What Are Hindi Vowels and Consonants? Simple Explanation for Children

Studying a new language may be very entertaining and the better part of it is when you begin at the very first stage! When your child is beginning to learn Hindi, the first and most important thing is to learn Hindi Swar (vowels) and Hindi Vyanjan (consonants). These are the alphabets of Hindi language, just like A, B, C of English.

In this blog we shall describe what Hindi Vowels and Hindi Consonants are in a simple manner that even the young children can understand. We shall also tell you some of the fun things you can do to help your little one learn and the best Hindi books for kids to start reading with.

What Is the Hindi Alphabet?

The Hindi letter is known as the Devanagari script. It consists of two major sections:

Swar (स्वर) - these are Hindi Vowels.

Vyanjan (व्यंजन) - these are the Hindi Consonants.

Combined, these letters assist us in forming words, sentences and tales in Hindi. By learning both Hindi Swar and Vyanjan, children can learn to read and write the words in Hindi by themselves!

What Are Hindi Swar (Hindi Vowels)?

Hindi Swar are special letters that create sounds independently of each other. You need not have any other letter to say them. In English we refer to such vowels as — as we do to A, E, I, O, U. They are called Swar (स्वर) in Hindi.

The total number of Hindi Swar is 13. All of them have their own distinctive sound and a symbol known as a matra (similar to a vowel sign used in words).

All 13 Hindi Swar (Hindi Vowels)

Fun Fact to Kids: When you say a Swar, your mouth stays open and the sound flows out freely - no stopping!

Read More: Why do Children Enjoy Magic Flashlight Picture Books?

What are Hindi Consonants (Hindi Vyanjan)?

Hindi Vyanjan are characters which require a Swar in order to produce a complete sound. These we refer to as Hindi Consonants. Letters such as B, C, D, F are consonants in English. We refer to them as Vyanjan (व्यंजन) in Hindi.

There are 33 main Hindi Vyanjan.. They are all classified according to the place in your mouth where you produce the sound, such as: lips, teeth, tongue or throat!

Hindi Consonants (Vyanjan) with Examples

Fun Fact to Kids: When you say a Vyanjan, your lips, teeth, or tongue prevent the air before the sound comes out - that is what makes consonants special!

Difference Between Hindi Swar and Vyanjan

Don't know what makes them different? Here is a mere comparison!

Swar vs. Vyanjan – Quick Comparison

Fun Ways to Help Kids Learn Hindi Swar and Vyanjan

Education must be enjoyable like a game! The following are simple and fun methods of making your child remember his/her Hindi Swar and Hindi Consonants:

• Sing along: Sing the Swar and Vyanjan as a song or rhyme. Music helps children to remember things much faster!

• Work with flashcards: Display one letter at a time with a colourful picture. As an example, "क for कबूतर" or "आ for आम."

• Trace and write: Have your child trace each letter with his/her finger first, and then attempt to write it with a pencil.

• Play matching games: Prepare cards with Hindi Vowels and match them with pictures.

• Practice: Choose two or three letters a day and practice them together--slow and steady is the best way!

Best Hindi Books for Kids – The Mitali Hindi Literacy Series

The Mitali: Hindi Literacy Series by Lil Legends (by Oswaal Books) is an ideal option!

It is a great 5-book series that is specially designed to be enjoyed by children between the ages of 3 and 5 years. It brings kids who know no Hindi to being able to read and write simple words - step by step, no pressure.

Here is what is inside the series:

Book 1- Swar Gyan is entirely devoted to Hindi Swar, where children learn to identify each vowel with the help of bright pictures and pleasant activities. Your child will hear the sound of every vowel and how it will appear on paper.

Book 2- Vyanjan Gyan that builds on knowledge and introduces all the Hindi Consonants in a playful, structured manner. Kids start to relate letters with sounds and words without any fear and boredom with colourful pictures and activities that are child friendly.

Taken collectively these two books provide children with a rock solid foundation in Hindi Swar and Vyanjan - and make the journey into Hindi reading and writing a most joyful one.

Tips for Parents: How to Practice at Home

You do not have to be a Hindi teacher to assist your child in learning! The following are some of the basic tips:

• Allocate 10-15 minutes a day to practice Hindi letters.

•Use the Mitali Hindi Literacy Series books - they are created to be used at home as easily as in school.

• Celebrate small wins! Whenever your child acquires some new Hindi Swar or Vyanjan, give them a star or a big hug.

• Take time and make it fun - children learn best when they feel safe and happy.

Conclusion

The initial great action in the Hindi journey of your child is learning Hindi Swar and Vyanjan. And when they have learned their Hindi Vowels and Hindi Consonants, then they can begin to construct their words, to read their stories, and to speak their beautiful language which is a part of their heritage.

Among the best Hindi books to read with children in the present times, is the Mitali Hindi Literacy Series, with its Swar Gyan and Vyanjan Gyan books. It simplifies early learning in Hindi, makes it joyful and age-appropriate to kids between the ages of 3 and 5.

👉 Begin the Hindi literacy journey of your child today with the Mitali Hindi Literacy Series! Grab Book 1: Swar Gyan and Book 2: Vyanjan Gyan of Lil Legends Books and watch your little one fall in love with Hindi!