Pronunciation Guide for Romanized Manipuri
One of the biggest advantages of learning Romanized Manipuri (Meiteilon) is that you can start speaking without learning the Meitei Mayek script. However, to sound natural, it’s important to understand how each letter and letter combination is pronounced.
This pronunciation guide will help beginners read and speak Romanized Manipuri with confidence.
Basic Vowel Sounds
| Letter | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | like a in father | Chak |
| E | like e in bed | Eigi |
| I | like ee in see | Ishing |
| O | like o in go | Oi |
| U | like oo in food | Uhou |
Common Consonants
| Letter | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| K | hard “k” | Khurumjari |
| G | hard “g” | Ngasi |
| T | soft “t” | Thagatchari |
| D | like “d” | Adom |
| P | like “p” | Pammi |
| B | like “b” | Biyu |
| M | like “m” | Masi |
| N | like “n” | Nang |
| L | like “l” | Lak-u |
| R | lightly rolled | Kari |
| S | like “s” | Sige |
| H | soft breath sound | Houjik |
Special Letter Combinations
Kh
Pronounced with a strong breath after the k sound.
Examples:
- Khurumjari
- Khang-i
- Khudakta
Th
Pronounced as an aspirated t, not like the English “th” in think.
Examples:
- Thagatchari
- Thabak
- Thing-u
Ph
Pronounced like p-h, not the English f.
Examples:
- Pham-u
- Nongphai
Ch
Pronounced like ch in chair.
Examples:
- Chak
- Chatli
- Chat-u
Ng
Pronounced like ng in sing. It can appear at the beginning of words.
Examples:
- Ngasi
- Ngaak-u
- Ngangba
Word Stress
Unlike English, Romanized Manipuri has relatively even stress across syllables. Pronounce each syllable clearly instead of emphasizing one heavily.
Example:
Tha-ga-tcha-ri
Not:
THA-ga-cha-ri
Long and Short Sounds
Most vowels are pronounced clearly and should not be shortened too much.
Examples:
- Ei
- Oi
- Chak
- Lak
- Chat
Speak each word smoothly without rushing.
Common Pronunciation Examples
| Romanized Manipuri | English Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Khurumjari | Hello | Khu-rum-ja-ri |
| Thagatchari | Thank you | Tha-ga-cha-ri |
| Eigi | My | Ei-gi |
| Nang | You | Nang |
| Masi | This | Ma-si |
| Houjik | Now | Hou-jik |
| Ngasi | Today | Nga-si |
| Chatli | I am going | Chat-li |
| Lakli | I am coming | Lak-li |
| Ishing | Water | I-shing |
Beginner Pronunciation Tips
- Pronounce every vowel clearly.
- Do not skip syllables while speaking.
- The letters Kh, Th, and Ph are pronounced with a small burst of air.
- Ng can appear at the beginning of words—this is normal in Manipuri.
- Speak slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed.
- Listen to native speakers and repeat the phrases aloud.
- Practice a few words every day to improve your pronunciation naturally.
Practice Exercise
Read these words aloud three times each:
- Khurumjari
- Thagatchari
- Ngasi
- Houjik
- Chak
- Ishing
- Lak-u
- Chat-u
- Masi
- Eigi
Repeat them slowly at first, then try speaking them at a natural conversational pace.
Good pronunciation is the key to speaking Romanized Manipuri confidently. You don’t need a perfect accent from the beginning—focus on clear vowel sounds, correct pronunciation of Kh, Th, Ph, and Ng, and regular practice. With daily repetition, your pronunciation will become more natural, making it easier to communicate with native Manipuri speakers.
