What is the meaning of anusvar in Hindi?

In Hindi, "anusvar" (अनुस्वार) refers to a nasal consonant sound. It is represented by the dot (ं) that appears above a vowel in Devanagari script.

Here's a breakdown:

* Pronunciation: Anusvar represents a nasal sound that is pronounced by lowering the soft palate and allowing air to flow out through the nose. The actual sound varies depending on the preceding vowel.

* Function: It modifies the preceding vowel, adding a nasal quality to it.

* Examples:

* कंठ (kanth) - The "n" sound is nasalized due to the anusvar.

* संत (sant) - The "a" sound is nasalized.

Note: Anusvar is not a separate consonant but rather a modification of the vowel sound. It is essential for understanding the pronunciation and meaning of many Hindi words.