NATO Phonetic Alphabet Converter

Translate Words to Alpha Bravo Charlie

Our free NATO phonetic alphabet converter instantly translates words into phonetics. Learn the codes and pronunciations for quick communication. Input your text below and click the submit button for a seamless telephone or radio conversion.

CHARACTER TELEPHONY PHONIC (PRONUNCIATION)
A Alfa AL-FHA
B Brava BRAH-VOH
C Charlie CHAR-LEE
D Delta DELL-TAH
E Echo ECK-OH
F Foxtrot FOKS-TROT
G Golf GOLF
H Hotel HOH-TEL
I India IN-DEE-AH
J Juliett JEW-LEE-ETT
K Kilo KEY-LOH
L Lima LEE-MAH
M Mike MIKE
N November NO-VEM-BER
O Oscar OSS-CAH
P Papa PAH-PAH
Q Quebec KEH-BECK
R Romeo ROW-ME-OH
S Sierra SEE-AIR-RAH
T Tango TANG-GO
U Uniform YOU-NEE-FORM
V Victor VIK-TAH
W Whiskey WISS-KEY
X Xray ECKS-RAY
Y Yankee YANG-KEY
Z Zulu ZOO-LOO

Introduction to the NATO Phonetic Alphabet

The NATO phonetic alphabet is a spelling alphabet used to spell out words and communicate clearly between military forces, aviation, and other organizations. It assigns code words to letters of the English alphabet so spelling and pronunciations are not misunderstood, especially when communicating over radio or telephone.

Why use this tool?

Do you ever get frustrated spelling out names and words over the phone? Do customer service agents constantly misunderstand you? A simple solution is to use the NATO phonetic alphabet.

The NATO alphabet assigns easy-to-pronounce words to every letter. This prevents confusion between similar sounding letters like M and N. Just say the codeword instead of the letter. For M, say "Mike". For N, say "November".

Now you can smoothly communicate over any phone call without endless repetition. Whether you're booking a hotel or providing your email to a support agent, the phonetic alphabet eliminates mistakes..

Benefits

  • Eliminates confusion from similar sounding letters - "n" and "m" become November and Mike.
  • Clarifies spelling of words over communication channels prone to errors.
  • Allows smooth communication between speakers of different languages.
  • Code words are short yet clear, easy to remember and pronounce.
  • Enables quick transmission of information without asking for constant repetition.
  • Reduces misunderstandings that can have serious consequences in military, aviation or emergency situations.

Learning to pronounce

Although the alphabet codes may seem strange at first, learning their pronunciation is quite easy. Focus on memorizing one code word at a time, and practice saying it out loud. Refer to the pronunciation guide on our table.

With regular practice of the codes, you'll soon be able to spell things out phonetically with ease. This will make you an effective communicator no matter the situation.

FAQ

  • Who uses the NATO phonetic alphabet?

    It was originally used by the military and aviation, but now also emergency responders, law enforcement, businesses, and individuals use it too.

  • Do I have to be precise in pronunciation?

    Not 100%, but try to be as clear as possible. Stress the code word sounds, not the alphabetical letter.

  • Can this alphabet converter be used for any language?

    It works for English words and the English alphabet. For other languages, different spelling alphabets exist.

  • Do you store my text input on your server?

    No, we do not. The conversion happens in your browser.