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{{Malayalam-Page-Top}}
{{Malayalam-Page-Top}}
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Malayalam|Malayalam]]  → [[Language/Malayalam/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Malayalam/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Basic Letters</div>


<div class="pg_page_title">Malayalam Grammar → Introduction to Malayalam Script → Basic Letters</div>
Welcome to the fascinating world of Malayalam! In this lesson, we will embark on an exciting journey to explore the '''14 basic letters''' of the Malayalam alphabet. These letters are the building blocks of the language, essential for forming words and sentences. Understanding these letters will not only help you read and write Malayalam but will also enhance your ability to communicate effectively.
 
Learning a new script can be daunting, especially for English speakers, but fear not! With a little practice and patience, you will find that mastering these letters is not only possible but also enjoyable. We will begin by introducing each letter, its pronunciation, and its corresponding English sounds. Following that, we will dive into exercises and examples to solidify your understanding. By the end of this lesson, you'll be well on your way to recognizing and writing these fundamental letters confidently.


__TOC__
__TOC__


As a Malayalam language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I am excited to introduce you to the Malayalam script, one of the most unique and beautiful scripts in the world. In this lesson, we will cover the basics of the Malayalam alphabet, including the 14 basic letters that form the foundation of the script.
=== The Importance of Basic Letters ===


Understanding the basic letters of Malayalam is crucial for several reasons:


<span link>Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: [[Language/Malayalam/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]] & [[Language/Malayalam/Grammar/Adjectives|Adjectives]].</span>
* '''Foundation for Reading and Writing''': These letters form the basis for constructing words, which are essential for reading and writing.
== Malayalam Alphabet ==
The Malayalam script is an abugida, which means that each letter represents both a consonant sound and a vowel sound. The Malayalam alphabet consists of 54 letters, including 14 basic letters, 41 consonant conjuncts, and several vowel markers.  


In this lesson, we will focus on the 14 basic letters that are used to form words in Malayalam. These letters are called സ്വരങ്ങൾ (svaraṅṅaḷ) in Malayalam.
* '''Communication Skills''': Knowing these letters improves your pronunciation and helps you communicate more effectively.


== Basic Letters ==
* '''Cultural Insight''': The script reflects the rich culture and heritage of Kerala, making your learning experience more enriching.
The 14 basic letters of the Malayalam alphabet are as follows:
 
=== Overview of the 14 Basic Letters ===
 
The 14 basic letters of the Malayalam alphabet are consonants, and they are as follows:
 
1. ക (ka)
 
2. ഖ (kha)
 
3. ഗ (ga)
 
4. ഘ (gha)
 
5. ങ (nga)
 
6. ച (cha)
 
7. ഛ (chha)
 
8. ജ (ja)
 
9. ഝ (jha)
 
10. ഞ (nya)
 
11. ട (ṭa)
 
12. ഠ (ṭha)
 
13. ഡ (ḍa)
 
14. ഢ (ḍha)
 
In this lesson, we will explore each letter in detail, including their sounds and examples. Let's dive in!
 
== Exploring Each Letter ==
 
=== Letter 1: ക (ka) ===
 
The first letter of the Malayalam alphabet is '''ക'''. It is pronounced as /kə/ in IPA.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Malayalam !!Pronunciation !!English Translation
 
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| ക || /kə/ || ka
 
|-
 
| കമൽ || /kəmaɭ/ || lotus
 
|-
|-
| അ || a || a
 
| കുക്കു || /kukku/ || cuckoo
 
|-
|-
| ആ || ā || aa
 
| കത്തി || /katti/ || knife
 
|}
 
* '''Usage''': The letter '''ക''' is often used at the beginning of words. For example, "കൃഷി" (krishi) means agriculture.
 
=== Letter 2: ഖ (kha) ===
 
Next, we have '''ഖ''', pronounced as /kʰa/.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| ഇ || i || i
 
| ഖ || /kʰa/ || kha
 
|-
|-
| ഈ || ī || ee
 
| ഖരാ || /kʰaɾa/ || bitter
 
|-
|-
| ഉ || u || u
 
| ഖഗൻ || /kʰaɡan/ || one who is strong
 
|-
|-
| ഊ || ū || oo
 
| ഖാണി || /kʰa:ni/ || a place to reside
 
|}
 
* '''Usage''': This letter typically appears in words that convey a sense of intensity or emphasis.
 
=== Letter 3: ഗ (ga) ===
 
The letter '''ഗ''' is pronounced as /ɡa/.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| ഋ || ṛ || ri
 
| ഗ || /ɡa/ || ga
 
|-
|-
| എ || e || e
 
| ഗന്ധം || /ɡaŋdʰam/ || fragrance
 
|-
|-
| ഏ || ē || ee
 
| ഗജൻ || /ɡaʤan/ || elephant
 
|-
|-
| ഐ || ai || ai
 
| ഗതി || /ɡati/ || direction
 
|}
 
* '''Usage''': '''ഗ''' is frequently found in words related to nature and animals.
 
=== Letter 4: ഘ (gha) ===
 
Next, we have '''ഘ''', pronounced as /ɡʰa/.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| ഒ || o || o
 
| ഘ || /ɡʰa/ || gha
 
|-
|-
| ഓ || ō || oo
 
| ഘടകം || /ɡʰaṭakaɱ/ || component
 
|-
|-
| ഔ || au || au
 
| ഘനം || /ɡʰanaɱ/ || density
 
|-
|-
| അം || aṁ || um (nasal sound)
 
| ഘോഷം || /ɡʰoʃaɱ/ || sound
 
|}
|}


As you can see, the basic letters of the Malayalam alphabet are a combination of vowels and consonants. Some of the letters have unique sounds, such as ഋ (ṛi), which is a retroflex vowel, and അം (aṁ), which is a nasal sound that is pronounced with an "m" sound.
* '''Usage''': This letter often appears in technical or scientific terms.
 
=== Letter 5: ങ (nga) ===
 
The letter '''ങ''' is pronounced as /ŋa/.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| ങ || /ŋa/ || nga
 
|-
 
| ങ്ങലു || /ŋŋalu/ || a type of fish


It is important to note that each letter can be written in different ways depending on its position in the word. This is an essential aspect of the Malayalam script and we will cover it in more detail in later lessons.
|-


== Writing the Letters ==
| ങ്കം || /ŋkaɱ/ || a particular kind
Practice writing the Malayalam letters by downloading a Malayalam font or by using an online Malayalam keyboard. You can also use a pen and paper to physically write the letters.


Remember to practice both the printed and cursive forms of the letters. This will help you recognize the letters when you see them in different fonts and handwriting styles.
|-


== Conclusion ==
| ങ്ഗം || /ŋɡaɱ/ || sound
Congratulations! You have learned the basics of the Malayalam script and are one step closer to achieving proficiency in the language. In the next lesson, we will cover the conjunct consonants that are used to form more complex words in Malayalam. Keep practicing and see you in the next lesson!


|}
* '''Usage''': '''ങ''' is commonly used in words referring to sounds or specific identifiers.
=== Letter 6: ച (cha) ===
Next is '''ച''', pronounced as /tʃa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ച || /tʃa/ || cha
|-
| ചന്ദനം || /tʃandanaɱ/ || sandalwood
|-
| ചക്ക || /tʃakka/ || jackfruit
|-
| ചിന്തി || /tʃinthi/ || thought
|}
* '''Usage''': This letter often appears in words related to nature and traditional items.
=== Letter 7: ഛ (chha) ===
The letter '''ഛ''' is pronounced as /tʃʰa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ഛ || /tʃʰa/ || chha
|-
| ഛായ || /tʃʰa:ja/ || shadow
|-
| ഛാക്കു || /tʃʰaːkku/ || to crack
|-
| ഛിരി || /tʃʰiri/ || smile
|}
* '''Usage''': This letter is often used in expressive terms or adjectives.
=== Letter 8: ജ (ja) ===
Next, we have '''ജ''', pronounced as /dʒa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ജ || /dʒa/ || ja
|-
| ജലം || /dʒaɭaɱ/ || water
|-
| ജയി || /dʒayi/ || winner
|-
| ജാതി || /dʒa:ti/ || caste
|}
* '''Usage''': The letter '''ജ''' appears in various contexts, including geography and social terms.
=== Letter 9: ഝ (jha) ===
The letter '''ഝ''' is pronounced as /dʒʰa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ഝ || /dʒʰa/ || jha
|-
| ഝാക്കാൻ || /dʒʰaːkɨn/ || to glow
|-
| ഝരിയ || /dʒʰaɾiya/ || to drip
|-
| ഝലകം || /dʒʰalakaɱ/ || shine
|}
* '''Usage''': Generally found in words that convey brightness or luminosity.
=== Letter 10: ഞ (nya) ===
The letter '''ഞ''' is pronounced as /ɲa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ഞ || /ɲa/ || nya
|-
| ഞായർ || /ɲa:jaɾ/ || Sunday
|-
| ഞൊടിയൻ || /ɲoʈi̯jaɳ/ || moment
|-
| ഞായർ || /ɲa:jaɾ/ || Sunday
|}
* '''Usage''': This letter often appears in terms related to days and time.
=== Letter 11: ട (ṭa) ===
The letter '''ട''' is pronounced as /ʈa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ട || /ʈa/ || ṭa
|-
| ടക്കാരൻ || /ʈaɡaːɾaɳ/ || a person involved in an activity
|-
| ടമാൽ || /ʈaːmaɭ/ || a type of sweet
|-
| ടവിൽ || /ʈaʋil/ || in the field
|}
* '''Usage''': Commonly found in words that represent people or roles.
=== Letter 12: ഠ (ṭha) ===
The letter '''ഠ''' is pronounced as /ʈʰa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ഠ || /ʈʰa/ || ṭha
|-
| ഠാക്കൻ || /ʈʰaːkɨn/ || to make
|-
| ഠർമ്മം || /ʈʰaɾmaɱ/ || duty
|-
| ഠോലൻ || /ʈʰoːlan/ || to roll
|}
* '''Usage''': Frequently appears in words that denote actions or responsibilities.
=== Letter 13: ഡ (ḍa) ===
The letter '''ഡ''' is pronounced as /ɖa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ഡ || /ɖa/ || ḍa
|-
| ഡമർ || /ɖaɳaɾ/ || dull
|-
| ഡമ്പു || /ɖaːmba/ || a type of sweet
|-
| ഡപ്പൻ || /ɖaːpaɳ/ || a type of instrument
|}
* '''Usage''': This letter is often found in culinary terms or descriptions of tastes.
=== Letter 14: ഢ (ḍha) ===
Finally, we have '''ഢ''', pronounced as /ɖʰa/.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ഢ || /ɖʰa/ || ḍha
|-
| ഢർമ്മം || /ɖʰaɾmaɱ/ || righteousness
|-
| ഢാക്കൻ || /ɖʰaːkɨn/ || to discuss
|-
| ഢനും || /ɖʰaːnɨ/ || and so on
|}
* '''Usage''': Commonly found in philosophical terms and discussions.
== Practice Exercises ==
Now that you've learned about the 14 basic letters, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Here are some practice exercises for you to complete.
=== Exercise 1: Letter Identification ===
Match the Malayalam letters with their English pronunciations.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! Pronunciation
|-
| ക || 1. kha
|-
| ഖ || 2. ka
|-
| ഗ || 3. ga
|-
| ഘ || 4. gha
|-
| ങ || 5. nga
|}
* '''Solution''':
1. ക - 2
2. ഖ - 1
3. ഗ - 3
4. ഘ - 4
5. ങ - 5
=== Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks ===
Fill in the blanks with the correct Malayalam letters.
1. _____ (ka) is the first letter.
2. _____ (cha) is used in 'ചന്തം' (chandham).
3. _____ (ga) is found in 'ഗം' (gam).
* '''Solution''':
1. ക
2. ച
3. ഗ
=== Exercise 3: Word Formation ===
Create a word using the given letters: ക, ങ, and ഛ.
* '''Solution''': One possible word is "കാഞ്ചി" (kān̄chi) which means "a type of cup."
=== Exercise 4: Letter Sounds ===
Listen to the pronunciation of each letter and write them down.
* '''Solution''': You can use an audio resource to practice writing the sounds of each letter.
=== Exercise 5: Matching Words ===
Match the Malayalam words with their English meanings.
{| class="wikitable"
! Malayalam !! English
|-
| കമൽ || 1. elephant
|-
| ഗന്ധം || 2. fragrance
|-
| ജലം || 3. water
|-
| ചന്ദനം || 4. sandalwood
|}
* '''Solution''':
1. കമൽ - 1
2. ഗന്ധം - 2
3. ജലം - 3
4. ചന്ദനം - 4
=== Exercise 6: Pronunciation Practice ===
Practice pronouncing the letters and words provided in this lesson.
* '''Solution''': Repeat each letter and word after listening to a native speaker.
=== Exercise 7: Sentence Creation ===
Use at least three letters learned in this lesson to create a sentence.
* '''Solution''': "കമൽ ഒരു ഗന്ധം ഉണ്ട്" (Kaamal oru gandham undu) means "The lotus has a fragrance."
=== Exercise 8: Write in Malayalam ===
Write the following English words in Malayalam: "water," "sandalwood," "elephant."
* '''Solution''':
1. water - ജലം
2. sandalwood - ചന്ദനം
3. elephant - ഗജൻ
=== Exercise 9: Identify the Letter ===
Look at the following word and identify the letters used: "കൃഷി" (krishi).
* '''Solution''': The letters used are ക, ഋ, and ശ.
=== Exercise 10: Create a Flashcard ===
Create a flashcard for one of the letters learned in this lesson and include its pronunciation and an example word.
* '''Solution''': For the letter '''ക''', the flashcard should include:
* Letter: ക
* Pronunciation: /kə/
* Example Word: കമൽ (kamal) - lotus
Congratulations on completing this lesson on the basic letters of Malayalam! Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep revisiting these letters until they become second nature. Happy learning!


<span link>Impressive work on finishing this lesson! Explore these additional pages to enhance your understanding: [[Language/Malayalam/Grammar/Direct-and-Indirect-Speech|Direct and Indirect Speech]] & [[Language/Malayalam/Grammar/Plurals|Plurals]].</span>
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Malayalam Grammar: Introduction to Malayalam Script: Basic Letters
 
|keywords=Malayalam language, Malayalam alphabet, Malayalam letters, basic Malayalam, Malayalam conjugation, Malayalam vowels, Malayalam consonants
|title=Malayalam Grammar Basics: Learn Letters
|description=In this lesson, you will learn the 14 basic letters of the Malayalam alphabet and how to write and pronounce them.
 
|keywords=Malayalam, basic letters, learn Malayalam, Malayalam alphabet, language learning
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about the 14 basic letters of the Malayalam alphabet, including pronunciation and examples. Engage with exercises to solidify your understanding.
 
}}
}}


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==Sources==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalam Malayalam - Wikipedia]
* [https://elikutty.com/everything-you-need-to-learn-malayalam/ Everything you need to learn Malayalam - Elikutty]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suriyani_Malayalam Suriyani Malayalam - Wikipedia]


==Other Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
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* [[Language/Malayalam/Grammar/Conditional-Sentences|Conditional Sentences]]
* [[Language/Malayalam/Grammar/Conditional-Sentences|Conditional Sentences]]


<span class='maj'></span>
 
==Sources==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalam Malayalam - Wikipedia]
* [https://elikutty.com/everything-you-need-to-learn-malayalam/ Everything you need to learn Malayalam - Elikutty]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suriyani_Malayalam Suriyani Malayalam - Wikipedia]


{{Malayalam-Page-Bottom}}
{{Malayalam-Page-Bottom}}
<span links></span>
 
<span pgnav>
{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
 
|[[Language/Malayalam/Grammar/Conjunct-Consonants|Next Lesson — Conjunct Consonants ▶️]]
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Latest revision as of 11:49, 1 August 2024

Next Lesson — Conjunct Consonants ▶️

Malayalam-Language-PolyglotClub calligraphy.jpg
Malayalam → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Basic Letters

Welcome to the fascinating world of Malayalam! In this lesson, we will embark on an exciting journey to explore the 14 basic letters of the Malayalam alphabet. These letters are the building blocks of the language, essential for forming words and sentences. Understanding these letters will not only help you read and write Malayalam but will also enhance your ability to communicate effectively.

Learning a new script can be daunting, especially for English speakers, but fear not! With a little practice and patience, you will find that mastering these letters is not only possible but also enjoyable. We will begin by introducing each letter, its pronunciation, and its corresponding English sounds. Following that, we will dive into exercises and examples to solidify your understanding. By the end of this lesson, you'll be well on your way to recognizing and writing these fundamental letters confidently.

The Importance of Basic Letters[edit | edit source]

Understanding the basic letters of Malayalam is crucial for several reasons:

  • Foundation for Reading and Writing: These letters form the basis for constructing words, which are essential for reading and writing.
  • Communication Skills: Knowing these letters improves your pronunciation and helps you communicate more effectively.
  • Cultural Insight: The script reflects the rich culture and heritage of Kerala, making your learning experience more enriching.

Overview of the 14 Basic Letters[edit | edit source]

The 14 basic letters of the Malayalam alphabet are consonants, and they are as follows:

1. ക (ka)

2. ഖ (kha)

3. ഗ (ga)

4. ഘ (gha)

5. ങ (nga)

6. ച (cha)

7. ഛ (chha)

8. ജ (ja)

9. ഝ (jha)

10. ഞ (nya)

11. ട (ṭa)

12. ഠ (ṭha)

13. ഡ (ḍa)

14. ഢ (ḍha)

In this lesson, we will explore each letter in detail, including their sounds and examples. Let's dive in!

Exploring Each Letter[edit | edit source]

Letter 1: ക (ka)[edit | edit source]

The first letter of the Malayalam alphabet is ക. It is pronounced as /kə/ in IPA.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ക /kə/ ka
കമൽ /kəmaɭ/ lotus
കുക്കു /kukku/ cuckoo
കത്തി /katti/ knife
  • Usage: The letter ക is often used at the beginning of words. For example, "കൃഷി" (krishi) means agriculture.

Letter 2: ഖ (kha)[edit | edit source]

Next, we have ഖ, pronounced as /kʰa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഖ /kʰa/ kha
ഖരാ /kʰaɾa/ bitter
ഖഗൻ /kʰaɡan/ one who is strong
ഖാണി /kʰa:ni/ a place to reside
  • Usage: This letter typically appears in words that convey a sense of intensity or emphasis.

Letter 3: ഗ (ga)[edit | edit source]

The letter ഗ is pronounced as /ɡa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഗ /ɡa/ ga
ഗന്ധം /ɡaŋdʰam/ fragrance
ഗജൻ /ɡaʤan/ elephant
ഗതി /ɡati/ direction
  • Usage: ഗ is frequently found in words related to nature and animals.

Letter 4: ഘ (gha)[edit | edit source]

Next, we have ഘ, pronounced as /ɡʰa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഘ /ɡʰa/ gha
ഘടകം /ɡʰaṭakaɱ/ component
ഘനം /ɡʰanaɱ/ density
ഘോഷം /ɡʰoʃaɱ/ sound
  • Usage: This letter often appears in technical or scientific terms.

Letter 5: ങ (nga)[edit | edit source]

The letter ങ is pronounced as /ŋa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ങ /ŋa/ nga
ങ്ങലു /ŋŋalu/ a type of fish
ങ്കം /ŋkaɱ/ a particular kind
ങ്ഗം /ŋɡaɱ/ sound
  • Usage: ങ is commonly used in words referring to sounds or specific identifiers.

Letter 6: ച (cha)[edit | edit source]

Next is ച, pronounced as /tʃa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ച /tʃa/ cha
ചന്ദനം /tʃandanaɱ/ sandalwood
ചക്ക /tʃakka/ jackfruit
ചിന്തി /tʃinthi/ thought
  • Usage: This letter often appears in words related to nature and traditional items.

Letter 7: ഛ (chha)[edit | edit source]

The letter ഛ is pronounced as /tʃʰa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഛ /tʃʰa/ chha
ഛായ /tʃʰa:ja/ shadow
ഛാക്കു /tʃʰaːkku/ to crack
ഛിരി /tʃʰiri/ smile
  • Usage: This letter is often used in expressive terms or adjectives.

Letter 8: ജ (ja)[edit | edit source]

Next, we have ജ, pronounced as /dʒa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ജ /dʒa/ ja
ജലം /dʒaɭaɱ/ water
ജയി /dʒayi/ winner
ജാതി /dʒa:ti/ caste
  • Usage: The letter ജ appears in various contexts, including geography and social terms.

Letter 9: ഝ (jha)[edit | edit source]

The letter ഝ is pronounced as /dʒʰa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഝ /dʒʰa/ jha
ഝാക്കാൻ /dʒʰaːkɨn/ to glow
ഝരിയ /dʒʰaɾiya/ to drip
ഝലകം /dʒʰalakaɱ/ shine
  • Usage: Generally found in words that convey brightness or luminosity.

Letter 10: ഞ (nya)[edit | edit source]

The letter ഞ is pronounced as /ɲa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഞ /ɲa/ nya
ഞായർ /ɲa:jaɾ/ Sunday
ഞൊടിയൻ /ɲoʈi̯jaɳ/ moment
ഞായർ /ɲa:jaɾ/ Sunday
  • Usage: This letter often appears in terms related to days and time.

Letter 11: ട (ṭa)[edit | edit source]

The letter ട is pronounced as /ʈa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ട /ʈa/ ṭa
ടക്കാരൻ /ʈaɡaːɾaɳ/ a person involved in an activity
ടമാൽ /ʈaːmaɭ/ a type of sweet
ടവിൽ /ʈaʋil/ in the field
  • Usage: Commonly found in words that represent people or roles.

Letter 12: ഠ (ṭha)[edit | edit source]

The letter ഠ is pronounced as /ʈʰa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഠ /ʈʰa/ ṭha
ഠാക്കൻ /ʈʰaːkɨn/ to make
ഠർമ്മം /ʈʰaɾmaɱ/ duty
ഠോലൻ /ʈʰoːlan/ to roll
  • Usage: Frequently appears in words that denote actions or responsibilities.

Letter 13: ഡ (ḍa)[edit | edit source]

The letter ഡ is pronounced as /ɖa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഡ /ɖa/ ḍa
ഡമർ /ɖaɳaɾ/ dull
ഡമ്പു /ɖaːmba/ a type of sweet
ഡപ്പൻ /ɖaːpaɳ/ a type of instrument
  • Usage: This letter is often found in culinary terms or descriptions of tastes.

Letter 14: ഢ (ḍha)[edit | edit source]

Finally, we have ഢ, pronounced as /ɖʰa/.

Malayalam Pronunciation English
ഢ /ɖʰa/ ḍha
ഢർമ്മം /ɖʰaɾmaɱ/ righteousness
ഢാക്കൻ /ɖʰaːkɨn/ to discuss
ഢനും /ɖʰaːnɨ/ and so on
  • Usage: Commonly found in philosophical terms and discussions.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that you've learned about the 14 basic letters, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Here are some practice exercises for you to complete.

Exercise 1: Letter Identification[edit | edit source]

Match the Malayalam letters with their English pronunciations.

Malayalam Pronunciation
ക 1. kha
ഖ 2. ka
ഗ 3. ga
ഘ 4. gha
ങ 5. nga
  • Solution:

1. ക - 2

2. ഖ - 1

3. ഗ - 3

4. ഘ - 4

5. ങ - 5

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct Malayalam letters.

1. _____ (ka) is the first letter.

2. _____ (cha) is used in 'ചന്തം' (chandham).

3. _____ (ga) is found in 'ഗം' (gam).

  • Solution:

1. ക

2. ച

3. ഗ

Exercise 3: Word Formation[edit | edit source]

Create a word using the given letters: ക, ങ, and ഛ.

  • Solution: One possible word is "കാഞ്ചി" (kān̄chi) which means "a type of cup."

Exercise 4: Letter Sounds[edit | edit source]

Listen to the pronunciation of each letter and write them down.

  • Solution: You can use an audio resource to practice writing the sounds of each letter.

Exercise 5: Matching Words[edit | edit source]

Match the Malayalam words with their English meanings.

Malayalam English
കമൽ 1. elephant
ഗന്ധം 2. fragrance
ജലം 3. water
ചന്ദനം 4. sandalwood
  • Solution:

1. കമൽ - 1

2. ഗന്ധം - 2

3. ജലം - 3

4. ചന്ദനം - 4

Exercise 6: Pronunciation Practice[edit | edit source]

Practice pronouncing the letters and words provided in this lesson.

  • Solution: Repeat each letter and word after listening to a native speaker.

Exercise 7: Sentence Creation[edit | edit source]

Use at least three letters learned in this lesson to create a sentence.

  • Solution: "കമൽ ഒരു ഗന്ധം ഉണ്ട്" (Kaamal oru gandham undu) means "The lotus has a fragrance."

Exercise 8: Write in Malayalam[edit | edit source]

Write the following English words in Malayalam: "water," "sandalwood," "elephant."

  • Solution:

1. water - ജലം

2. sandalwood - ചന്ദനം

3. elephant - ഗജൻ

Exercise 9: Identify the Letter[edit | edit source]

Look at the following word and identify the letters used: "കൃഷി" (krishi).

  • Solution: The letters used are ക, ഋ, and ശ.

Exercise 10: Create a Flashcard[edit | edit source]

Create a flashcard for one of the letters learned in this lesson and include its pronunciation and an example word.

  • Solution: For the letter ക, the flashcard should include:
  • Letter: ക
  • Pronunciation: /kə/
  • Example Word: കമൽ (kamal) - lotus

Congratulations on completing this lesson on the basic letters of Malayalam! Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep revisiting these letters until they become second nature. Happy learning!

Table of Contents - Malayalam Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Introduction to Malayalam Script


Everyday Phrases


Basic Sentence Structure


Family and Relationships


Kerala Culture and Traditions


Future and Past Tenses


Travel and Accommodation


Malayalam Cinema and Literature


Advanced Sentence Structures


Technology and Social Media

Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



Next Lesson — Conjunct Consonants ▶️

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