Devanagari Keyboard Online
Type in Devanagari Online using the virtual keyboard below and then copy it to your clipboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages use the Devanagari script?
Devanagari is used to write several languages of the Indian subcontinent, most notably Hindi, Marathi, Nepali, and Sanskrit.
How does the Devanagari writing system work?
Devanagari is an 'abugida', where each consonant character has an inherent 'a' vowel. Other vowels are represented by adding diacritical marks, called 'matras', to the consonant.
What is the horizontal line at the top?
This line is called a 'shirorekha'. It's a distinctive feature of Devanagari that connects the tops of the letters in a word, making them look like they are hanging from a clothesline.
How do I type a consonant with no 'a' sound?
To suppress the inherent 'a' vowel and create a consonant cluster, you use a diacritic called a 'virama' or 'halant' (्). For example, 'क्' is the 'k' sound without a vowel.
Can I use phonetic typing for Devanagari?
Yes! Our 'Phonetic Typing' mode is perfect for Devanagari. You can type using English letters, and they will be automatically transliterated. For example, typing 'namaste' will produce 'नमस्ते'.
What are the half-forms of letters?
When two consonants are joined, the first one often takes a 'half-form' to show it's part of a cluster. Our phonetic mode handles these complex conjunct rules for you automatically.
What's the difference between 'क' (ka) and 'ख' (kha)?
This is the difference between an unaspirated and an aspirated consonant. 'क' is a simple 'k' sound, while 'ख' is an aspirated 'kh' sound, made with a puff of air.
Are there separate keys for vowels?
Yes, Devanagari has independent vowel characters (like 'अ', 'इ') for when a vowel starts a word. For vowels that follow a consonant, you use the vowel signs or 'matras' (like 'ा', 'ि').
How do I type my name in Hindi?
The easiest way is to use the phonetic mode and sound out your name. For example, 'David' could be typed as 'd-e-v-i-d' which would produce 'देविड'.
Is this the same as the Sanskrit alphabet?
Yes, modern Sanskrit is almost exclusively written in the Devanagari script. This keyboard is suitable for writing both Hindi and Sanskrit.
What is the 'anusvara' (ं) or 'bindi'?
The 'anusvara' is the dot above a letter. It represents a nasal sound, typically nasalizing the preceding vowel, similar to the 'n' in the French word 'bon'.
Can I use this for learning Hindi?
It's an excellent tool for practice! You can type words and sentences to get familiar with the script and see how phonetic sounds translate into Devanagari characters.
What is the 'chandrabindu' (ँ)?
The 'chandrabindu' is a diacritic that also indicates nasalization of a vowel, but it's generally considered to produce a 'purer' or more pronounced nasal sound than the anusvara.
Does the script have capital letters?
No, like many South Asian scripts, Devanagari does not have a concept of uppercase and lowercase letters.
How do I type the numbers?
Devanagari has its own set of numerals (०, १, २, ३...). You can find them on the keyboard or type them using your physical keyboard in phonetic mode.