Nepali typing has evolved significantly with the introduction of Unicode standards, but many still use the traditional Preeti font. This guide explains the differences between these systems and provides practical tips for efficient Nepali typing in both formats.
Unicode vs Preeti: Key Differences
| Feature | Unicode | Preeti |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | International standard | Nepal-specific |
| Compatibility | Works everywhere | Requires font installation |
| Typing Method | Phonetic (Roman to Nepali) | Direct key mapping |
| Future-proof | Yes | No |
| Example | नेपाल | cf]nf |
Recommendation:
For long-term compatibility and ease of use, we recommend switching to Unicode Nepali typing. Most modern devices and platforms support it natively.
Tips and Tricks for Nepali Unicode Typing
1. Combining English with Nepali Text
Simply put any English text inside curly {} brackets to keep it in English:
Input: yo {mobile} mero ho
Output: यो mobile मेरो हो
2. Phonetically Similar Letters
Some Nepali letters have case-sensitive mappings:
- ta = त, Ta = ट
- tha = थ, Tha = ठ
- da = द, Da = ड
- dha = ध, Dha = ढ
- na = न, Na = ण
- sha = श, Sha = ष
For other Nepali letters, the upper or lower case doesn't matter.
3. Handling Letter Combinations
If a Nepali letter gets wrongly combined with the preceding letter, use the slash (/) key to separate:
Input: pratishatko
Output: प्रतिशत्को
Input: pratishat/ko
Output: प्रतिशतको
4. Adding Halanta (्)
Use backslash (\) at the end of a word to add halanta:
Input: bas
Output: बस
Input: bas\
Output: बस्
5. Special Characters and Combinations
- ri^ = रि (as in प्र)
- rr = र् (as in गर्य)
- rri = ऋ
- rree = ॠ
- yna = ञ
- chha = छ
- ksha = क्ष
- gya = ज्ञ
- * = अनुस्वर (ं)
- ** = चन्द्रबिन्दु (ँ)
- om = ॐ
Preeti Typing Cheat Sheet
For those still using Preeti font, here are some common character mappings:
a = अ, b = ब, c = च, d = द, e = ए, f = फ, g = ग, h = ह, i = इ, j = ज
k = क, l = ल, m = म, n = न, o = ओ, p = प, q = अ, r = र, s = स, t = त
u = उ, v = भ, w = व, x = छ, y = य, z = झ
Converting Between Unicode and Preeti
If you need to convert text between these formats:
- Use online conversion tools (many are available)
- Install font conversion software
- For documents, use "Find and Replace" with character mapping
Pro Tip:
When typing in Unicode, use a proper Nepali keyboard layout or input method editor (IME) for best results. Many are available as browser extensions or system utilities.
Conclusion
Whether you choose Unicode or Preeti depends on your needs, but Unicode is clearly the future of Nepali digital content. By mastering these typing techniques, you'll be able to communicate effectively in Nepali across all digital platforms. Practice regularly and refer to this guide whenever you encounter typing challenges.
