How to Type in Urdu

English to Urdu (اردو) typing is possible by using our online Urdu typing app. It converts English to Urdu easily by using pc keyboard or mobile phone. This is with the help of Google free translation. After typing in English, press the keyboard Space or Enter button, so that the English word will be converted into Urdu instantly. All this will happen in real time.
For example: After writing a word Urdu in English and then pressing space will convert your word into اردو. After writing each word, pressing space will convert the whole word. The whole sentence will not be converted at once. For Example, On typing “ma asmuk?”: will convert to ما اسمك؟ Fonts will change to Urdu.
In case there is a spelling mistake, then by pressing the Backspace button, you can select the most appropriate word from the list that will appear and enter it. This makes typing easy and quick.

Urdu Typing Tips

Type normally using keyboard and make use spacebar after typing each word which will convert text to Urdu and this process is called transliteration. Here Urdu pronounced words are written in English and focus is entirely on the sounds of the language.
Transliteration process is used for several languages around the world and is different from translation as its dependent upon sound of language.
While writing you may like to have both English and regional language in final transcript. Use “Ctrl G” command, this switch language as written without making change after pressing “Space” button. Press “Ctrl G” command, again to continue with transliteration.
After writing, you can copy, print, Gmail your texts with click of button.
While typing from English to Urdu in desktop mode a drop down list of suggestions will appear when you use Backspace button and from there you can select from one most matching word. While in mobile mode all word suggestion will appear on top horizontal row from where you can select precise word suitable for written text.

About Urdu Language

Origin and Historical Development: Urdu is one of the Indo-Aryan language that emerged during the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) and the Mughal Empire (1526–1857) as a linguistic blend of various languages, including Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and local Prakrit dialects. Its name is derived from the Turkish word ordu, meaning “army,” as it was historically associated with the mingling of soldiers from different linguistic backgrounds. Urdu developed in northern India, particularly in Delhi and its surrounding regions, and became a refined literary language during the Mughal period.

Number of Speakers

Urdu is spoken by approximately 230 million people worldwide, including both native and second-language speakers. It is the national language of Pakistan and one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, where it holds official status in several states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Telangana. Significant Urdu-speaking diaspora communities exist in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.

Scripts and Writing Systems

Urdu is written in the Nastaʿlīq script, a calligraphic style of the Perso-Arabic script. It is read from right to left and includes diacritical marks to indicate short vowels, which are often omitted in informal writing. The script is aesthetically ornate, characterized by its flowing and slanted strokes, making it both functional and artistic.
Urdu has several dialects, which vary based on geographical and cultural contexts. The major dialects include:

Dakhni (Deccan Urdu): Spoken in southern India, incorporating regional languages like Telugu and Kannada, along with more Persian influence.
Rekhta: An older literary form of Urdu, heavily influenced by Persian, often used in poetry.
Malwai: Native to the Malwa region in Indian Punjab.
Khari Boli: The basis for modern Urdu, originating in the Delhi region.
Modern Standard Urdu: The standardized form used in education, media, and official communications in Pakistan and parts of India.

Phonology

Urdu has around 37 consonant phonemes, including retroflex sounds (produced by curling the tongue back), which are characteristic of South Asian languages.
Vowels: It has 10 vowel phonemes and diphthongs.
Aspiration: Many consonants have aspirated and unaspirated counterparts, which are distinguished by a strong burst of air after the sound.
Tonal Influence: Urdu is not tonal, but it has subtle variations in intonation patterns, especially in poetry and emotional expressions.
Sounds of Arabic and Persian Origin: Unique phonemes like /ʃ/ (sh as in shah), /ɣ/ (gh as in ghazal), and /q/ (qaf as in quran) distinguish Urdu from other Indo-Aryan languages.

Cultural and Linguistic Significance

Urdu is celebrated for its poetic tradition, particularly in forms like ghazals, nazms, and qasidas, which have deeply influenced South Asian literature, music, and film. Urdu continues to thrive as a language of communication, literature, and media, embodying a unique blend of history, culture, and linguistic diversity.