Learn Malayalam Typing

Learn how to type Malayalam using English letters with this beginner-friendly guide. Explore the Malayalam language, Malayalam script, vowels, consonants, pronunciation, and phonetic typing.

Start Typing in Malayalam →

About Malayalam Language

Malayalam (മലയാളം) is the official language of Kerala and is also spoken in Lakshadweep and the Mahé region of Puducherry. More than 38 million people speak Malayalam worldwide.

Malayalam belongs to the Dravidian language family and has a literary tradition spanning more than a thousand years. It is recognized as one of the Classical Languages of India.

Malayalam is written using the Malayalam script, which is known for its rounded letterforms and unique sounds such as 'ഴ', making it one of the most distinctive writing systems in India.

Malayalam Script

The Malayalam script is an abugida writing system where every consonant carries an inherent vowel unless modified by a vowel sign or the virama (്).

The script contains independent vowels, consonants, vowel signs (matras), numerals, and conjunct letters. Its rounded appearance developed from centuries of writing on palm leaves.

Written from left to right
Uses the Malayalam script
Contains vowels and consonants
Uses vowel signs (matras)

Learn Malayalam Letters

These are the core Malayalam letters. Click any letter to insert it directly into the typing editor above.

Vowels (സ്വരങ്ങൾ)

Consonants (വ്യഞ്ജനങ്ങൾ)

Additional Letters

Malayalam Numerals

Ready to start typing in Malayalam?

Skip complicated keyboard layouts. Type naturally in English and TypeBharat instantly converts your words into the Malayalam script.

Open Malayalam Typing Tool →

Malayalam - Frequently Asked Questions

What script is used to write Malayalam?+−

Malayalam is written using the Malayalam script, a Brahmic writing system primarily used in the Indian state of Kerala.

How many vowels are there in Malayalam?+−

Malayalam has 16 independent vowels. These vowels combine with consonants through vowel signs (matras) to form complete syllables.

How many consonants are there in Malayalam?+−

Malayalam has 36 primary consonants along with additional conjunct letters and traditional characters used in literary and Sanskrit-derived words.

Why does Malayalam have rounded letters?+−

Malayalam's rounded letterforms developed from centuries of writing on palm leaves, where curved strokes helped avoid tearing the writing surface.

What is the letter 'ഴ' in Malayalam?+−

The letter 'ഴ' (ഴ) represents a unique retroflex approximant sound that is one of the most distinctive features of Malayalam pronunciation and has no exact equivalent in English.

Is Malayalam written from left to right?+−

Yes. Malayalam is written from left to right. Each consonant has an inherent vowel unless modified by a vowel sign or the virama (്).

Where is Malayalam spoken?+−

Malayalam is primarily spoken in Kerala, Lakshadweep, and the Mahé region of Puducherry. It is also spoken by large Malayali communities around the world.

Why is Malayalam a Classical Language of India?+−

Malayalam has a rich literary tradition spanning many centuries, with extensive poetry, prose, and scholarly works. Its historical significance and literary heritage led to its recognition as a Classical Language of India.