Tamil · Writing system

Writing system course · 105 lessons · 1,230 entries

351 chart forms in 31 progressive lessons: vowels, consonants, vowel signs, combinations and numerals. Original source readings and provenance retained. Then put letters together in common-word reading practice.

Tamil is a South Asian script used for the Tamil language. Begin with vowels and consonants, then compare the changing forms of complete syllables.

Tamil distinguishes independent vowels, consonants shown with the pulli mark, and combined consonant–vowel forms. Compare க் (k) with க (ka) and கா (kā). A separate section contains the Grantha-derived and additional forms used in Tamil.

Later lessons cover the or explicitly constructed combinations and numeral symbols. The chart may include rare, historical or learned forms. Source readings are kept as study labels, not a guarantee of identical pronunciation in every language or context.

The common-word files contain translation and transcription problems. They are kept out of graded vocabulary practice until reviewed; this course currently focuses on the script charts.

Continue from the letter charts to 879 whole-word forms in 74 short reading lessons, beginning with shorter forms. Practice complete spellings, letter unscrambling and missing-letter exercises. English glosses are reference notes and have not been independently reviewed.

How to practice

Study a small group, trace complete forms, then check recognition and typing. Use the matching script palette if your keyboard is unavailable. Starting the course activates only its first lesson; later groups remain inside the course until you start them. After the charts, try reading the words before revealing their readings.

Open interactive course →

Read these examples freely without an account. In the app you can preview lessons, study a private copy and progress through the course one lesson at a time.

Examples from the lessons

Compare the original written form with the reading or equivalent. Try covering the answer column before checking it.

Written formReadingMeaning or equivalent
அaa
ஆāā
இii
ஈīī
ஏēē
ஐaiai
ஒoo
ஓōō

Course outline

Use the outline to choose what to preview. Starting the interactive course begins with the first lesson; later lessons become available as you continue.

  1. Independent vowels and signs · 1
  2. Independent vowels and signs · 2
  3. Consonants and additional forms · 1
  4. Consonants and additional forms · 2
  5. Consonants and additional forms · 3
  6. Consonants and additional forms · 4
  7. Consonants and additional forms · 5
  8. Dependent vowel signs and virama · 1
  9. Dependent vowel signs and virama · 2
  10. Consonant–vowel combinations · 1
  11. Consonant–vowel combinations · 2
  12. Consonant–vowel combinations · 3
  13. Consonant–vowel combinations · 4
  14. Consonant–vowel combinations · 5
  15. Consonant–vowel combinations · 6
  16. Consonant–vowel combinations · 7
  17. Consonant–vowel combinations · 8
  18. Consonant–vowel combinations · 9
  19. Consonant–vowel combinations · 10
  20. Consonant–vowel combinations · 11
  21. Consonant–vowel combinations · 12
  22. Consonant–vowel combinations · 13
  23. Consonant–vowel combinations · 14
  24. Consonant–vowel combinations · 15
  25. Consonant–vowel combinations · 16
  26. Consonant–vowel combinations · 17
  27. Consonant–vowel combinations · 18
  28. Consonant–vowel combinations · 19
  29. Numerals and symbols · 1
  30. Numerals and symbols · 2
  31. Numerals and symbols · 3
  32. Read common words · 1
  33. Read common words · 2
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Font: Noto Sans Tamil · SIL Open Font License.