The Gurmukhi vowel symbol “Aunkar” (ੁ) represents the short “u” sound, as in the word “put.” It is an essential matra (vowel symbol) in Punjabi, helping to form words with a concise vowel sound. Understanding Aunkar is crucial for reading, writing, and pronouncing Punjabi words accurately.
What is Aunkar?
Aunkar (ੁ) is a matra added beneath a consonant to modify its inherent vowel sound to a short “u.” For example:
- ਕ + ੁ = ਕੁ (Ka + Aunkar = Ku)
- ਗ + ੁ = ਗੁ (Ga + Aunkar = Gu)
- ਪ + ੁ = ਪੁ (Pa + Aunkar = Pu)
Practice Words with Aunkar
Here is a list of commonly used Punjabi words featuring Aunkar. Practice these words to familiarize yourself with its usage.First try to guess the pronunciation and later look at the solution below.
| Punjabi Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ਕੁਝ | Something |
| ਗੁਣ | Quality |
| ਸੁਖ | Happiness |
| ਪੁੱਤਰ | Son |
| ਮੁਲਕ | Country |
| ਦੁੱਖ | Pain |
| ਸੁਨ | Listen |
| ਗੁਰੁ | Teacher/Master |
| ਕੁਮਲ | Wilted |
| ਪੁਲ | Bridge |
| Punjabi Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ਕੁਝ | Kujh | Something |
| ਗੁਣ | Gun | Quality |
| ਸੁਖ | Sukh | Happiness |
| ਪੁੱਤਰ | Puttar | Son |
| ਮੁਲਕ | Mulak | Country |
| ਦੁੱਖ | Dukh | Pain |
| ਸੁਨ | Sun | Listen |
| ਗੁਰੁ | Guru | Teacher/Master |
| ਕੁਮਲ | Kumal | Wilted |
| ਪੁਲ | Pul | Bridge |
Tips for Practicing Aunkar Words
- Practice Writing: Write the words repeatedly to master the placement of Aunkar under consonants.
- Focus on Pronunciation: Ensure the short “u” sound is clear but not overemphasized.
- Combine with Consonants: Attach Aunkar to all Gurmukhi consonants (ਕ, ਖ, ਗ, etc.) to enhance understanding.
- Use Flashcards: Create flashcards to remember words and their meanings.
- Form Sentences: Use Aunkar words in sentences to improve contextual understanding.
Example Sentences with Aunkar
- ਗੁਰੂ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ ਮੰਨੋ। (Guru da hukam mano.) – Follow the teacher’s command.
- ਸੁਖ ਦਾ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰੋ। (Sukh da mahsus karo.) – Feel the happiness.
- ਕੁਝ ਪੁੱਛਣਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੇ ਹੋ? (Kujh puchhna chahunde ho?) – Do you want to ask something?
Final Thoughts
Practicing Aunkar is essential for gaining fluency in the Punjabi language. Regularly practicing these words and sentences will help you master the short “u” sound in various contexts. Dedicate time to practicing these examples as part of your Punjabi learning journey.