Tips
The Roman Urdu alphabet: how sounds are spelled
Roman Urdu, Urdu script and Hindi letters
The same words, three ways. Tap to hear.
Can I learn Urdu without reading the Urdu script?
Yes. You can learn to speak Urdu entirely with Roman Urdu, and many people do. Roman Urdu has no single official spelling (you will see "shukriya", "shukriyaa" and "shukria"), so HeyUrdu uses one clear system with double letters for long sounds, and always plays the real audio.
Should I learn the Urdu script or just use Roman Urdu?
Start with Roman Urdu to get speaking quickly. Add the Urdu script when you want to read signs, messages from family, or books. HeyUrdu shows both side by side, so your eyes get used to the script without any pressure.
Quick quiz
Listen and pick the meaning. Three questions.
Questions people ask
What is Roman Urdu?
Urdu written in English letters. For example "shukriyaa" for thank you.
Is Roman Urdu a real language?
It is the same Urdu language, just written in a different alphabet. The words and grammar are the same.
Should I learn Roman Urdu or the Urdu script?
Start with Roman Urdu so you can speak quickly, then add the Urdu script. HeyUrdu shows both side by side.
How do you read Roman Urdu?
Read it like English, with double vowels for long sounds: "aa" as in father, "ii" as in see, "uu" as in moon.
Is there one correct way to spell Roman Urdu?
No. People spell it in different ways. Pick one clear system and always check with audio.
