CONNECTORS - THAT DO NOT CHANGE SHAPE

The letters ‘toey’ and ‘zoey’ are connectors. However, they do not change shape and retain their original forms when joining with other letters in a word. They simply “merge” into the shape of the subsequent letter.

15.2.1: In the Initial position

As mentioned above, these letters despite being connectors, retain their original shape. Here’s the word “taa” (ता) for example:

Above: Notice how the ‘toey’ does not change shape but connects with the ‘alif’ by “merging” with its shape

Here’s an animated view of the words “taa” (ता) and “zaa” (ज़ा):

Above: Animation showing how the words “taa” and “zaa” are written

And now let’s look at some more words where 'toey' group letters appear in the initial position. Let’s start with “tarz” (तर्ज़):

Above: ‘toey’ + ‘re’ + ‘ze’ = “tarz”

In the example above, we can again see that ‘toey’ retains its shape and simply “merges” with the ‘re’ while connecting. Here’s another example - “taur” (तौर):

Above: ‘toey’ + ‘vaao’ + ‘re’ = “taur”

15.2.2: In the Medial position

In the medial position, again, 'toey' group letters simply merge with the letters on either side. This can be seen in the word “satr” (सत्र), meaning “line on a page”:

Above: How the word “satr” is written. The ‘toey’ here “merges” with both the ‘seen’ and the ‘re’

And, here’s a break-down:

Above: ‘seen’ + ‘toey’ + ‘re’ = “satr”

Here’s a commonly used word - “nazar” (नज़र):

Above: ‘nuun’ + ‘zoey’ + ‘re’ = “nazar”

15.2.3: In the Final position

In the final position, as is with the rest of the Urdu alphabet, ‘toey’ and ‘zoey’ do not change shape. Here’s a simple word “KHat” (ख़त) as an example:

Above: How the word “Khat” is written

Here’s another one - “shart” (शर्त):

Above: ‘sheen’ + ‘re’ + ‘toey’ = “shart”

15.2.4: Some more words

Great! Here’s a few more words for you to learn. Have fun!

And now let’s shed some light on both ‘toey’ and ‘zoey’ and learn a bit more about these letters.