Malayalam vowel sign u

It gives the preceding consonant a short u vowel.

The u-matra is a dependent vowel sign: in കു, it combines with the consonant to write Malayalam ku. For a word beginning with the vowel u, use the independent letter ഉ instead.

This mark predates computers. A 1772 introductory textbook written in Latin records several Malayalam u-sign forms, showing an established writing tradition rather than a newly invented digital symbol.

How do I type the Malayalam u sign?

Enter the consonant first, then the u sign.

That is also their order in the stored text, even when they appear joined. A transliteration input tool converts sounds typed in Latin letters into Malayalam; choose the complete syllable it suggests.

Why does ു look joined in some fonts?

Different spelling styles can give the same text different shapes.

Traditional Malayalam writing joins u and long-u signs to consonants in combined shapes called ligatures. Kerala’s 1971 spelling reform promoted separate forms to simplify printing and typewriting. Fonts can reflect either style without changing the short-u reading.