The Tamil alphabet has 247 letters. They are built from 12 vowels, 18 consonants, 216 combined letters and one special letter. Once you understand how the groups fit together, you do not memorise 247 separate shapes. You learn 31 basic letters, which are the 12 vowels, the 18 consonants and the special letter, plus the pattern that joins them.
What are the 12 vowels?
The vowels are called uyir letters. They are: அ ஆ இ ஈ உ ஊ எ ஏ ஐ ஒ ஓ ஔ. Five are short sounds and seven are long sounds, and each can be spoken on its own.
What are the 18 consonants?
The consonants are called mei letters. They are: க் ங் ச் ஞ் ட் ண் த் ந் ப் ம் ய் ர் ல் வ் ழ் ள் ற் ன். They carry a dot on top, which shows the consonant sound without a vowel.
How do you get 216 combined letters?
A consonant joins with a vowel to make a combined letter, called uyirmei. Each of the 18 consonants combines with each of the 12 vowels, and 18 times 12 gives 216. For example, க் with அ becomes க, and க் with ஆ becomes கா.
What is the one special letter?
The special letter is ஃ, called aytham. Together, 12 vowels, 18 consonants, 216 combined letters and 1 special letter make 247.
What is an easy order to learn them?
- Learn the 12 vowels and their sounds first
- Learn the 18 consonants next
- Practise joining one consonant with all 12 vowels, then move to the next consonant
- Read short words once a few rows are comfortable
- Review a few letters every day instead of many at once
How can flashcards help?
Seeing a letter, saying its sound and matching it to a picture builds recognition quickly, especially for children. AJ Academy has a Tamil Language Flashcard covering all 247 letters. If you would like one, use the flashcard enquiry on our website.
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