Marathi Vowels (मराठी स्वर / Marathi Swar) are the independent sounds of the Marathi language that can be pronounced fully on their own — the foundation of correct Marathi pronunciation. Marathi has 14 vowels, and each one also has a matra (vowel sign) used to form syllables. This complete guide gives you the full list of Marathi vowels with English transliteration, the three types of vowels (ह्रस्व, दीर्घ, संयुक्त), example words, matras, a free PDF, and FAQs.

What is Swar (स्वर) in Marathi?

A Swar (स्वर) is a vowel — a sound produced freely from the mouth without the tongue or lips blocking the airflow. Unlike consonants (व्यंजन), a vowel can be spoken completely on its own. Vowels give life and pronunciation to every consonant; without them, consonants cannot be voiced.

List of All 14 Marathi Vowels (स्वर) with English

Here is the complete Marathi vowels list with English transliteration, type, and an example word for each:

Types of Marathi Vowels (स्वरांचे प्रकार)

Marathi vowels are classified into three types based on the time taken to pronounce them:

1. ह्रस्व स्वर (Hrasva Swar / Short Vowels)

Vowels pronounced quickly, taking a short time: अ, इ, उ, ऋ.

2. दीर्घ स्वर (Dirgha Swar / Long Vowels)

Vowels pronounced with a longer sound: आ, ई, ऊ, ए, ऐ, ओ, औ.

3. संयुक्त स्वर (Sanyukta Swar / Compound Vowels)

Vowels formed by joining two vowels together: ए (अ+इ), ऐ (अ+ए), ओ (अ+उ), औ (अ+ओ).

Marathi Vowels and Their Matras (मात्रा)

Every vowel (except अ) has a matra — a small sign added to a consonant to change its sound. This is the basis of the Barakhadi. For example, क + ा (आ’s matra) = का.

How Many Vowels Are There in Marathi?

Marathi has 14 vowels in the modern alphabet: the 12 traditional vowels (अ, आ, इ, ई, उ, ऊ, ए, ऐ, ओ, औ, अं, अः) plus the two borrowed vowels ॲ and ऑ used for English words like ॲपल (apple) and ऑफिस (office). Most school textbooks teach the 12 core vowels.

Marathi Vowels PDF Download (Free)

Download the complete Marathi Vowels (स्वर) PDF chart with matras and examples — free and printable.

⬇️ Download Marathi Vowels PDF (Free)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vowels are there in Marathi?

Marathi has 14 vowels — the 12 traditional swar plus the borrowed ॲ and ऑ.

What are the types of vowels in Marathi?

Three types: ह्रस्व (short), दीर्घ (long), and संयुक्त (compound) vowels.

What is Swar in Marathi?

Swar means vowel — a sound pronounced on its own, like अ, आ, इ, ई.

What is the difference between Swar and Vyanjan?

Swar (vowels) are independent; Vyanjan (consonants) need a vowel to be pronounced.

Related topics: Marathi Barakhadi (बाराखडी) · Marathi Mulakshare (मुळाक्षरे) · Marathi Numbers (अंक) · Learn Marathi for Beginners