Tamil Typing - combinational characters

Understanding Uyirmeiyezhuthu (உயிர்மெய்யெழுத்து): Combinational Characters in Tamil Typing

In the Tamil script, most characters are not written as standalone letters but are formed by combining consonants (மெய்யெழுத்துகள்) and vowels (உயிரெழுத்துகள்). These combined forms are called “உயிர்மெய்யெழுத்துகள் (Uyirmeiyezhuthugal)”, meaning “combined life and body letters.”

Uyirmeiyezhuthu characters are the heart of Tamil writing, as they help form the full range of syllables used in spoken Tamil. Understanding how to type these combinations correctly is essential for anyone learning Tamil typing — whether on a computer or mobile device.

 1. Consonant + Vowel (மெய் + உயிர்)

The most common type of combination is a consonant followed by a vowel, which forms a single syllable.

Example:

  • Consonant “க” (ka) = type “k”

  • Vowel “ஆ” (ā) = type “aa”

  • Combined “கா” (kā) = “k” + “aa”

So, typing ka, ki, or ku will produce க, கி, and கு respectively.
These combinations automatically merge the consonant and vowel into one Tamil letterform.

2. Consonant + Consonant (மெய் + மெய்)

Sometimes, two consonants combine to form conjunct consonants or compound sounds, especially in Sanskrit loanwords. Tamil uses a special marker called “Pulli” (்), which removes the inherent vowel “அ” from a consonant.

Example:

  • “க்” (k) is written by typing “k” followed by the virama/pulli (halant symbol).

  • When joined with another consonant, e.g., “க்ட” (kṭa), it forms a conjunct sound.

These are rare in pure Tamil words but appear in classical and borrowed words.

 3. Consonant + Vowel + Consonant (மெய் + உயிர் + மெய்)

Some syllables involve a consonant, followed by a vowel, and then another consonant.
In such cases, you type each component in sequence, allowing your typing software to combine them automatically.

Example:
To type க்ட் (kṭa):

  • Type k → க

  • Type ṭ → ட

  • The result: க்ட (compound syllable).

Most modern Tamil input tools (like Tamil99 or Google Input Tools) handle this composition seamlessly.

4. Consonant + Vowel Sign (மெய் + உயிர் குறி)

Tamil uses vowel markers (diacritics) — small signs added around consonants — to change vowel sounds.
When you type a vowel after a consonant, these markers automatically appear in the right place.

Example:

  • Type “c” → ச (ca)

  • Type “i” → adds vowel sign “ி”

  • Result: சி (ci)

Other examples:

  • சு (cu) = “c” + “u”

  • சே (cē) = “c” + “ee” or “ē”

These vowel signs may appear before, after, above, or below the consonant, depending on the vowel sound.

5. Consonant + Vowel + Anusvara (ஂ)

The Anusvara (ஂ) is a nasal sound often transliterated as “ng” or “m”, depending on context.
It adds a humming or nasal tone to a syllable.

Example:

  • “க” (ka) + Anusvara → கஂ (kaṅ)

  • To type this: k + a + ng

The Anusvara is used in Sanskrit-origin words and occasionally in classical Tamil writing.

6. Consonant + Vowel + Visarga (ஃ)

The Visarga (ஃ) represents a soft “h” or aspirated sound. It’s rare in modern Tamil but important for traditional, Sanskrit-based words.

Example:

  • “த” (tha) + Visarga → தஃ (thaḥ)

  • To type: t + a + h

This character is primarily used in religious or literary contexts.

 Typing Tips for Uyirmeiyezhuthu

  • Use a Tamil Keyboard Layout: Tools like Tamil99, InScript, or Phonetic Transliteration (Azhagi+, Google Input Tools) automatically combine characters.

  • Understand the Base Rules: Every consonant inherently includes the short vowel “அ.” Adding a different vowel replaces it with the correct diacritic.

  • Check Font Compatibility: Ensure Tamil fonts like Latha, Nirmala UI, or Bamini are installed for accurate rendering.

  • Use On-Screen Keyboards: Many operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) offer visual Tamil keyboards for easier learning.

 Conclusion

 

Mastering Uyirmeiyezhuthu (உயிர்மெய்யெழுத்து) is a key milestone in learning Tamil typing. By understanding how consonants, vowels, and modifiers interact, you can type complex Tamil words with ease and accuracy. With a little practice, combining these characters will become second nature — allowing you to express yourself naturally in Tamil, whether online, in documents, or in creative writing.