Hindi Typing - Advanced Typing Techniques

Special Characters and Punctuation

Typing special characters and punctuation marks accurately is important in various languages, including Hindi. Here are some of the most common special characters and punctuation marks used in Hindi, along with their corresponding key combinations on a standard QWERTY keyboard layout:

1. ँ (Candrabindu):

Key Combination: Shift + ~

2. । (Danda or Vertical Bar):

Key Combination: Shift + \

3. ॥ (Double Danda):

Key Combination: Shift + |

4. १ (Devanagari Digit 1):

Key Combination: 1

5. २ (Devanagari Digit 2):

Key Combination: 2

6. ३ (Devanagari Digit 3):

Key Combination: 3

7. ४ (Devanagari Digit 4):

Key Combination: 4

8. ५ (Devanagari Digit 5):

Key Combination: 5

9. ६ (Devanagari Digit 6):

Key Combination: 6

10. ७ (Devanagari Digit 7):

- Key Combination: 7

11. ८ (Devanagari Digit 8):

- Key Combination: 8

12. ९ (Devanagari Digit 9):

- Key Combination: 9

13. ० (Devanagari Digit 0):

- Key Combination: 0

14. ् (Virama):

- Key Combination: Shift + /

15. ः (Visarga):

- Key Combination: Shift + :

16. ॉ (Candrabindu followed by Short 'o'):

- Key Combination: Shift + ~, o

17. ॆ (Short 'e' Vowel Sign):

- Key Combination: Shift + ;, e

18. ै (Diphthong 'ai' Sign):

- Key Combination: Shift + ;, a

19. ू (Vowel 'u' Sign):

- Key Combination: Shift + ]

20. ॅ (Candrabindu followed by Short 'a'):

- Key Combination: Shift + ~, a

21. ृ (Vowel 'ri' Sign):

- Key Combination: Shift + [

Please note that the specific key combinations may vary depending on the keyboard layout and the software you are using. Some typing software or transliteration tools may provide specific shortcuts for typing these characters more easily.

When typing special characters and punctuation marks in Hindi, ensure you use the correct font and keyboard layout. For example, the Inscript keyboard layout for Hindi can be a helpful tool for typing in the Devanagari script while accurately representing these special characters and punctuation marks. 

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a convenient way to perform various tasks on your computer quickly, including typing special characters and punctuation marks in Hindi or any other language. Here are some essential keyboard shortcuts for Windows and macOS that can be helpful when typing in Hindi:

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts:

Alt Codes for Special Characters:

To type special characters using Alt codes, press and hold the "Alt" key and then enter a numeric code on the numeric keypad (make sure "Num Lock" is on). For example, to type "ँ" (Candrabindu), you can use Alt code "0256."

Switch Input Language:

To quickly switch between input languages, use "Alt + Shift" or "Windows key + Spacebar."

Virtual Keyboard:

You can access the virtual keyboard by pressing "Windows key + Ctrl + O" (only available in Windows 10 and later versions). This allows you to select and type special characters with the mouse.

macOS Keyboard Shortcuts:

Keyboard Viewer:

To access the Keyboard Viewer for viewing and typing special characters, press "Control + Command + Space" and then select "Show Keyboard Viewer."

Character Viewer:

To open the Character Viewer for accessing special characters, press "Control + Command + Space" and then select "Show Emoji & Symbols."

Change Input Source:

To switch between input sources or keyboard layouts, press "Control + Space" or "Command + Space."

Switch to Hindi Keyboard Layout:

If you have the Hindi keyboard layout installed, use "Control + Space" or "Command + Space" to switch to it.

These keyboard shortcuts can be especially useful when you need to type special characters, diacritics, and punctuation marks in Hindi. However, for more efficient typing in Hindi, consider using the Inscript keyboard layout, which is designed for typing in the Devanagari script and provides straightforward access to all Hindi characters and diacritics.

Keep in mind that the availability and functionality of keyboard shortcuts may vary depending on your operating system version and any third-party keyboard input methods you may have installed. It's a good idea to explore the specific shortcuts provided by your input method for typing in Hindi or other languages.

Typing Numbers and Symbols 

Typing numbers and symbols is an essential part of typing in Hindi or any language. You can access numbers and common symbols using a standard QWERTY keyboard layout on your computer. Here's how to type numbers and some common symbols in Hindi:

Typing Numbers (0-9):

Typing numbers in Hindi is straightforward. Simply press the corresponding number key on your keyboard. For example, to type the Devanagari digit "५" (5), press the "5" key on your keyboard.

Typing Common Symbols:

। (Danda or Vertical Bar):

Key Combination: Shift + \

॥ (Double Danda):

Key Combination: Shift + |

ः (Visarga):

Key Combination: Shift + :

् (Virama):

Key Combination: Shift + /

, (Comma):

Key Combination: ,

. (Period/Full Stop):

Key Combination: .

? (Question Mark):

Key Combination: ?

! (Exclamation Mark):

Key Combination: Shift + 1

- (Hyphen/Minus Sign):

Key Combination: -

: (Colon):

Key Combination: Shift + ;

; (Semicolon):

Key Combination: ;

" (Double Quotation Marks):

Key Combination: Shift + '

' (Single Quotation Marks):

Key Combination: '

( (Left Parenthesis):

Key Combination: Shift + 9

) (Right Parenthesis):

Key Combination: Shift + 0

[ (Left Square Bracket):

Key Combination: Shift + [

] (Right Square Bracket):

Key Combination: Shift + ]

These are the key combinations for typing common symbols in Hindi using a standard QWERTY keyboard layout. You can use these symbols when typing in Hindi to punctuate your text or add clarity to your writing. Remember to ensure that you are using the correct font and keyboard layout to accurately represent these symbols in Hindi text.

Advanced Drills

Advanced typing drills are designed to challenge your typing skills, improve speed, and enhance accuracy. These drills often involve typing longer and more complex text, incorporating special characters, and focusing on specific typing techniques. Here are some advanced typing drills for those looking to take their typing skills to the next level, whether in Hindi or any other language:

1. Paragraph Practice:

Type entire paragraphs from books, articles, or other sources. This exercise helps improve your typing flow, concentration, and accuracy with longer text.

2. Technical Texts:

Practice typing technical content related to your field or industry. This can include coding, scientific articles, legal documents, or other specialized materials. Technical texts often contain unique terminology and punctuation.

3. Transcription Practice:

Transcribe audio recordings or videos. This exercise enhances your listening skills and transcription accuracy. You can find podcasts, lectures, or interviews for transcription practice.

4. Multilingual Typing:

If you're proficient in multiple languages, practice typing in different languages to improve your language-switching and typing skills. This is particularly beneficial for multilingual typists.

5. Numerical Data Entry:

Practice typing numerical data, such as tables, spreadsheets, or financial data. This exercise helps improve your speed and accuracy when dealing with numbers.

6. Coding Drills:

If you're a programmer, practice typing code, algorithms, and scripts. Accurate coding is essential, and this drill can enhance your coding speed.

7. Legal Documents:

Type legal documents, contracts, or court transcripts. These texts often contain precise language and formatting requirements, making them excellent for advanced practice.

8. Diacritics and Accents:

Focus on typing words with diacritics or accents in languages that use them. This helps improve your typing accuracy in languages with complex characters.

9. Randomized Words:

Use online tools that generate random words or sentences for typing practice. These drills challenge you with unpredictable content and can improve your adaptability.

10. Scientific Articles:

- Practice typing scientific or research articles that may include equations, mathematical symbols, and technical terms. This exercise is ideal for scientific and technical typists.

11. Typing Races:

- Compete with friends or colleagues in typing races or contests. These races can be timed, and you can set a specific goal to achieve in a short duration.

12. Punctuation Mastery:

- Focus on accuracy when typing special characters and punctuation. Practice typing long sentences with complex punctuation to improve your precision.

13. Long Words Challenge:

- Practice typing long and complex words accurately. This can improve your ability to type challenging terms without errors.

14. Speed Tests:

- Take regular typing tests to measure your progress. Use online typing tests with time limits to challenge yourself and track your improvements.