We are today discussing one of the most interesting consonant of Devanagari script, used extensively in Sanskrit, Hindi and Marathi languages.
Its phonetic transcription used in transliteration is Ṇa and the pronunciation position is 3rd.
It is so close to the 4th position or dental Na that while speaking and singing, people hardly pay attention to it. Consider, for example, some names: कृष्ण, गणेश, विष्णु (Kṛṣṇa, Gaṇeśa, Viṣṇu)–all these are pronounced with the dental Na while singing and speaking; however, if you can pay attention to this different consonant, you will be sounding more original.
Further, there are many words that are common with Hindi, Punjabi and even Rajasthani language, where Na and Ṇa interchange. Like the word रानी from Hindi and ਰਾਣੀ from Punjabi. Both mean queen but use different nasal sounds.
A few people like to call it ‘Country-side Na’. 🙂
You just have to join ‘U’ with a ‘T’ from English, and you will get this consonant. It happens to be the 15th consonant of Devanagari script.
Without doubt, it is one of the favorite consonants in Devanagari, and I love respecting it whenever I can making sure I give it proper sound and attention in which word it is used.
If you have any questions, feedback or doubts regarding its pronunciation or structure, please feel free to write to us through the comment section.
