Cha & Ta Varg
The second and third consonant families introduce new tongue positions. As you move through the alphabet, notice how each group has a unique pronunciation pattern.
Cha Varg (ਚ ਵਰਗ)
Chacha
Pronunciation
cha
Example
ਚੰਗਾ
Meaning
Good
Chhachha
Pronunciation
chha
Example
ਛਤ
Meaning
Roof
Jaja
Pronunciation
ja
Example
ਜਪ
Meaning
Meditate
Jhajha
Pronunciation
jha
Example
ਝੰਡਾ
Meaning
Flag
Nyanya
Pronunciation
nya
Example
Rare
Meaning
Usually appears in combinations.
Ta Varg (ਟ ਵਰਗ)
Tainka
Pronunciation
ṭa
Example
ਟੋਕਰੀ
Meaning
Basket
Thainkha
Pronunciation
ṭha
Example
ਠੰਡ
Meaning
Cold
Dadda
Pronunciation
ḍa
Example
ਡਾਕ
Meaning
Dhadda
Pronunciation
ḍha
Example
ਢੋਲ
Meaning
Drum
Nanna
Pronunciation
ṇa
Example
Often appears inside words
Meaning
Retroflex 'N' sound.
Pronunciation Tip
Notice your tongue position
The letters in Cha Varg are produced closer to the middle of the mouth, while the Ta Varg requires curling the tongue slightly backward. Practising these sounds slowly will make reading Gurbani much easier.
Reflection
Pause & Reflect
Can you identify which letters belong to Cha Varg and which belong to Ta Varg without looking at the headings?