So far we’ve come across two, slightly different, initial-position short-forms of the ‘jiim’ group letters. But what about when they are in other positions in a word?

6.2.1: ‘be’ and ‘nuun’ initial-position short-form with ‘jiim’

When connecting with letters from the ‘jiim’ group, ‘nuun’ and letters from the ‘be’ group take upon a different short-form. We saw this earlier briefly. For example, look at the words “baj” (बज), meaning “tinkle/chime/sound” and “nach” (नच), meaning “dance”:

Above: The words “baj” and “nach”

Did you notice that initial-position short-form taken by the letters ‘be’ and ‘nuun’ up there? Here’s a comparative:

Above: Comparative showing the initial-position short-form of the letter ‘be’ when connecting with ‘jiim’

Here’s a break-down of the word “baj”:

Above: ‘be’ + ‘jiim’ = “baj”

Or, in the short-form notation:

Above: Short-form of ‘be’ + ‘jiim’ = “baj”

6.2.2: ‘jiim’: Medial-position short-form

Let’s take the word “baj” we saw above and create the word “bajaa” (बजा), meaning “just/appropriate”:

Above: ‘be’ + ‘jiim’ + ‘alif’ = “bajaa”

Let’s add a ‘nuun’ to the mix and create the word “bajnaa” (बजना), meaning “to ring/sound”:

Above: ‘be’ + ‘jiim’ + ‘nuun’ + ‘alif’ = “bajnaa”

Similarly, here’s the word “jachnaa” (जचना), meaning “to look attractive”:

Above: ‘jiim’ + ‘che’ + ‘nuun’ + ‘alif’ = “jachnaa”

6.2.3: Some more words

And now, there’s quite a few words we can make with all the letters we’ve learn so far. Go ahead and practice.