As a Khasic language, Pnar belongs to a complex dialect continuum which includes mixed varieties whose exact relations remain a matter of debate among linguists.

A language map of Meghalaya designed by Anna Daladier shows two major Pnar-speaking areas separated by a thin strip of Khasi and War-speaking areas.

[3] A more recent map designed by Hiram Ring for a Khasic languages handbook by Paul Sidwell relies on a different classification.

There, only the former two districts are labeled as Pnar, whereas the varieties spoken in the West Jainitia Hills belong to Maharam, a related but distinct language.

Syllables in Pnar can consist of a single nucleic vowel.