic Sentence Structure

Sources

• Telugu language - Wikipedia
• Telugu/Alphabet - Wikibooks, open books for an open world
• Proposal for a Telugu Script Root Zone Label Generation Ruleset ...