ੳ ਅ ੲ
The Three Base Letters
Every Gurmukhi learner begins with these three letters. They are special because they become the base for vowel sounds when Matras are introduced later.
Meet the Foundation
ੳ
Ura (ਉੜਾ)
Pronunciation
oo
Example
ਉਨ
Meaning
Wool
ਅ
Aira (ਐੜਾ)
Pronunciation
a
Example
ਅਨੰਦ
Meaning
Bliss
ੲ
Iri (ਇੜੀ)
Pronunciation
ee
Example
ਇਕ
Meaning
One
Why are these letters different?
Unlike most Gurmukhi letters, these three are not regular consonants. Instead, they act as the foundation upon which vowel sounds (Matras) are built.
In the next module, you'll learn how Matras combine with these letters to create different sounds.
Reflection
Pause & Reflect
Can you identify these three letters without looking at their names?