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Introduction to Gurmukhi Matras with Examples

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Gurmukhi is the script used for writing Punjabi, particularly in Sikh scriptures like the Guru Granth Sahib. A unique feature of Gurmukhi is its system of matras (vowel signs), which modify the base consonants or vowel carriers to create different sounds. Learning matras is essential for reading and writing in Gurmukhi accurately.

What are Matras?

Matras are symbols added to the base letters of Gurmukhi to represent vowels. These symbols are placed above, below, before, or after the base letters, and each matra has a distinct sound.

In Gurmukhi, the three vowel carriers (ੳ, ਅ, ਇ) act as base vowels when written without matras. Matras combine with these or consonants to form complete syllables.

Types of Gurmukhi Matras and Their Usage

1. Mukta ( No Matra)

  • The absence of a matra is called Mukta, representing the implicit “a” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕ (ka)
    • ਗ (ga)

2. Kanna (ਾ)

  • Placed after a letter to create the “aa” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕਾ (kaa)
    • ਗਾ (gaa)

3. Sihari (ਿ)

  • Placed before a letter to create the short “i” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕਿ (ki)
    • ਗਿ (gi)

4. Bihari (ੀ)

  • Placed after a letter to create the long “ee” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕੀ (kee)
    • ਗੀ (gee)

5. Aunkar (ੁ)

  • Placed below a letter to create the short “u” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕੁ (ku)
    • ਗੁ (gu)

6. Dulainkar (ੂ)

  • Placed below a letter to create the long “oo” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕੂ (koo)
    • ਗੂ (goo)

7. Lavan (ੇ)

  • Placed after a letter to create the “e” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕੇ (ke)
    • ਗੇ (ge)

8. Dulavan (ੈ)

  • Placed after a letter to create the “ai” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕੈ (kai)
    • ਗੈ (gai)

9. Hohar (ੋ)

  • Placed after a letter to create the “o” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕੋ (ko)
    • ਗੋ (go)

10. Kanora (ੌ)

  • Placed after a letter to create the “au” sound.
  • Example:
    • ਕੌ (kau)
    • ਗੌ (gau)

Special Matra: Tippi and Bindi

1. Tippi (ੰ)

  • A nasal sound used above certain consonants.
  • Example:
    • ਪੰਥ (panth – path)
    • ਸਿੰਘ (singh – lion)

2. Bindi (ਂ)

  • A dot placed above letters to create a nasalized sound.
  • Example:
    • ਹੂੰ (hoon – am)
    • ਚਾਂਦ (chaand – moon)

Combined Examples

Here are some examples to show how matras are used in words:

  1. ਕਮਲ (kamal – lotus): Mukta (no matra)
  2. ਪਾਠ (paath – reading): Kanna
  3. ਕਿਤਾਬ (kitaab – book): Sihari and Kanna
  4. ਕੀਮਤ (keemat – price): Bihari
  5. ਗੁਰੂ (guru – teacher): Dulainkar
  6. ਚੈਂਪ (champ – champion): Dulavan
  7. ਬੋਲ (bol – speak): Hohar
  8. ਹੌਸਲਾ (hausla – courage): Kanora
  9. ਸੰਤ (sant – saint): Tippi
  10. ਬਿੰਦੀ (bindi – dot): Bindi

Conclusion

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Gurmukhi matras are the foundation of accurate pronunciation and writing in Punjabi. By mastering these matras, you can read, write, and speak Punjabi fluently. Practice by writing words using different matras to strengthen your understanding and confidence in the script.